Who: Rap-rock six piece Flobots, a Denver collective led by self-described "Jesus meets Huey P. Newton" emcee Jonny 5.
Sounds Like: Linkin Park with Rage Against the Machine's Zach de la Rocha and his political leanings at the microphone and a violinist building the tension. Jonny 5 raps about topics like human rights, globalization and drug legalization on the band's major label debut Fight with Tools.
Vital Stats:
• The band's alt-rock radio hit "Handlebars" first received airplay when fans in Denver bombarded a local rock station to add the song to their playlist. After it was broadcast, the studio's phones "exploded" with requests to replay it. "I wrote 'Handlebars' in the thick of the Iraq War," Jonny 5 says.
• After self-releasing Fight with Tools last year, and following a sold-out concert in Denver, Universal Republic CEO Monte Lipman swiftly signed the band. "I ended up at Denny's at 5:00 in the morning offering them a deal," says Lipman.
• The politically-minded sextet is recruiting fans to enlist in non-profit groups involved with voter registration and helping abused children. "We're trying to push it beyond a table at a show. We're building an organization of people," says Jonny 5.
Here It Now: Fight with Tools is in stores now and currently sitting at number 27 on the Billboard Top 200. Click above for the Flobots' video for "Handlebars."
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- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.
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ATESH.69.U.K. | July 20, 2009 7:42 PM
came across these guys thanks to my son last week and i think ive burnt the c,d out from constant replay.
amazing, moveing, pasionat
are just a few words.
my preferd music is more house,garage,funk,soul
so to be moved by this is awsome, particualy this
track just moved me and mad me stop and listen, which isnt what ive found in music for some time nuff respect to them for voiceing there thoughts and many others in a style which has truely made there mark with greate justice.
PEACE TO YOU ALL AND
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
BigAl | November 6, 2008 1:17 PM
These guys are fantastic. "Rise" is the best call-to-action anthem I've heard since the days of early Rage, and I've been particularly impressed with their outstanding support of the Rock the Vote campaign (rockthevote.com). They toured extensively with the campaign and recorded what was probably the best PSA I saw during the whole run. I'm looking really forward to seeing more work from these guys.
Patrick Or Treat | October 26, 2008 6:24 PM
A group that speaks for the People's conscience. Finally! Instead of mindless "Yo,Bitch" commercialisms and sacarin tasting tripe.
SethB. | October 6, 2008 2:32 PM
I don't really care about their political leanings or agree with them but their music is good.Being from Denver myself I hope they continue to do well.
DJ | August 20, 2008 12:35 PM
I absolutely love the flobots but im tired of people critizing handlebars like its all they do.
Thirteen | July 14, 2008 11:43 PM
The flobots are fucking amazing. And by the way, Jonny 5 is only "somewhere between Jesus and Huey P. Newton"
Favorite song: Jetpack. ;)
jaime garcia | July 10, 2008 4:17 PM
let the haters hate I think flobots r the shit stay true
A of Denver | July 7, 2008 9:20 PM
I've been listening to the Flobots for over a year now and they're amazing! I've never heard a more inspiring band! Its so great to see them accomplish so much so fast!
some dickhead | July 2, 2008 3:53 AM
you mean its not m&m and cake?
annan | June 30, 2008 1:15 AM
I don't understand how anyone could hate the Flobots' lyrics. The beats are what make them good, but the lyrics are what make them great! Their music has a meaningful message that rap should continue to pursue.
me | June 30, 2008 12:05 AM
why the hell would you compare them to linkin park? are u f ing retarted?
Javamom | June 29, 2008 10:24 AM
I'm impressed that RS has picked up on Flobots so quickly, but then they have been playing them on Sirius radio for months now.
Maria | June 18, 2008 11:18 PM
This album is amazing! And watching the video makes me love them even more! I've been listening to them for about a month and it's good to see them get recognition. It'd be nice to see some other rap artists become so fervently political.
K | June 17, 2008 8:49 PM
Check out "The Rhythm Method" Def. my favorite song off of the album, who ever is rapping on top of a 7/4 beat, gets props.
incredible | June 17, 2008 5:38 PM
I really don't have much else to say. This song is just stunning.
Mac | June 17, 2008 1:49 AM
These guys will be obiquitous by summers end!
Stu | June 12, 2008 2:39 PM
yah...good luck with that clay
Artist | June 12, 2008 9:36 AM
Hurray! Politics is an essential part of life and these guys are bringing it to a new generation who, I hope, will wake up and listen. Liked the track, loved the video and wish them the very best of luck with their music and 'building'.
clancy | June 11, 2008 10:04 PM
I love the lyrics. At the end of "Same Thing" they go through a list of democratically elected leaders that we helped to overthrow. Go ahead and look the names up on the net, it is quite informative.
Jen | June 11, 2008 5:23 PM
If it's a 'happier tone' you're looking for, pop in a vintage Britney Spears album.
This group makes no bones about being politically charged, which is one of the main reasons for their success. Take it or leave it.
incredibly poingnant lyrics | June 11, 2008 5:11 PM
The story "No Handlebars" paints is incredible. I normally don't go for rap because the subject matter is so banal and mundane(even petty sometimes). This album definitely deserves attention and it's nice to see RS giving these guys some exposure. Thanks!
Timing | June 11, 2008 5:02 PM
Not bad, RS. I learned about these guys a month or so ago. Glad to see you found them so quickly.
Clay | June 11, 2008 4:43 PM
I love the music, but the message is too politically charged. There are a few songs on the album I love the beats for but can't stand the lyrics.
I'd love to hear more from the folks that has a happier tone.