Concert Review: Strung Out at the Record Bar

Strung Out

Better Than: Warped Tour in a dusty parking lot.

By ANDREW MILLER

Strung Out has flirted with different approaches over the past decade and a half, ranging from melodic emoting to rapid-fire thrash metal to harmonic high-speed pop punk. But while this experimentation makes its albums distinguishable, the diversity all but vanishes during its concerts, which become a blur of galloping drumbeats and quick-chugging riffs. It’s a common problem for bands within the genre: Groups such as NOFX and the Vandals stave off sonic monotony with frequent breaks for witty banter. Strung Out didn’t flash enough personality to sustain momentum through a sixteen-song set.