Fishbone – Crazy Glue

Stoner reggae/ska/funk punk act Fishbone has been a staple of the Vancouver underground for going on twenty years.  While I recognize their legacy as an important one for many fans over the past few decades, I’ve always kept my distance – the few songs I’ve heard skirting the bounds of my comfort zone.  I typically enjoy quirky bands, but Fishbone just sort of rubs me the wrong way.  So listening to their first new studio record in almost ten years, Crazy Glue has been somewhat of an internal conflict between myself.

Perhaps it’s front man Angelo Moore’s unpredictable pitch, or the odd fusion of funk sound-board twists and various distortions, but their sound comes across as somewhat scattered and unfocused.  And believe me, I get that their sound is a style unto itself – you’ll never find an imitation of what these guys provide.  But songs like “DUI Friday” have some of the most awkward lyrics meshed together with some equally as fragmented instrument choices you’ll hear all year.  What’s left of their ska engine manifests itself with cartoon style muted-trumpets during one song, “Flutterbutter’s” stringy sitar, retro organ plugs on another, and unnaturally paired crunchy metal riffs during those like “Gittin’ In That Ass.”  What might make for a psychedelic lightshow on stage doesn’t quite transfer to recorded medium with the same jive.

Even my favourite track, “Akkafoo,” has some awkward transitions.  The curious piano spiral and vocal trade-offs between Moore and the rest plays out as intended, but the odd electronics wrapping up the final moments throw the balance askew.  While clearly true to their style, their decisions make for a haphazard flow that distracts rather than directs.

With a career that kicked off back in 1979, Fishbone has a loyal following that will likely enjoy this succinct addition.  But Crazy Glue isn’t for newcomers.  It seems more geared towards an existing audience but comes without any sort of truly defining moments.  As an outsider I walk away from Crazy Glue fairly neutral – and for all of the zany and wacky antics, that’s fairly disappointing.