Originally published in Verbicide issue #6

First off, I have to say that I am getting real tired of melodic, emo, punk rock. But these dudes are actually good. In fact, I think they are incredible. They are emotional, yet aggressive, technical and talented; whiny yet bearable. These boys Southern California successfully fuse punk, metal, and progressive rock to form the most entertaining and pleasing albums I have heard in years. An American Paradox, Strung Out’s fourth album released in eight years, consists of a complex mess of layered guitar tracks, crushing percussion, and well thought-out lyrics. With this release, Strung Out has surely secured itself as one of the better up-and-coming punk rock bands.

(Fat Wreck Chords, PO Box 193690, San Francisco, CA 94119)