My first post about a hip hop artist/collective. Put your hands together, it’s about time! While the first single, “Handlebars” lacks the more obvious hip hop tone of its other popular Myspace-posted song “Stand Up” from its debut album, it is a clever Hobbesian-tinged analysis on the common drive and will of man. As my first introduction to the band, despite what I had seen/read, I was still impressed by the instrumentation and variety of instruments, I turn to the opening paragraph of a review from the online site Hip-Hop Linguistics for better perspective (and cred) than I can provide:
Flobots’ “Fight With Tools” is an album that immediately jumped out from the stack of CDs I was considering for review this week – and for several reasons. First, the Flobots are an instrumental hip-hop band. In addition to two skilled emcees, the group features instrumentation uncommon in hip-hop these days, including lead violin (MiS-it’s a viola), guitar, bass, drum and horns in virtually every track. Second, the Flobots are a hip-hop group deeply rooted in conscious political dialogue. Of the twelve tracks in “Fight With Tools,” there is not one that fails to comment on current events, world history or humanitarian unity.
Songs from Fight with Tools are posted to the band’s Myspace page. The collective’s lofty political goals and belief in civic engagement have been receiving considerable attention in early press coverage. As recently featured in The Denver Post, the band states it is out to
“use our social and cultural capital to promote civic and academic engagement through literacy, volunteerism and creative expression.”
As discussed in the Post, the band will soon be starting its own nonprofit organization at flobots.org to help in achieving its activist aims. Not to mention, they’re receiving local airplay and attracting interest from indie and major labels (and MiS). Read the entire story about them at at The Denver Post.
Below is the video for the first single, “Handlebars.” Once again, I would also check out the group’s Myspace page, which includes songs from its debut album Fight with Tools. Also, check out the great cover of “Happy Together,” which can be purchased as an MP3.
JOE!!!! (Sorry, bit of a sneeze there). Yup you guys were another really cool “next blog” find. Its funny, for someone who was so computer-phobic for such a long time, I simply adore sitting with tea in hand, reading random blogs. I’m still freakishly shy about posting too much “real world” stuff on a blog but it’s very cool to see other Windy Citier’s out there. And those who visit frequently
Love the video, checked out the myspace and may end up purchasing the “Happy Together” remix. I’m heavy into Butterfly Boucher a.t.m., but very much love hearing new sounds 
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you’re staying warm!
I can defintely hear the Roots influence with these guys. Full band, politcally motivated lyrics, a good groove, etc. Do you own the album? By the way, I love the violin incorporated in some of these songs (”Stand Up” & “Rise”), and not just because the strings are tossed by a hottie.
Did JT really just post about hip hop? I’ve been asking myself that question for the past 24 hours. I love it.
Dave is still in shock. The album is only available online in digital form it seems, so I’ll pick it up at Twist & Shout when I’m there next.