Flobots, Survival Story
Universal Republic
If you’re looking for another “Handlebars,†the insanely catchy anti-imperialist anthem that put Denver, Colo. rap band Flobots on the map, then you won’t find it here. If anything from Survival Story emerges as a radio hit, it’ll be a dense political tract like “The Effect,†a call to activism, or “White Flag Warrior.†Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit are more polemicists than MCs, but they drive the band’s rap-rock grooves forward, and Mackenzie Roberts’ viola adds an element of drama. Survival Story is an energetic workout, even if Flobots haven’t mastered the art of songcraft yet.
