Customer Reviews

Exit English

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Upon listening to Exit English, the thing that sticks out most to long time fans is the rather dramatic slowing down of their sound. This is a well worn path by myriad hardcore bands before them but it always stings a little when you hear a band start to sound "mature". You want a hardcore band to be a hardcore band otherwise you'd put a different record on but before you write these guys off as a flash in the pan hear me out.

It's clear on this album and their debut record that these guys are talented musicians. As in the past, the songs on here are tight as hell but what's clear on this record is that they can write compelling melodic riffs with the best of them. They also employ a slightly different tack than a lot of melodic hardcore bands. Rather than try to add melody to the speedier parts they tend to keep them fairly distinct. So you'll hear the blazing double time riffs segue into a slower, more melodic part or they'll start a song with a slower tempo only to bust out the four to the floor hardcore. This is an interesting approach as it keeps a clearer tie to their previous work but allows them to expand the songs with new melodic elements.

The other area they've also added more melody is in the vocals department. They don't pull this off quite as well because this guy is really a screamer at heart which is probably why he joined a hardcore band to begin with. At slower speeds he's really missing the passion and anger that turn many of their faster songs from good to great. This is probably the biggest drawback of this record as opposed to their last record but it's not a show stopper in my book.

While I prefer their speedier cuts, I can't deny that some of the more melodic parts are not extremely effective. You can see this most clearly on their opening combo cut "Amplify"/"Blaze", and later songs like "Aluminum Union"; and "Extinguish". The melodic parts ultimately made these better songs than they would have been had they relied solely on their previous songwriting approach. So while I do mourn the loss of their undiluted hardcore attack I have to admit that these set of songs are more unique, better written and will probably outshine their debut as time goes on.

I'm assuming this more accessible approach has made this band blacklisted by some people in the hardcore scene but I think these guys have the talent and songwriting chops to continue successfully down this path.

Check out more reviews at ohboydestroy.

Just like their fellow Richmond, VA (RVA) peers AVAIL, STRIKE ANYWHERE improves with each release, though improvement wasn't all that necessary. "Exit English" is the follow-up to 2000's "Change Is A Sound." Where that album revolutionized melodic hardcore, "Exit English" re-revolutionize taking the band to all new territory. When singer Thoms Barnett sings "we go go out in a blaze" on the opening track "We Amplify", the band has you locked in and tuned to the album. "Exit English" can best be described as a survival guide to the coptic times of the George W. Bush era. "To The World" is the albums standout track that forces you to pay attention to the message in the song. Strike Anywhere exemplifies life in RVA and the mad world we live in today, making "Exit English" feel therapeutic, chilling, and at it's best moments inspiring. The definite hardcore masterpiece of 2003, destined to be a classic! ...

When i first heard their first album i thought it was one of the greatest albums in the punk scene. When i heard about Strike Anywhere's new release "Exit English," i did not think they could top their first, but i was wrong. "Exit English" is filled with emotion and its heartfelt, two of the crucial elements that a lot of other bands lack. I've not only heard this in their records, but also in live shows, it is an amazing experiance. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend you buy this "Exit English," i'm sure you wont regret it, you will be filled with energy listening to their hardcore style and their intake on political views through their wonderful lyrics. Again, i stronly recommend buying this album. KEEP ON ROCKING PUNKS.!

Just nothing special about this album. Good effort, but honestly can't say i can recommend this.

If you are a hardcore fan don't be disturbed by the more melodic emeregence in this album. The music is still aggressive, driven behind a tigh rhythm section and the vocals have not 'weakend'. If anything the emotion is more expressive and urgent. Reminds the listener of Good Riddance, Stretch Armstrong, Sick of it All, old 7 seconds. This album won't allow you to keep your ass glued to the floor, you will be up and rockin'.

Strike Anywhere sound great! They are smooth and have a certain punk feeling to them. They really can't be centered in one catagory because they have so many influences. Rise Against influences are prevalent on this CD and I think that's why I love it.

"To the World" is an awesome song that gives you an adrenaline boost. It's a fight type song that hits close to home. Strike Anywhere have done a good job at not sounding the same on every track.

Pick up this CD. I believe it shows the true world that we live in while having you sing along long after you listen to it.

Yep, I have to agree with everyone else. This album appears to be flawless. The very first time that I heard Amplified, I got chills. I love that. Every song has a nice little catch too it and they're all full of power. If you like Thursday, Stretch Arm Strong, or Rise Against, EXIT ENGLISH needs a place on your shelf. I guarantee head banging from the beginning.

this band is very good. i listen to anything from metal, screamo, to punk and emo. SO this band is awesome. they remind me of rise against which is the best punk band ever. The singer has a raspie voice but sounds good for this. the drummer is very talented, i enjoy drumming along to this. i reccomend this to any punk fan. I also strongly reccomend rise against

Strike Anywhere is one of the few political bands who will never sellout and will always create the best music that everyone should hear. I have been extremely fortunate to see them live and their honesty in their shows backs up their honesty in their music. Exit English is an amazing sophmore release from the best band on the music scene. I highly recommend this album to anyone. It's hard enough for hard-core music fans, but it has a little poppy edge that allows anyone to enjoy it. Buy this album and Change is a Sound and you will not ever regret it. The best songs on the album are:
Infared: 'The symptoms of the world gone mad, the world's lies, the masses cry, childrens' lives spent sewing up our cheap disguise.' That one line gives me chills everytime I hear it.
To the World: 'Brothers in spirit, sisters in rage, will we live our lives in this concrete cage?...I pledge allegiance to the world, searching for vision, not invisibility.'
Anyway, buy this album, check out their web page, exitenglish.com and go vegan!

I was quite shocked upon surveying the other reviews on this page to find that a few people had given this album only 4 stars. To me, this album deserves 5 stars, hands down! From beginning to end, this album delivers some of the most catchy and relentless hardcore punk out there. From the depths of Thomas' raspy voice comes addicting yet simple chants along with throaty screams and touching, heartfelt melodies. From their worldly & political lyrics to their driving musicianship, this album lacks next to nothing. The drums play a major part in keeping the song going and Eric does a great job. My favorite track is "Til Days Shall Be No More". It is the final track on the album and I think they couldn't have ended it much better. It starts off with an aggressive feel which continues throughout most of the song. Then it goes into one of the most amazing breakdowns I have ever heard. Towards the end, the overall feel of the song begins to slow and Thomas' voice takes the wheel. The song ends with Thomas holding the words "Our illusion..." and a series of well-placed crescendos and decrescendos of the final chord are heard.

But moving on from that, every track on the album is nothing less than a 4/5. Great album. Go buy it. End of story.