Flobots

Adopting the politically-apt punkish tone of Rage Against the Machine with a rap delivery reminiscent of the Roots and Common, Flobots was founded in 2000. Having met during elementary school MCs Johnny Five (Jamie Laurie) and Brer Rabbit (Stephen Brackett) later invited guitarist Andy Guerrero, viola player Mackenzie Roberts, trumpeter Joe Ferrone, bassist Jesse Walker, and drummer Kenny Ortiz to complete the lineup. Flobots’ debut EP “Platypus” arrived in October 2005 introducing the band’s playful yet conscious voice.

Two years later in 2007 the group released their debut studio album “Fight with Tools”, earning a host of radio play, exposure and popularity in their home state of Colorado. Thanks to this newfound popularity, notably with the album’s lead single “Handlebars” the band signed with Universal Republic who reissued the album in 2008. Flobots subsequently opened for the likes of Public Enemy and the Fray in their hometown of Denver, before the increased exposure afforded the band to tour further afield. Upon “Handlebars’” official release in April 2008 the single peaked at No. 3 on Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, and resulted in the band making their television debut on “Last Call with Carson Daly” in May that year.

In 2009 Flobots returned to the studio, the fruit of which became their sophomore album “Survival Story” released in March 2010. Despite production from Mario Caldato, Jr. known for his work with the Beastie Boys, and a feature from Tim McIlrath of Rise Against, the album earned disappointing reviews from music critics. Led by the popular single “White Flag Warrior” the album peaked at No. 44 on the Billboard 200, after which guitarist Andy Guerrero departed the group. The band’s third full-length “The Circle in the Square” was issued in 2012 by Shanachie, led by the album’s eponymous lead single.