Strung Out – Live In A Dive

After jumping onto the scene 11 years ago, Strung Out have released a slew of CDs, EPs, LPs and even a couple 7″ here and there. One year ago they released “American Paradox” to great reviews. This year they bring us the fourth installment in Fat Wreck Chords‘ “Live In A Dive” series. 21 songs recorded over 2 days from a band who has toured the world, and this album shows you why they were able to do that.

The first track opens with the crowd cheering and screaming for the band, giving a feel for the atmosphere and the emotions in the pit. After a short drum rhythm they blast into the opener from their 98 release (“Twisted By Design”), “Too Close To See”. The track shows you what to expect from the rest of the album, high energy from the pit overpowered by a even more enthusiastic band playing their classics. The timing from one track to another is perfect, you don’t miss one single beat at all. Unfortunately, nearing the middle of the album it starts to get repetitive. You still get a nice feeling, but there’s nothing really special from track to track. But a the second night commences the excitement comes running back up at you once again and you get incredibly enthused.

As for the audio quality of this album, it is simply amazing. The vocals are constantly strong and powerful and everything they say is completely understandable. Even the shouts and backup vocals from the crowd are understandable. This is something rare to hear from a live album, or even at the actual show. The Chain Reaction in Anaheim does an amazing job at combining all the sounds produced from the quintet (and the crowd) into one perfect final product.

Overall, this album really demonstrates what an amazing show this band can put on; and is one all Strung Out fans should definitely own, but if you never liked Strung Out; this won’t change your mind.