Album Review: Strung Out - 'Blackhawks Over Los Angeles'

Strung Out have been one of the

stalwarts of the Fat Wreck Chords family for more than a decade, and

with their seventh record under their belt, they don’t look like slowing

down any time soon. 

Blackhawks Over Los Angeles is

something of a return to the traditional Strung Out sound. Their last

couple of records have had more of a metallic edge and while the band

has always had metal influenced guitar parts, the melodic punk that

Strung Out build their name around was somewhat lacking. 

Opening with an acoustic guitar

passage which has an almost Latin feel was something I wasn’t expecting,

but the title track is classic Strung Out – complete with instantly

catchy vocals and guitar solos. “All The Nations” is another track

that is going to be a live favourite with its sing-a-long chorus.

Although the album loses some

of its punch in the mid section, “Downtown” is one of the strongest

songs that the band has produced in years.  

While “Blackhawks Over Los Angeles”

isn’t as instantly classic as “Twisted By Design” or “Suburban

Teenage Wasteland Blues”, it is most definitely a return to form for

Strung Out. I’m looking forward to hearing these tracks live!

1. Calling
2. Blackhawks Over Los

   Angeles

3. Party In The Hills
4. All The Nations
5. A War Called Home
6. Letter Home
7. Orchid
8. Dirty L