The Pacific Ocean, sunshine, warm weather, sitting at the beach, spending time with friends, laughing, feeling joy, eating tacos, baseball, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Disneyland. All of these come to mind when thinking about the state of California. This is probably what you’re thinking about at this moment, right?
Who are you kidding? You know why you’re here. Okay, maybe all of us are thinking about tacos. Who doesn’t love tacos? Before you make that taco run, you’re going to need some mood music. There is no better band out there to get the blood flowing at any time of day than skate punk legends Strung Out. That’s right, legends. We know music is subjective, and everyone is entitled to their opinions, but knowing what this band has done for the genre, the scene, and the fans it is only fair to hold them among the best to rock a stage.
Strung Out is a five-piece melodic skate punk band from Simi Valley, California that has been busting ear drums and raising fists since 1989. They are more than just a melodic skate punk band, also mixing elements of heavy metal and progressive rock. Combining punk, metal and progressive rock has built a style for Strung Out resulting in a very diverse and appreciative fan base.
One of the very first bands to ever sign with the label Fat Wreck Chords, Strung Out has released nine albums and three EPs. Twisted by Design, Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues, An American Paradox and Exile in Oblivion are just a few of the albums the band has released that are classics in their own right. These albums showcase the melodic sound, fast guitars, relatable lyrics, and the passion the band emulates.
2024 begins a new chapter for Strung Out. The band is set to release their tenth studio album Dead Rebellion on April 5 via Fat Wreck Chords. This will be the first album with Daniel Blume on drums. Blume has filled in for Strung Out in the past but is now a full-time member of the band.
Dead Rebellion opens with the track “Future Ghosts,” boasting pounding drums and heavy hitting guitar riffs. The song as a whole seems to be a different approach musically for the band, mid-tempo and not as fast-paced but still melodic and aggressive. This is a great way to start an album. Show us something a little different but remind us why you kick ass. “Signal Fires” picks up the pace a bit, flashing those fast guitars and snarl from singer Jason Cruz. This is a standout track and will sound excellent live. The third track “New Gods” was released as a single on February 14, along with a music video, and this track gives off the vibes of a radio single. The lyrics are catchy, and fans will sing along at the band’s upcoming live shows. Here’s another example of Jason Cruz’ howling vocals and the pulsating guitar riffs presented by Jake Kiley and Rob Ramos.
“Life You Bleed” seems to embrace more of the melodic sound of the band. Slower in tempo and lyrics sung out this time more than shouted. “Nobody here is getting it right, everybody is losing the fight,” proclaims Cruz, referring to the current divisive state of society. “Veronica’s Song” almost sounds like it could have been made in the late 1990s but at the same time it is very much a Strung Out track.
There are many reasons to be excited about this album. The band continues to do what they always have done with their music, relay a message and hype up a crowd. While some of the tracks on this album may feel or sound different compared to the band’s previous work, the elements of the album are essentially the same. You still hear the melody; still feel those heavy and fast paced guitars and you’re still going to want to rock out while listening to Dead Rebellion.
This is a quote from Singer Jason Cruz when he was talking about the album title (note this is from source Fat Wreck Chords), “At the end of the day, when the lights go out, we all want the same thing. And that’s where the title Dead Rebellion came from – like, we got so far and here we are right back again, just fragmented and at each other’s throats constantly.”
Strung Out will be starting a nationwide tour with The Casualties and The Venomous Pinks starting April 17. For more information, click here. You can order the new album Dead Rebellion via Fat Wreck Chords by clicking here.