Article by: Abigail Buckler

The sophomore album from Crobot, Welcome to Fat City was released this past Friday.  Historically there is always a lot of question surrounding a bands second album and whether it will live up to their debut. Often times these efforts can fall a little flat.  That is not the case with this album, it shows growth and continued solid song writing from Crobot.

Crobot is self described as Dirty Groove Rock and this is definitely accurate.  The bass grooves are forefront on this album and it is reminiscent of the sound that could be most closely compared to Queens of the Stone Age.  Three tracks; Welcome to Fat City, Play it Cool, and Not for Sale were full of these solid grooves intermixed with a funk sound that brought to mind early Red Hot Chili Peppers.  The vocal tone had a very Chris Cornell or Soundgarden feel with melodic howls which when blended with the gooves and funk sound created a strong unique song.  Of these three tracks, the title track Welcome to Fat City is definitely going to become a fan favorite with a strong hook and the overall sound.  While the the heavy bass, grooves, strong riffs and vocal bring to mind other bands this is a totally unique sound that is solely Crobot, their signature sound.

Another track, Plague of the Mammoths was a surprise in a good way.  This had a darker, heavier, more melodic sound without sounding like a completely different band or like it didn’t fit on the album.  It was just enough of a departure to make it interesting. This track might appeal to people who are more fans of progressive metal with its heavy melodic sound.  This showed the depth of Crobot and the audiences they can appeal to.

Overall Welcome to Fat City is a solid second album from Crobot. Pick it up to see what this band is all about you won’t be disappointed.