Fly Between Falls is the debut of California's Animal Liberation Orchestra, a post-hippie band of über musicians who play -- in their spare time -- everything from black metal to electronica and world music. Together, their identity is unique and calls to mind everything from
Phish and
the Grateful Dead to
the String Cheese Incident. The music is laid-back, sophisticated, stoned, and utterly Californian. It's no wonder that this band (where all members sing) is a huge hit on the jam band circuit. Check "Wasting Time (Isla Vista Song)," where they refer to
Jerry and crew, pot, malt liquor, and happy-go-lucky carefree living. The select tunes on this set are the single "Girl, I Wanna Lay You Down" (with
Jack Johnson guesting on vocals), "Walls of Jericho," and "The Fly." This is terminal sunshine music for those whose only ambitions for the summertime are hanging out in the zone with their favorite substance. ~ Thom Jurek