One of the more recognized Californian punk rock bands out there, Strung Out, has just released Blackhawks Over Los Angeles. Known for being one of the first bands to sign to Fat Wreck Chords, Strung Out continues their path with the anti-everything corporate record label and has released this album with them once again. This is their seventh full release album to date.
Next to Bad Religion this is one of my most personal anticipated releases of the summer. I have waited a solid two years for Strung Out to crank out new material and I must say the wait is well worth it. They are more of a technical punk rock band as opposed to a lot of their label mates. Each of their songs sounds like they took their time creating it. They are almost sometimes more rock than punk on certain songs but all in all their approach is truly unique. If you were a fan of Exile In Oblivion then you are in for a treat.
From the second the CD started, my attention was captured. The country western introduction to “Calling,” the first single off the twelve track album, quickly changes tempo and out comes the Stung Out punk rock I have been craving. The dual guitar solos and the vocals make this one of my favorite cuts off this album.
“Party In The Hills” reminds me a lot of their previous release Exile In Oblivion with the guitar riffs and vocal style. I can easily see this song speaking of chilling out on the party scene getting a lot of play. Another track that I am already singing along to is “All The Nations” an almost celebration of the world and unity. Did I mention that I like the guitars a lot on this CD?
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