On Thursday my fiancee and I were totally pumped to see Fishbone for the first time. We had heard about their live shows, but we experienced a show that totally exceeded any expectations we had.

The severely under-advertised and under-attended show featured not only Fishbone, but also performances by local band Clove and Too Skinee J's from Brooklyn, NY. Too Skinee J's proved energetic, talented, clever and witty - all things missing from contemporary rap music. However, Too Skinee J's shouldn't be limited to a rap music label. They featured two MC's, but real drums, electric guitar, electric bass and keyboards amplified their enthusiastic and near perfect performance; we thought it was the best warm-up any band could hope for.

At 11:15p.m. Fishbone unceremoniously took the stage and slammed into their set with characteristic vigor and force. The show's pace increased rapidly, peaking with the hit "Ma and Pa" and when we found the group's lead vocalist in our laps. The band calmed slightly and temporarily until they launched full-steam into "Sunless Saturday". From that point on we were hooked - totally engrossed in the performance.

Fortunately, the energy and antics never takes away from the group's performance. The playing is always immaculate and I find their vocals far above the standards of modern rock performance. So many groups either can't come close to reproducing the sound of their recordings, or they simply reproduce the exact sound of their recordings. Fishbone is one of those rare groups that plays material live better than on their CDs. I would even go as far as to say they can play material you might not be familiar with and still keep you hanging on every note and every word.

If you didn't make it to this show, you'd better hope they weren't turned off by the small crowd. I know I'd like another opportunity to see this brilliant group.

David Carey

http://www.theslant.com/music/articles/fish.html