Search - Strung Out :: Twisted By Design

A punk rock opus

Jeff Horwat | Boston, MA USA | 09/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a real and honestly beautiful work of art. The tracks take you on an the emotional trip through thoughts and feelings that are so real that they strike a nerve. The first song is almost an invocation to the muse of being twenty-something and confused. It then then travails through an analysis of one's mental state and interpersonal relationships, climactically ending with a break up ballad. This is truely one of the best punk rock concept albums since Husker Du's Zen Arcade."

Good punk record

Christopher R. Brown | F U, CT | 12/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard a lot of punk records from this period and i must say that this band is for real. I haven't heard any other of their releases, but this one is seriously one of the best punk records I have ever heard (I have an extensive backround in the roots of punk rock). This came out right before punk became "pop" which I have a feeling will never change in my lifetime, which is a shame because most of the kids who listen to "punk" these days don't have any clue what real punk rock is. This is the end of a dying generation, so get it while it is still available. For those of you who look for singles, in my opinion the first three tracks are worth the price of the cd alone and the last two tracks make this album unforgettable."

Totally awesome and flawless album

M A JONES | TENBURY WELLS, WORCS United Kingdom | 01/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Owning all of Strung Out's albums (all of which are good bordering on excellent) i can honestly say that TBD is the most complete and best of them all. It is in fact the finest example of fast/well consructed and brilliantly played punk music that is out there (with the drum work of Jordan just simply beyond compare or description--the man is the ultimate drummer EVER).As soon as the opening bars of Too Close To See burst from the speakers it is a real white knuckle adrenaline ride through all that makes Punk the greatest form of music out there---drumming that is totally phenomenal, searing dual guitar work, solid bass from the late great Jim Cherry, all topped off by the crisp/spot-on vocals of big Jason Cruz (a recipe that is without compare--with only prime-time Joey Cape inspired Lagwagon coming even close). Tracks; well every one has it's own merits but i would say that the opening three tracks are ballistic (Too close To See, Exhumation Of V.Madison & Deville), following up with the speedy/tightly melodic Crossroads and with the final two tracks(Just Like Me & Match Book) being the fitting finale to this absolute masterpiece of music. I have had this record for 3/4 years and it never stays off my stereo / car CD player for longer than about 2 weeks ( and i have a collection of 350/400 punk/metal albums to select from). If you havent got a Strung Out album i have 2 recommendations; 1) GET ONE NOW (they are the best band EVER); 2) Start with this one (ultimate punk CD) and follow up swiftly with Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues--which is almost as superb as TBD.

Just buy this record ASAP and pay homage to the gods of fast punk

(and then catch them live for the finest show you will see)-i can guarantee you won't be disappointed."