Search - Strung Out :: An American Paradox

Not their best, but it still delivers

Alucard | NY | 04/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Strung Out is a huge name in the punk scene. These guys have been around for a long time now, and each time, they deliver album after album of solid punk tunes. They also feature one of the most talented drummers in the punk scene as well. Out of all their great discs, I'd say their best are "Twisted By Design" and the "Sonic Defiance" EP. Both those cds show the best of what Strung Out are able to do. Being a fan before this release, I can say I was egarly anticipating this one. When It came out, I snatched it up, put it into my player, and cranked up the volume. With "An American Paradox", Strung Out continues everything that they have been doing. Solid punk tunes with heavy guitar riffs, fast druming and throaty vocals. This is not really a bad thing, but more is a bit of a repetitive thing. There's not much variation in this release then in their others. If you were looking to see Strung Out enter a new direction with this cd, you'll be a bit disapointed, but if you like Strung Out just the way they are and never want them to change, you'll be sure to love this disc, as it is a good one.My favorite track would probably be "Lubricating the Revolution". This is Strung Out at their finest, its fast, its heavy and it has a very cool guitar solo in the middle. My other favorites are "Velvet Alley", "Alien Amplifier", "The Kids", "Unkoil", "Razor Sex" and the six minute ballad, "Cemetary". However, this is a Strung Out cd, and like all their others, its solid all the way through. While it isn't my favorite Strung Out cd, its another solid addition to thier name. If you are a fan of them, you probably have this already, but even if you aren't a fan, you should give a listen as well."

Come on, people

James | South Salem, NY United States | 11/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After a few reviews on this CD, I had to react. It seems that some people are really hung up on the whole "punk" image and the idea that a band that starts off in the punk scene has to stay there until their career ends. That's ridiculous- punk music, while having its relevance in our world, is not the entire world. Today, in fact, punk possesses as much potential to affect popular culture in a radical and political fashion as fishnet stockings. There is nothing punk about fast music and anti-establishment lyrics anymore. The syle of music we call punk has evolved from the Ramones and Sex Pistols and taken influence from pop culture to become just another social group or a different section on the music lover's CD rack. Sure, some kids hang on to the music because it's "all they have" to get them through the day, but underground hip-hop possesses the same power. People shouldn't bash Strung Out because they play metal and punk-influenced rock, nor should they find it a shortcoming that the band isn't "punk as ..." This CD is more composed than the last few and tracks like "the contender" and "satellite" have the power to move the listener to take charge of the day or to call that person who they miss and tell them that they meant something to them. And it rocks out on many parts as well! Over all, don't look at a good rock CD and judge it as something it isn't. It's music (independent music to boot!), it's the reflection of the band, how they feel inside. How can you say it's brainless?"

4 1/2 stars....not perfect, but close

fenixmxpx | NJ | 06/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm going to agree with the majority and say that "American Paradox" was not a logical step in the right direction as far as musical progression is concerned. This CD would fit in much better, had it been released after "Twisted By Design". The CD doesn't possess the darker side to Strung Out that was shown in "The Elements of Sonic Defiance", but it is every bit as good. The album starts out with "Velvet Alley", which is one of, if not THE BEST song Strung Out has ever done. This song is so killer it's unbelieveable. It gets things started on the right note, but then "Kill Your Scene" starts. This song is very weak, and it is a shame to kill a moment started by "Velvet Alley" like that. Unfortunately, "Alien Amplifier" isn't much better, and I almost died when I heard the keyboards come in. Did Strung Out lose a bet or something? I don't think we want to know. Luckily, the next three songs are all great, and they are all more-rock-less-pop songs. "Lubricating The Revolution" stands out because of its killer guitar solo at the end. "Unkoil" is weak and drawn-out, but "Contender" and "Satellite" (both poppy songs) are awesome. "Contender" has a great solo as well, and "Satellite" has some great guitar parts on it as well. "An American Paradox" is saved by its melodic breakdown, "Dig" is filler, and "Razor Sex" blew me away. It is incredibly fast, and reminiscent of "Ice Burn" from "Twisted By Design". It also has the heaviest breakdown Strung Out has ever done. "Cemetary" closes the album out (unless you got the bonus track, "Don't Look Back"). This song is awesome, albeit a little made-for-radio-play. The bonus track, if you got it, has some great guitar work on it as well (and anotehr killer solo!). As far as the complaints I have go, there are a few disappointing tracks on here, and Jason Cruz's once-stellar voice is pretty bland on this CD. Sometimes, it sounds like he is even out of tune. But aside from that, pick this album up. It is one of my top 10 CDs for 2002."