Stretch Arm Strong (three words, not two), hardcore punk underground band from Columbia, South Carolina, is back with its familiar style, but A Revolution Transmission is a slightly more versatile musical departure from their last two full-length projects, Rituals of Life and Compassion Fills the Void.
The guys include their true-to-form, familiar, welcome-to-the-mosh-pit configuration with very up-tempo kick-off songs, "For the Record" and "Positive Aspects of Negativity," but right off the bat, something's changed. The production values are definitely improved in that Chris McLane's vocals are up in the mix and are now more clear and crisp (maybe I'm getting younger or just more in touch with Stretch). A clear standout song from this collection is "Positive Aspects of Negativity," which deals simply with a light in the darkness. Along the same lines and equally outstanding are "For the Record," "Still Believe, Part II," and "Worst Case Scenario." All four songs are incredibly focused performances, as guitarists David Sease and Scott Dempsey work very tightly with bassist Jeremy Jeffers and drummer John Barry. For the most part, this project sticks together like glue.
Of A Revolution Transmission, McLane notes, "I think this is our best record because of the amount of time we put into each song... The songs, for the most part, are all very energetic and dynamic."
McLane is correct; however, some of this project doesn't hold together as well as it could. Both "Take Back Control" and "When Words Escape" are excellent ideas but aren't quite as solid as the more outstanding tunes. The band's clear goal was to assemble a project that is consistent throughout, and the formula is close, very close.
There's another "stretch" that makes this project interesting and unique. "The Truth About Iowa" includes barely-noticeable strings (why did they do this?). "Dreams Away" and "When Words Escape" are quite a departure from the band's punk sound, as the tempo varies in the midst of the band's highly-pumped tempo; the variation works for the former but not for the latter, from which the title of this project derives. Stretch also received vocal support from Mike Ski, lead vocalist for Brother's Keeper (the Erie, PA hardcore band from Trustkill Records, not the boy band), who sings alongside McLane on "Kill the Light." Ski repays the favor for McLane and Sease's participation on Brother's Keeper's latest project.
Stretch Arm Strong has indeed transcended to a new level with A Revolution Transmission, as it is clearly evident that the band did take much time to put more than a spit-polish on these songs. I see perfection in store for Stretch, and they're almost there with this recording. If you have heard of Stretch Arm Strong and like their music, get a copy of A Revolution Transmission, as it's a fascinating listen!
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Nate BaileyThis is Stretch Arm Strong's third full-length release. They have gained a massive following of devoted fans through their intense live shows with bands such as The Hope Conspiracy and Brother's Keeper. "A Revolution Transmission" is everything you expect from SAS and more. Building on their traditional foundation they have added a more musical and mature sound. There are more harmonies, more…Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Travis PersaudThis is Stretch Arm Strong's third full-length release. They have gained a massive following of devoted fans through their intense live shows with bands such as The Hope Conspiracy and Brother's Keeper. This is one of the best and purest "hardcore" albums I've heard in a long while. Stretch Arm Strong is one of those unique bands that are able to have insanely intense and aggressive songs, and…Art for the Ears 2001Reviewed by Marco PovervestThe third full length album from the guys of Stretch Arm Strong rotates in my CD-player. The band was started back in 1993 and after eight years they prove to be standard-bearers for the hardcore scene. Their music seems to be the perfect blend of emotion, melody and sheer power. It's energetic hardcore with loud screaming vocals, gang vocals, and with a punk rock attitude to it. A Revolution…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Josh SpencerMore of the same creative juxtaposition of hardcore with indie rock and a pinch of metal, though perhaps not as fresh or as aggressive as their Solid State debut (they had an earlier independent release also). The songs might be more diverse, with more actual singing and even some piano, but it's not different enough to turn off old fans or bring in new ones. Their most compelling moments are…Similar sounding releases
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