‘White Flag Warrior’

Flobots

Universal Republic Records

We tried to forget the rap-rock-infested early 2000s, when Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach reigned supreme, but the Flobots shoved it back in our faces with 2008’s horrendous lyrical trap “Handlebars.” You’d think they’d have been relegated to one-hit wonder status, but for some reason, they’re still making music — and someone apparently still cares. New single “White Flag Warrior” isn’t nearly as annoying as their first hit, but it’s pretty damn close. With the help of Rise Against lead singer Tim McIlrath, Flobots attempt to mimic Rage Against the Machine’s political schtick, only instead of Tom Morello’s innovative guitar solos and radical riots, we get an endless cliche of thumping bass and … rap? Great job, Flobots. You’ve really outdone yourself. 2/10

— Arielle Sallai

Staff Writer

‘You Run Away’

Barenaked Ladies

Raisin Records

Looks like the Barenaked Ladies survived the departure of founder/frontman Stephen Page. At least, that’s the impression we get from listening to “You Run Away,” the rock ballad memorializing the band’s mature but regretful resignation.

Former guitarist Ed Robertson takes on full vocal duties, having cut his teeth singing many of BNL’s biggest hits (he improvised the rapid-fire verses in “One Week”), and his smooth tenor successfully carries a gentle melody while a piano plinks quirkily in the background. Granted, the song’s subsequent buildup is a bit too FM radio, but its honesty is impossible not to take seriously. As the album approaches, one hopes the rest will be equally genuine. 7/10

-Bryan Kim

Contributing Writer