Animal Liberation Orchestra – Fly Between Falls

Rhymes for the Summertime

For anyone not fortunate enough to have ever visited the great state of California, Fly Between Falls encapsulates much of the essence of what the Golden State is typically known for: sun, sand, and that easy Cali livin’. On Animal Liberation Orchestra’s latest, that California spirit is in full effect. With soft grooves, witty wordplay, and a ubiquitous feel good vibe, FBF doesn’t break any new ground. However, it will sure leave you with a smile on your face and wishing you could be anywhere in between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara.FBF is by no means trailblazing; it’s nothing that more popular jam band mainstays such as Phish and The String Cheese Incident haven’t already done before. What it is, however, is a solid record, pure and simple. From the album’s opener, the upbeat and faster-paced “Barbeque,” one can feel the record’s aura and where ALO is heading. Musically, ALO is a jam band and FBF reflects such distinction with heavy doses of funk, soul, and pop. With a wide range of instrumental accoutrements, which includes a ukulele, accordion, percussion, and organ, the record is simple yet textured.

Standout tracks include the easygoing, Spanish inflected “Pobrecito,” the cheerful and laidback “Girl, I Wanna Lay You Down” (feat. Jack Johnson), and, of course, the proverbial stoner jam, “Wasting Time (Isla Vista Song),” which is conveniently named after Santa Barbara’s (in)famous party/college town.

In the end, FBF is simply a fun album sure to appease fans of Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, and countless others within such a musical expanse. It’s much more than a record; it’s an auditory experience into those carefree Californian days.