Flobots

Hate to break it to you, but rap and rock seem to be getting back together: P.O.S., Eyedea & Abilities, Lil Wayne—the crossbreed is happening, and it’s happening right now. See also: Flobots. The Denver group has long been pushing rock aesthetics and a cool hip-hop sound, breaking in 2008 with the supremely catchy crossover single “Handlebars.” The Flobots have moved up steadily from the underground since then, with a Roots-modeled mix of live instrumentation and politically conscious rhymes, viola-fronted ballads, and wacky guitar work. The band is touring now behind its latest album, Survival Story, which was produced by Mario Caldato of Beastie Boys fame and features a guest spot by Rise Against’s Tim McIlrath on the lead single “White Flag Warrior."

Updated 05/06/2010