Fishbone

Combining equal parts of deep funk, high-energy punk, and frantic ska, the Los Angeles-based Fishbone were one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s and were spawned from the same circle of bands as Jane's Addiction and Red Hot Chilli Peppers. With their hyperactive, self-conscious diversity, goofy sense of humour, and sharp social commentary, the group have gained a sizeable cult following and have sold out shows across the world. Led by vocalist/saxophonist Angelo Moore, the group formed in 1979 while the band was still in junior high; the original lineup comprised Moore, Chris Dowd, Kendall Jones, Walter Kibby II, and John Norwood Fisher. After performing in local clubs during the early '80s, the group signed with Columbia Records in the mid-'80s, releasing a self-titled EP in 1985. The following year, Fishbone released their first full-length album, In Your Face. From here the band have had a prolific output - with over ten albums since their genesis. They've worked with the likes of Primus and Suicidal Tendencies, showing an eclecticism not seen in the independent scene since Bad Brains. Upbeat and surging with energy, Still Stuck In Your Throat crackles with the life of a band possessed. Now reaching over 25 years in the business, Fishbone still sound nothing less than fresh. With an experimental edge to the new recordings, the band have become anything but tired and predictable. And with a sound authentic enough to appeal to fans of The Specials and Sublime (of which, the classic track "Date Rape" is covered here) but creative and eccentric enough (Party With Saddam?!) to satisfy followers of DC-punk, post-hardcore and jazz, it seems that Fishbone have yet again transcended genre in the name of digression.