Media Review

Strike Anywhere

Dead FM (CD)

Fat
website | mySpace | pureVolume

Overall Rating:

8.0

Music Quality: 8.5

Production: 8.0

Originality: 7.0

I can’t say that I have been a longtime fan of Strike Anywhere like a good majority of fans can. The truth is that I actually only got into the band because of their previous release, Exit English, which was put out on Jade Tree Records. Immediately something clicked; I couldn’t believe what I was missing. With powerful energy and melodic anthems, Strike Anywhere had won my heart over.
Fast forward to now, where the band finally signs with Fat Wreck, a label that can cater to their sound. With Brian McTernan (Thrice, Moments in Grace, Hot Water Music) producing, this release could definitely go either way as far as good or bad is concerned.
I suppose one thing you can always count on with Strike Anywhere is their ability to get you immediately excited when an album starts. From the beginning, you immediately know what you are in for. While it’s mostly more of the same from the band, it’s not a bad thing when it comes to a band like Strike Anywhere.
Standout songs like the introduction ‘Sedation’ and ‘Allies’ both start out with screams for help but turn out to have a completely different tone and melody. Perhaps one of my favorite songs, ‘How To Pray’ contains an energetic drumbeat and has one of the most powerful choruses in a Strike Anywhere song to date.
It’s amazing to see a band like Strike Anywhere grow and progress. Exit English seemed like an album where they were learning to find out what worked for them and with Dead FM, it seems like they finally found it. Strike Anywhere continues to prove the fact that they are one of the best in their genre and that they aren’t stopping anytime soon. I would recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of Rise Against or any previous Strike Anywhere fans.

reviewed by Dave Giumara