2007 was a good year for the Flobots, and 2008 is shaping up to be even better, at least if you’re measuring things by their popularity on 107.7 The End. Seattle loves well-thought-out hip-hop, and between Johnny 5’s tight rhymes, Brer Rabbit’s gravity-defying dance moves, Mackenzie Roberts’ viola prowess and the rest of the crew’s mad skills, all of the pieces fall into perfect place. Seeing them at The End Summer Camp II was surreal: I felt lifted, even mesmerized. Who would’ve known that the Denver music scene would produce something so hot? Doomtree has some talented MCs signed to their label, but sometimes the “thrash” part of their sound gets overwhelming for me. That said, they’re well-loved in Minneapolis (Doomtree’s home base) and beyond for their explosive live shows. But seriously, whatever your feelings about P.O.S. or Doomtree, Flobots are the main reason you should show up. The left-leaning political tones are just a bonus.

Wed., July 16, 7 p.m., 2008