Agents of the Underground by Strung out to be released tomorrow

September 28, 12:31 PMBaltimore Band ExaminerJeff Schad

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Agents of the Underground hits stores tomorrow

One of the many things that sets punk music apart is the DYI ethic and approach, which for a band like Strung Out, is part and parcel to their existence; it's simply how they do things.

Now, DYI is by no means a strange concept to the legions of punk bands toiling to make something of themselves, but it is great to see it carried through the success of a twenty year run, such as the one Strung Out has enjoyed. As they continue on in true punk fashion, they are poised to release Agents of the Underground tomorrow, September 29th.

Baltimore Band Examiner was able to get the album in advance and give it a few spins to see how Agents of the Underground stacks up to the band's earlier work.

The album kicks in fast and clean with the tightly wound "Black Crosses". The drumbeats implode on the intros to "Car Crash Radio" and "The Fever" and "The Sound" before smoothing into the more melodic "Heart Attack" and guitar driven "Vanity". The title track winds back and forth between the gutteral grunt- chanting and smooth style of lead, Jason Cruz to show how well he can mix approaches to great effect. "Dead Spaces" goes off in true late 80's/early 90's SoCal thrash fashion, harkening back to the band's early days. Agents of the Underground closes with "Andy Warhol", a more mature and grown up version of precision guitar, thick yet snappy drums and Cruz's excellent vocals.

20 years. All grown up and still DIY. So heavy an influence on many of today's contemporary punk, rock and metal bands. Strung Out has done it for that long by being diverse, fresh and yet still sticking strongly to their roots. I suppose that's why this is a strong album that backs off just the right amount to show even still new and evolving talent and relevance. Refreshing for any fan of older metal all the way through to the young generation that is interested in hearing the roots of their music.

Added Bonus! Click over to SurfRhythm.com to get two free MP3's from Agents of the Underground: "Black Crosses" and "Vanity". Also don't miss the CD listening party today Right Here at Spinner.