ALO = Animal Liberation Orchestra? Sounds liberal and orchestral and weird. Are they hippies? And what’s with the animal thing? Are they biologists? Are they...gasp...Furries? This can’t possibly be good.

Or can it? Really. What’s not to love about a modern reincarnation of The Steve Miller Band with some jammy, funky Phishy-ness blended in? I don’t know if I should take the money and run or simply bounce around the room. It’s entirely possible that I’ll do both. I’m feeling productive today. And these guys have a groove that makes me want to move.

ALO has a very classic rock/funk feel. They’re like a little trip back in time to an era when one could house a small family under the cuffs of one’s pants and the suits were always on break. Yet, they don’t sound stale or done. They have their own style and a flare that goes beyond their poly-blend pant legs. They are most assuredly a band living in the now, a now that is very much informed by their long list of legendary influences. In a rather groovetastic way.

If their recordings are any indication, their live show will be filled with raucous jams and hard rocking funk epics. Friday is just a few days away, but I say don’t wait. Get thee on the interwebs now and start downloading. Begin with their most recent release “Man of the World” and then just try to keep yourself from downloading “Roses & Clover” and “Fly Between Falls.”

I’m telling you, they are as good at indie funk rock as they are at naming albums. And, once again, I am insanely jealous that you are in Philly and can get to their show, while I have only my electronic listening devices to satiate my new thirst for ALO.

Friday, May 21, 2010, 9:00 p.m.
Animal Liberation Orchestra w/ Chris Velan and Ben Arnold
Theater of Living Arts, 334 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-1011
Get Tickets