Flobots
Survival Story
Universal Republic
4 out of 5 stars
Denver’s most popular prog-rap group returns to us once again with their third studio album, Survival Story. And yes, you can breathe a sigh of relief; the Flobots have heard our cries, and this time there is much more viola!
Famed Brazilian record producer extraordinaire, Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys albums, Hello Nasty and Paul’s Boutique) is the captain for this release. Musically, the amps are unquestionably turned to 11 this time around, which was unfortunately not the most vocally hospitable idea. Many of the most significant themes and elements of the release, lyrically speaking, are lost in the symphonic dissonance and reverb. This is a bit of a letdown, as the lyrics are extremely passionate and are clearly fueled by the distrust of a wandering generation of young people.
Singer/songwriter Johnny 5 is recurrently discharging encouragement and support to the youth who listen close enough. There is a lot of positivity to be heard here. — Jordan Bleckner
