A step away, a step up, a step forward, a step back, FIF's new decidedly rock, intentionally stylistically diverse record was set for a November 20 release. Weezer-ish harmonies are a welcome replacement for skanking horn breaks in some songs. Ska beats still make their way into some numbers, but for the most part we are being offered a convoluted aesthetic that makes as much room for grimy guitar solos, messy funk, soaring choruses, and Brave Saint Saturn-ish meandering verses as it does for upbeats and stutter-steps. Apparently bored with being the crown jester of Christian rock, the educated 20-somethings in FIF are taking their biting social commentary to a new level of brutal honesty. Chastising and lamentation are commonplace, and, with topics ranging from wanton consumerism, to American apathy about Native American genocide, to questionable rock band business ethics, to the betrayal of relationships, it is quite likely that all will feel the sting of their rebuke at some point during the album. There are spots of FIF's trademark self-deprecating humor, but most of the punch-lines are at the expense of our comfort zones. A transitional record to be sure, but certainly noble in conception and above par in execution.
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by Josh HurstI am a Five Iron Frenzy fan, though I've fought it every step of the way. When the group released their debut album, Upbeats and Beatdowns, a few years ago, I shrugged them off as just another band jumping onto the ska bandwagon, which was quite trendy at that time. Just some silly Christian rock group with horn players. What could be good about that? Five Iron Frenzy wouldn't last long. Well, it…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Olin JenkinsI've been waiting for this one for over two albums now! While I enjoyed the live Proof That the Youth Are Revolting and FIF's return to the studio with All the Hype That Money Can Buy, something was missing from the last studio project (including heavy cynicism, e.g. "Four-Fifty-One"), and that's the zany trademark quality of Five Iron Frenzy. From the first moments of "Pre-Ex-Girlfriend" from…ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksI'd consider myself a Five Iron Frenzy fan from the beginning. The night I bought their debut CD I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. listening to the album and reading the lyrics. I've attended a dozen Five Iron concerts, and I've even interviewed members of the band more times than I can remember. Yet I'm not sure what to think of Electric Boogaloo, their newest album ever. For some it won't be punk…ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksThe Denver-based band is back with their newest album ever, and you might be in for a surprise. They've left the off-beats of third wave ska behind for the greener pastures of musical diversity. If you're looking for another FIF CD of skankin' hits, this isn't it. After the shock wears off, you'll find another album of passionate lyrics set to passionate music. Of course they don't leave their…The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by AmberAfter a long wait, Five Iron Frenzy has hit us with their 6th release, Five Iron Frenzy 2: Electric Boogaloo. Yes, it's a slight change from recent projects, but it is most definitely a change for the better. The album starts out with "Pre-Ex Girlfriend," which has a bit more of a punkish sound. It is similar to recent stuff, and could probably be compared to "Arnold, Willis, And Mr. Drummond."…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Trae CadenheadI was almost ready to dismiss Five Iron Frenzy as a "has been," no longer able to make quality music since Ska has faded from the spotlight. Their last record, All the Hype That Money Can Buy, left me much less than impressed with the band's ability to overcome the death of Ska. However, on Electric Boogaloo, the ex-thrash and now ex-Ska band has reinvented their sound and, to a certain degree,…Similar sounding releases
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