FISHBONE
Intrinsically Intertwined EP
Controlled Substance Sound Labs (2014)
Rating: 6.5/10
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I once recall an argument back in 1990 as to whether Fishbone were “metal”. Yet, when one considers just how diverse “heavy metal” became around that time, it’s always been unfair to attempt to pigeonhole any band.
Of course, Fishbone were something away from the norm’ so to speak; their effortless blend of soul, ska, funk and rock was often too zany and kaleidoscopic for the narrow-minded metalheads among us. Even so, one cannot argue with the band as a creative force. For me, they remain far more talented than the Red Hot Chili Peppers and have never succumbed to commercialism, despite releasing some classic tunes over the years.
Intrinsically Intertwined is the new five-track EP from the guys, an influential band who formed at the tail end of the 70s (in 1979) believe it or not, and who have released six EPs and seven studio albums in total. With this new release, we’re treated to more of the same unpredictable fare.
The EP opens with the sublime and soulful strains of ‘Unstuck’ with Walter Kibby’s mellow trumpet lacing Angelo Moore’s subtle tones, and that slapping bass of John Norwood Fisher. Sure, it’s not metal at all, but Fishbone have embedded themselves into rock ’n’ roll lore as artists of diverse sound and ideas.
While ‘Unstuck’ has more in common with a steaming lump of funky, steaming soul, ‘Interdependent’ showcases what the band is really all about. Dosed in high quantities of funk and cosmic air, it’s a track that rocks back and forth ever so gently as the trumpets collide over the rhythmic throb. It’s not up there with ‘Everyday Sunshine’ or ‘Sunless Saturday’, but it’s Fishbone once again expressing themselves and whatever direction they take, it’s always advised to follow their yellow brick road and join in the fun.
The third cut on offer is ‘Bustin’ Suds’ with its driving guitar and those group chants. There’s always something joyous about Fishbone, a summery blend of the comical and the cosmic. In spite of lacking an overall bite, it’s a simple yet effective rock-steady pulse that gets your foot tapping. John Steward’s drums are solid, providing a hazy backbone before we’re treated to the orgiastic frenzy of ‘Kung Fu Grip’; a typically zany and frenetic Fishbone stomp, ‘Kung Fu Grip’ runs for just over two minutes but exists as merely some riotous, party jaunt laced with a zippy guitar. ‘Whipper Snapper – Remix’ brings the EP to a close; again, it’s another cartoonish jerk and jig featuring accordion wheeze and daft lyrics.
This EP is Fishbone at its most playful and cheeky. It certainly doesn’t harbour the hard edge to keep the headbangers happy and it’s far from being the greatest thing Fishbone has conceived over the years, but when a band is that demented in its policies we just have to go with their flow. It’s been three years since any material, and while I would have preferred a full-length composition, Intrinsically Intertwined will have to do for now.
Neil Arnold
