Not yet initiated with Stretch Arm Strong? Quick history lesson for you then. SA usually reside in South Carolina and they play a kind of gritty melodic hardcore that brings round the best bits of Sick Of It All and gives it a 21st Century kick in the bum. Renowned for their friendly nature, two of the band even work as teachers during their off-time. If that’s not punk, I don’t know what is. Anyway, new record ‘Engage’ is out now and has been getting plenty of plaudits across the globe, and to be fair it’s not too difficult to see why. There’s energy and emotion in abundance, the hardcore parts rock hard while the more melodic bits add a subtlety that seems to be missing in hardcore nowadays, where bands concentrate on creating too much power. SA tend to get the perfect balance, which, of course, means ‘Engage’ is an extremely listenable record and well worthy of your cash.
Opener ‘We Bleed’ showcases the shouty/singing style, but don’t worry, it’s far heavier than the post-hardcore/emo picture I’m probably painting. The breakdowns and dynamics are sweet too, throw in some gang-style vocals and a heavy-as-fuck guitar riff and you have the ingredients to a near-perfect beginning. ‘Raise Your Fist’ carries on these characteristics, upping the pace a notch and even throwing in the odd well-placed guitar solo. ‘Rising Again’ is even heavier, the slow plodding riffs rumble along before breaking out at breakneck speed.
‘Miles Apart’ showcases the aforementioned melodic side without losing any of the power, it’s even reminiscent of Rancid if you listen closely. ‘Black Clouds’ is a personal favourite, certainly less in-your-face, the backing vocals really add an extra dimension which makes it stand out from some of the more aggressive tracks. There’s even a bass-led verse which leads into a shouty middle-eight. ‘Defect’ has an intro that comes across like a song Metallica left on the cutting room floor, before the feedback reveals a shouty hardcore effort that cuts and bites. Of course it’s not all good, ‘Perception Of Energy’ is a weaker track because it doesn’t stand out from the pack at all and pays a liitle too much of a homage to some of the band’s peers. Still, one distinctly average song and 10 good one’s makes a good listen in my eyes. Not sure what to make of the closing ‘Express Yourself’ – a track which dabbles in rap, and the (c)rap end at that.
Solid State have a beauty of a record and on the face of this work, a cracking band on their roster too. With a UK tour including dates with Rancid in the offing, their popularity looks set to grow even more. Ones to keep a close eye on.
www.stretcharmstrong.net