Strung Out

An American Paradox (2002)

Tom

Strung Out have released some good albums and some poor ones luckily this latest offering falls into the former. I was looking forward to this album so much and of course its possible to make your expectations to high for a record, but never with Strung Out. This, like SO's previous offerings is a fast paced beast of thirteen songs complete with melodic guitars, insane riffs, strong vocals and a kicking beat all the way through.

There aren't as many stand out tracks as in other Strung Out albums instead the whole album melds together brilliantly. The first track setting a pace that holds true throughout the record. My problem with this 'symmetry' throughout is that songs don't really have a sense of identity that other SO recordings offer. Track 6 The Kids gives a good idea of how the album sounds starting with a great guitar intro, which flows into a powerful lyric heavy song.

Whilst I didn't appreciate it as much as Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues and Twisted By Design its an enjoyable fast paced record that I am sure won't stay out of your CD player for long. (It's still in mine)