|
 |
Strung OutExile In Oblivion Fat Wreck Chords/Shock Strung Out have always managed to effectively combine short, fast and melodic punk with loud guitars and metal-riffs. Their new LP, 'Exile In Oblivion' sees them delve more strongly into hardcore elements, and here the careful balance established on previous records seems confused and patchy. Opener Analog is classic Strung Out and sets the album on the right track. It has the perfect blend of hardcore rant, punk attitude and melodic hook. Other times, like highlight Anna Lee, see the band stick successfully to that more melodic pop-punk, and other tracks, like the bland Lucifermotorcade, stick to the hardcore. The songs in between grab at these various elements and don't seem to quite work as the band either fails to commit to a hook or blast our ears with attitude. A case in point is Her Name In Blood: a thumpingly heavy verse smashes its way incredulously into a weak pop chorus that just isn't very catchy. The melody isn't strong and vocalist Jason Cruz's voice strains against it. Over complex song structure also leaves the song, along with others, seeming erratic. That aside, it isn't a terrible album. When Strung Out rock out, they rock hard, and often the riffs are powerful and the rhythms infectious. Fans will find a lot to like here, and there are moments of catchy brilliance on the second half of the album (Swan Dive) and darkly commanding punk throughout (Angeldust). When it's one or the other it's good; it's just a pity that 'Exile In Oblivion's' inconsistency leaves one feeling unfulfilled.  |
|
The latest issue available now!     |
All content copyright dB Magazine