STRETCH ARMSTRONG
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"Engage" is Stretch Armstrong's fourth CD and, as the South Carolina hardcore troupe have toured with acts as varied as Good Charlotte and Hatebreed, this latest release signals similar diversity and overall growth for the boys.
Employing here a more direct musical approach (that borders on MTV friendly punk rock) coupled with the band's cornerstone attitude of positivity "Engage" marks the band stepping into its own. Just check out the Snapcase-esque groove of "Rising Again" or the aggressive madness of "Devil Shoots Devil" as proof that Stretch Armstrong have moved on up to the next level, where bands find both themselves and their audience in accordance with the music and, indeed, their own individuality.
Displaying the perfect mixture of what's hot both on the radio and in the underground, Stretch Armstrong's "Engage" showcases a group poised on the verge of bigger things.
For more information, check out http://www.stretcharmstrong.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 01 Apr 2024 11:14:15 -0500.
