Thursday, December 3, 2009

Strung Out - Agents Of The Underground




2009 saw Strung Out release their seventh effort, marking their 20 years together.  In those two decades the band had a noticeable evolution from a generic So-Cal punk band to what they are now.  Which is a punk band with serious metal influences and awesome musical talent.  


Though the sound isn't for everyone, this should please punk, and metal fans alike.  The beats are performed at break neck speed, and are always complemented by a catchy guitar lead.  The vocals though, retains that smooth punk voice that often times doesn't seem to fit with the style.  But maybe that's just my ear being conditioned to always hear gruff or screaming vocals on those types of records.


SputnikMusic describes it perfectly, so i'll let them do it (A lazy cop out I know. Shut up, I said I was concise didn't I?)


The band’s dedication on improving their musicianship, their focus on technicality, and an ever present hunger to explore and expand have led Strung Out from the catchy Warped Tour worthy punk tunes of Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues to the face melting tracks found on Exile In Oblivion. With their 6th album, Blackhawks Over Los Angeles, it finally seemed that Strung Out had found their comfort zone and that, like many bands before them, they would be destined to release different versions of the same album until finally calling it quits. This is the part where you listen to Agents of the Underground and feel like a fool for doubting the band’s creativity and will to evolve. (Sputnikmusic Review)
Overall a solid effort, similar in style and substance as their last two albums, Exile In Oblivion and Blackhawks Over Los Angeles, though more refined.  Every track is very fucking solid.


Punk is NOT DEAD friends.


Rating: 8.5/10


Videos:
The Fever And The Sound
Black Crosses
Ghetto Heater
Jack Knife

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