Anderson Flobots Edited -fight With T

Flobots are something different. And apparently the people are ready for something different because Fight With Tools -- their debut album -- pulled great numbers on the charts, as did its lead single "Handlebars." Combining rap, rock, a minimalist approach and politically charged lyrics, Flobots manage to combine entertainment with messages. Like Rage Against The Machine at low volume. This is stimulating, passionate stuff from skilled musicians who clearly care about what they're doing.

Fight With Tools is a thematic album and the theme is revolution: revolution of the mind, more than the streets. In fact, the band says so much on the opening track "There's A War Going On For Your Mind," an impassioned monologue over a doleful fiddle. A brief and biting intro, it attacks trash culture and its invasion on the human psyche.

For the most part, the sonics are quite subdued over the course of these 12 tracks. Occasionally the musical calm is interrupted, such as on tracks like "Anne Braden," a biographical rap about the famous racial equality activist. The sound is more ominous than elsewhere on the disc and has sparks of electric guitar flashing in, disturbing the peace.

And the band cleverly draws hints of other musical forms into what is their distinctive style. "Same Thing" has a very Rage Against The Machine feel, with its tough funk-rap feel. But there's also a jazz trumpet weaving through the minimalist mix. "Stand Up" has Celtic roots with the fiddle grabbing a starring role alongside the lead rap. Both of these tracks make one realize that several Flobots songs are like political chants, with repeated lines shouted out. Moreover, the lyrics in general are very well crafted: "We shall not be moved/ Except by a child with no socks and shoes/ Except for a woman dying of a loss of food/ Except by a freedom fighter bleeding on a cross for you/ We shall not be moved/ Except by a system that's rotten through." No verbal punches are pulled.

Every track is worth your time on this disc. But be sure to pay close attention to "Mayday!!!" which is like spoken word set to music -- and that music goes through several phases including a quasi-punk interlude.

There's a lot going on here: many influences and styles. And some of the more meaningful lyrics you're likely to hear across the airwaves these days. Flobots have plenty to say and it's all worth hearing -- especially the way they deliver it on Fight With Tools. Tag this as a contender for one of the year's best albums.