Released 20 years ago
Is That a Riot?
Youngblood Brass Band · 2006
58 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of brass, funk, and hip-hop energy that redefines the boundaries of jazz and street performance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nuclear Summer — This track stands out with its compelling mix of urgent rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to fuse political commentary with infectious melodies.
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Is That a Riot? — The title track encapsulates the band's ethos, blending playful chaos with tight musicianship while addressing themes of rebellion and social unrest.
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Dead Man Stomping — This track features a driving beat and intricate brass arrangements, exemplifying the band's energetic live performance style and their commitment to pushing genre boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases a vibrant fusion of styles with strong brass compositions and engaging rhythms.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong brass march, setting an energetic tone that persists through the first half.
- Tracks often feature intricate brass arrangements layered over hip-hop beats, creating a dynamic interplay between genres.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response sections, inviting listener participation and enhancing the live performance feel.
- The final track features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of closure after the high-energy preceding tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- high-energy group celebration vibes
- infectious rhythms for dancing
- playful spontaneity and improvisation
- cathartic bursts of joyful sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quiet, introspective moments
- want slow, minimalistic compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2006, Is That a Riot? marked Youngblood Brass Band's third studio album, following their well-received album, Postcards from America. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound which combined traditional brass instrumentation with contemporary genres, attracting a diverse audience and gaining traction within the underground music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Rebirth Brass Band· Hot 8 Brass Band· Trombone Shorty
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Nuclear Summer
Imagery shifts from personal reflection to broader societal implications about environmental decay.
This transition broadens the song's scope, connecting individual experiences to global crises while maintaining an urgent tone that compels listeners to reflect.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 March 3:18
- 2 Nuclear Summer 4:25
- 3 Waiver 5:30
- 4 But You Can't Run 4:06
- 5 Pala Minima 5:58
- 6 JEM 1:35
- 7 Dead Man Stomping 4:33
- 8 Ake 5:49
- 9 Is That a Riot? 5:23
- 10 Bone Refinery 4:22
- 11 Sell Me More or Like You Just Don't Care 3:17
- 12 Will 4:00
- 13 Thanks 5:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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