How ‘Fishbone’ made it big in the West Coast music scene

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After more than 20 years in the music world, inspiring mainstream music acts like No Doubt and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Los Angeles band Fishbone is finally getting the spotlight on them.

“Everyday Sunshine” details the bands birth and rise as an all black band in the largely white West Coast punk music scene.

Merging ska, punk, metal, funk and soul, the band grew in popularity and managed a degree of success in the late 80’s and early 90’s, but fell into relative obscurity after being dropped by their record label.

Interviews with the band and a series of musicians who they inspired demonstrate the impact the band had in the music industry by bringing together divergent styles of music and striving to be unique rather than succumbing to trends.

Their music is, understandably, featured heavily in the documentary, with the sound of horns and guitar forming the majority of the films soundtrack. Fan of the band or not, you will find yourself scanning through i-Tunes to download “Party at Ground Zero” as soon as the screen fades to black.

While the film, by Lev Anderson and Chris Metzler is filled with animation and live performances, it is the story of the band’s early beginnings that really inspire, a group of friends trying to do something unique.

Band members Norwood Fisher (easily recognisable with a large, single dreadlock) and Angelo Moore are the stars of the documentary, and they make the most of the opportunity.

They open up to the filmmakers and chatting like old friends, delving into their childhoods, their successes and their downfalls.

“Everyday Sunshine” is, like it’s subject, always entertaining.

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