Arguably the best punk release of 2007. Allusions to elements from An American Paradox and Exile In Oblivion are definitely heard, yet Strung Out accentuate their trademark sound to a model of consistency. Vocalist Jason Cruz delivers a near-flawless performance, guitarists Jake Kiley and Rob Ramos showcase their eye for technicality and melody with their wide variety of crushing riffs, soaring leads, and knack for harmony, and drummer Jordan Burns and bassist Chris Aikens are, as expected, superb as the quintet's rhythm section. Burns, in particular, shines with his precision and expression on the kit. Blackhawks Over Los Angeles is a culturally and socially-aware album that sees Cruz tackle an array of topics, from near-apocalyptic imagery in California ("Blackhawks Over Los Angeles," and, on a national level, "A War Called Home") to a prisoner trying to reach the outside world to no avail ("I sold my voice to pay for my security / Now I write my sentence on its walls / I'm calling, is anybody else out there? / Is anybody tuning in?, as heard in "Calling") to downright determination and perseverance in the face of adversity ("All the Nations," one of the many album highlights, and "Mission Statement"). Sure, this album may not break any new ground in the genre, but its cohesion, catchiness, and consistency make this album one of the best releases of 2007, if not the best punk release of the year.
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