(Writer: Tammie Eller)

On a sultry, early summer evening in early July, Fishbone threw down at Upstate Concert Hall in Clifton Park, NY for a Sunday night show. Victory Soul Orchestra started the night off in fashion. The nine-piece self-described “afro-jazz/funk/soul” band is hands down the local band you probably haven’t heard yet — but you need to. Victory Soul Orchestra instantly delivered a wall of funky, deep, and definitely groundbreaking.

Then, DJ True Master and rapper JB aka Dirty Moses joined them on stage — and proceeded to produce a truly unique sound. This band has a sound unlike anything you have heard before in the most delicious possible way. Their ability to add Hip-Hop elements to their music was quite amazing.

(Photo: Vinny Otto)

Now it was time for the main event. Fishbone started their comeback tour last year, and everyone had the same question: could they still bring the heat like they did in the 80s and 90s? Well, by the end of the first track, everyone in the audience knew the answer — a resounding yes. And this ska-tastic band didn’t just stick with their slower, funkier tunes, either. We got everything from down, and dirty punk rock to several old favorites like “Ma and Pa” and “Ugly” with plenty of funky ska like only Fishbone can do. Not only does Fishbone still kick every bit as much butt as they ever have, somehow, their energy levels are also precisely the same. The lead singer spent more time in the audience than he did on stage. If you get a chance to see Fishbone or Victory Soul Orchestra, it’s a mistake to miss either one.

Setlist:

I Like to Hide Behind My Glasses, They All Have Abandoned Their Hopes, Pray to the, Junkiemaker, Housework, Everyday Sunshine, Question of Life, Ma and Pa, Ugly, Give It Up, Subliminal Fascism, V.T.T.L.O.T.F.D.G.F., Ghetto Soundwave, I Wish I Had a Date, Cholly, Alcoholic, Skankin’ to the Beat, Pressure, Bonin’ in the Boneyard, Sunless Saturday

Encore:

Gallery:

(Photos: Vinny Otto)