Tacoma-based septet The Fun Police refuses to remain silent. With a signature sound coined that combines elements of rock, folk, reggae, ska, punk and more that utilizes guitar, drums, bass, viola, djembe and accordion, the outfit does not jive well with having their music classified into one singular sound.
The band, which consists of Special Agent Sam, Ranger Ruffhausen, Sergeant Snake, Brigadier B.Ski, Deputy D, Major Mullet and Officer Cox all take on their unique personas not only in the songwriting process, but also on the stage, donning police uniforms, shades and accessories.
The Fun Police have been playing together for a year now, and released their debut, nine-track album “You Better Run” earlier this month. The band is unlike anything else playing in the South Sound, and this fact, along with their on and off-stage antics, might attest to the fact that they have a solid fan base repeatedly coming out to see their shows.
The second track off the album, “Ebay,” is based on a real experience of a band member’s Dad. “I spent my life on Ebay/ with everything that they sell/ just trying to add to my collection of memorabilia,” details how easy it is to become addicted to shopping when so many unique items are available at your fingertips. The song has a fun, fast-paced tempo, but at times it is hard to distinguish the vocals.
“Barfly” takes on a Latin, folky sound and describes a core group of friends that likes to get together at their local haunt to get silly. “She was a model, didn’t you know/ she used to sit on the beach drinking beers/ but then she washed up here,” describes how some of the frequenters to this particular watering hole may have ended up there. Lots of drums, and maybe the djembe are used in this track, along with viola to give the song a Celtic flair.
Many individuals can find something to relate to among the ridiculous wishes and dreams revealed in the fifth track, “Wish I Was Rich.” Accordion and viola are highlights, along with a ska-laced take on the not so privileged life. “I wanna win the lottery/ I want a hundred grand/ want to find out I’m the heir of some rich old man,” and “Perhaps I’ll rob a bank or start an email scam…” hint at the depths of one’s misfortunes and how desperate times reveal the crazy thoughts that go through minds when something is financially out of reach.
Never taking themselves seriously, the Fun Police are the quintessential band to see and enjoy with friends who share a similar sense of humor and appreciation for music that is meant to entertain above all else.
The Fun Police play on Black Friday, Nov. 27, at the New Frontier Lounge at 9 p.m. with Ghostwriter and the Brotherhood of the Black Squirrel. For more information, visit their Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/thefunpolicestation or check videos of the band on their YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/thefunpoliceband.
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