Universal Republic Records’ newest hip hop entry Flobots hit the streets this summer, quickly establishing their place as the most compelling hip hop collaborative to sign with a major label in 2008. A roaring 6 piece collective from Denver, CO, the effusive group blends searing songs of social justice with a playful disdain for anything status quo, flipping symphonic bursts over bass-rattled cadences one minute, and layering Seuss-like verses across a crackling rhythm section the next.
Formed as a cohesive alternative organism in 2005, the Flobots ‘good-fight’ mythology can be traced via Denver’s underground vines and creative community of the late ‘90s when various members enlivened each others’ gigs and creative events, setting the charge that would eventually power up the band’s contagious and rollicking rock/rap pedigree. Their rousing live show, seasoned by classically trained viola player Mackenzie Robert’s innovative playing, sparked an impressive undertow of across-the-board support (including both coasts and off-the-grid territories such as Nebraska and Utah) as the group honed its glowing activist edge with a refreshingly positive message and bristling musicianship.
FLOBOTS FALL 2008 TOUR – (All Dates with Matisyahu unless otherwise noted)
10/18/08 Milwaukee WI The Eagles Club
10/19/08 Chicago IL Riviera Theatre
10/21/08 Covington KY Madison Theatre
10/22/08 Indianapolis IN Egyptian Room
10/23/08 Detroit MI The Fillmore Detroit
10/26/08 Johnson City NY Magic City Music Hall
10/28/08 Providence RI Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel
10/29/08 Boston MA Orpheum Theatre
10/30/08 Philadelphia PA Electric Factory Ballroom
11/01/08 Baltimore MD Ram’s Head Live
11/02/08 Montclair NJ Wellmont Theatre
11/03/08 New York NY Webster Hall *w/ Blue Scholars*
11/04/08 Washington DC 9:30 Club *w/ Blue Scholars*
11/06/08 New Haven CT Toad’s Palace *w/ Blue Scholars*
11/12/08 Nashville TN Rocketown *w/ Blue Scholars*
11/17/08 San Diego CA House of Blues
11/18/08 Los Angeles CA Club Nokia LA
11/20/08 Anaheim CA The Grove of Anaheim
11/22/08 Las Vegas NV House of Blues
11/23/08 San Francisco CA The Warfield
