Five Iron Frenzy 2: Electric Boogaloo

Overview

Five Iron continued their tradition of tongue-in-cheek lyrics on songs such as "Pre-Ex-Girlfriend" and "You Can't Handle This". The album also tackles serious issues, elevating the social commentary to what HM characterized as a "new level of brutal honesty." "Far, Far Away" was inspired by The Seekers song "Come the Day" and "The Day We Killed" by Dee Brown's book Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. The latter song references Crazy Horse, an Indian chief, to speak about racism toward Native Americans. Another theme visited on this album is consumerism in "Vultures" and "Blue Mix". "Blue Mix" specifically addresses practices of the music industry which Roper sees as disparaging when copied within the Christian music industry. Practices attacked include blue mixing, or limiting opening bands sound so that the headliners sound the best, and merchandising controls that raise profit margins at the expense of the band's freedom. As Roper stated to HM: "It really bothers me how often that happens in the Christian industry... it's not okay to do that kind of stuff." "Car" is dedicated to the memory of Carlos Ortega, brother of Leanor. It references a poem by E.E. Cummings to remind the listener that each day is a blessing to be cherished.

According to the band, "the '2' in the title doesn't signify anything, it is simply a reference to 1984's breakdancing film, Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo."

Track listing

(Credits adapted from album's liner notes)

All lyrics written by Reese Roper, unless noted otherwise.

Music credits