Scott Weber
11/21/05, 05:17 PM
Strung Out – Exile in Oblivion
Release Date: November 2, 2004
Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Strung Out has returned with yet another release on Fat Wreck Cords. Exile in Oblivion is arguably Strung Out’s hardest release to date. Breakneck riffs and sharp melodies guide the listener through a musical journey. At times the CD gives off an early Thrice vibe with long metal riffs and aggressive vocals. The album begins hard and fast and reaches full momentum by the second track “Blueprint of the Fall”. This song features classic punk drumming and stellar guitar work. The song is full of great solos and riffs while the drums remain fairly steady and basic. The remainder of the album continues in much of the same fashion – each song has great riffs to balance super catchy hooks. The best track is “No Voice of Mine”. This song busts sick riffs that run straight through the song, completed by snappy drumming and a great melody. The vocals become a little monotonous at times as there is little variation, every chorus has a strained sound that sounds forced. These forced vocals are then backed by even more group vocals cries, and it just begins to run together after the first half of the album.
One thing that Strung Out does extremely well is write energetic music. Virtually every single song on this CD is full of life, the breakdowns and choruses just jump out at you. Never has a band played frantic music in such a controlled fashion. That being said, the vocals really began to wear on me after a while. They simply just all sounded the same after about the fifth song. On the other hand, the instrumentation and energy kept the album enjoyable to the very last track. Fans of Thrice’s Identity Crisis and Illusion of Safety will probably really enjoy this CD. Exile in Oblivion is Strung Out’s strongest work yet.
Release Date: November 2, 2004
Record Label: Fat Wreck Chords
Strung Out has returned with yet another release on Fat Wreck Cords. Exile in Oblivion is arguably Strung Out’s hardest release to date. Breakneck riffs and sharp melodies guide the listener through a musical journey. At times the CD gives off an early Thrice vibe with long metal riffs and aggressive vocals. The album begins hard and fast and reaches full momentum by the second track “Blueprint of the Fall”. This song features classic punk drumming and stellar guitar work. The song is full of great solos and riffs while the drums remain fairly steady and basic. The remainder of the album continues in much of the same fashion – each song has great riffs to balance super catchy hooks. The best track is “No Voice of Mine”. This song busts sick riffs that run straight through the song, completed by snappy drumming and a great melody. The vocals become a little monotonous at times as there is little variation, every chorus has a strained sound that sounds forced. These forced vocals are then backed by even more group vocals cries, and it just begins to run together after the first half of the album.
One thing that Strung Out does extremely well is write energetic music. Virtually every single song on this CD is full of life, the breakdowns and choruses just jump out at you. Never has a band played frantic music in such a controlled fashion. That being said, the vocals really began to wear on me after a while. They simply just all sounded the same after about the fifth song. On the other hand, the instrumentation and energy kept the album enjoyable to the very last track. Fans of Thrice’s Identity Crisis and Illusion of Safety will probably really enjoy this CD. Exile in Oblivion is Strung Out’s strongest work yet.