In 2001, the legendary, influential and voraciously eclectic band Fishbone arrived to record their newest material at the Henhouse, a free community recording studio - fully wired for digital sound and video. The only rule: leave your shoes at the door.

What commenced was an in-depth look at a veteran musical group during it’s sometimes painful reincarnation phase. After having been lifted to stardom at the age of 17, the critically acclaimed Fishbone seemed poised to blast it’s way into permanent orbit - when suddenly their musical world was shaken apart with the explosive departure of key members of the band and problems with their label.

The film centers primarily on the creation and recording of the songs in the studio - giving a privileged viewpoint as if one were a member of the band. The seamless blend of multi-angle cinema verite´ and time-lapse photography turns day to night and back again as the band pleads, cajoles, threatens and uses every trick in the book to bring their music alive. This electron microscopic view of the band does nothing to demystify it’s potent JuJu - after nearly a quarter century touring and composing together - their unique magic is still operating at it’s nuttmost. The innovative use of multiple DV cameras to document the creative journey brings the audience as close as they will ever get to the raw, funky crucible where this absolutely inexplicable band brews it’s voodoo stew of schizoid metal/rap/funk/ska and to some extent, reggae.

Primarily thought of as an almost religious experience - the brutally joyous live shows of the band have been long known - what is less understood is the source of this inspired madness. "Critical Times" also delves into personal lives, politics, factions in the band and competing musical styles - all coexisting in an uneasy but fascinating balance.

Band documentaries may come and go - but this is Fishbone. Way up close.

Click here for Fishbone at the Hen House Studios web site.

Click here to purchase "Critical Times: Fishbone's Hen House Sessions".