Strung Out - An American Paradox (Cover Artwork)

Strung Out

An American Paradox (2002)

Fat Wreck Chords


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)