In Your Face in Bloomington, MN

Fishbone
's first full-length release, 1986's
In Your Face
was a far more focused affair than their self-titled debut EP from 1985, but the band was still honing their original and genre-spanning sound. While it would not be perfected until their 1988 release
Truth and Soul
,
remains an important musical stepping stone for
. Few other bands at the time (perhaps only
the Red Hot Chili Peppers
) were attempting to merge different musical styles together as they were. Ska, funk, and punk rock are again put into the musical blender this time around, along with often thought-provoking lyrics, resulting in several strong compositions. The opening track
"When Problems Arise"
is an enjoyable, stomping little ditty for which a rarely aired video clip was filmed, while other highlights include the up-tempo numbers
"A Selection"
and
"Give It Up,"
the Caribbean-tinged
"Cholly,"
the desperate plea of
"I Wish I Had a Date,"
and the gorgeous ballad
"Movement in the Light."
Also featured are the funk-workouts
"In the Air"
"Knock It,"
the furious punk-rocker
"Simon Says the Kingpin,"
and the goofy, album-closing instrumental
"Post Cold War Politics."
~ Greg Prato