Fishbone formed in Los Angeles back in 1979. From day one, they’ve mixed ska, punk, funk, metal, and soul into something wild and unpredictable. Always political, always chaotic, always impossible to label. They never fit the mainstream, but they earned a loyal cult following for doing things their way – both on stage and on record.
Stockholm Syndrome is their first full studio album since 2006’s Still Stuck in Your Throat. After nearly 20 years, and with several lineup changes behind them, Fishbone return with a tight, angry, and surprisingly diverse record. This isn’t a nostalgia act — this is a band still pushing forward.
The album opens with Last Call in America, featuring funk legend George Clinton. It’s a sharp, funky attack on American greed, racism, and political failure. From there, the tone is set: Fishbone are pissed off, tuned in, and louder than ever.
Racist Piece of Shit pulls no punches, aimed straight at Donald Trump. It’s raw, direct, and furious – exactly what you’d expect from a band that’s never been afraid to say what needs saying. Why Do We Keep On Dying? slows things down with a reggae rhythm and lyrics about police brutality and racial injustice. It’s one of the album’s most emotional moments.
Fishbone still bring the chaos too. Adolescent Regressive Behavior is pure ska energy. Suckered by Sabotage flips between punk, dub, and funk in seconds. Dog Eat Dog mixes soft soul with crashing guitars — somehow both smooth and heavy. Then there’s Gelato the Clown, a circus-style jazz track that’s as bizarre as it is catchy.
One of the standouts is Hellhounds on My Trail – a bouncing ska track with a vintage feel. Living on the Upside Down plays with 80s synths and sci-fi themes. Secret Police is darker, built on mood and tension. And closing track Love is Love is a soft, gospel-tinged reminder that Fishbone’s message isn’t all anger – it’s also about hope, unity, and love.
With Stockholm Syndrome, Fishbone proves they’re still a force. No chart hits. No radio polish. Just a bold, smart, and weirdly catchy album full of sharp lyrics and fearless genre jumps. It’s everything the band has always stood for.
Releasedate: 27-06-2025 | Label: Consigilere | Instagram
Tracklist:
01. Last Call in America
02. Adolescent Regressive Behavior
03. Dog Eat Dog
04. Suckered by Sabotage
05. Secret Police
06. Gelato the Clown
07. Why Do We Keep On Dying?
08. Hellhounds on My Trail
09. Racist Piece of Shit
10. Living on the Upside Down
11. All About Us
12. Love is Love
