| After a four-year hiatus, perennial party band Fishbone return with
their distinctive, ultra-energetic, and soulful blend of funk, ska, and
punk intact. While like-minded Cali combos such as No Doubt and the Red
Hot Chili Peppers have gone on to fame and fortune, Fishbone have remained
too much a well-kept secret. However, The Psychotic Friends mentioned
in the title are an impressive bunch of longtime Fishbone fans who boost
the songs without distracting from Fishbone's brass-driven fun and fury.
The midtempo Lenny Kravitz-ish "Shakey Ground" has hit potential, while
high-profile guests, including Perry Farrell, Gwen Stefani, George Clinton,
Rick James, and Blowfly lend their voices to the timeless "Everybody is
a Star." The reggae-tinged pop of "The Suffering" drags at five minutes-plus,
but with other winners--including the barely controlled ska number "Karma
Tsunami" and the cool R&B rave-up "It All Kept Startin' Over Again"--Fishbone
and their Psychotic (and talented) friends have a created a classy collection
of manic music. |
