Engage
Stretch Arm Strong
Solid State Records

This the fourth release from Stretch Arm Strong , a band from South Carolina, on the Solid State Records label. With eleven tracks on the album it is an in your face style of rock with lyrics that talk about equality and looking inside yourself. The music is straight forward rock with some good drum and guitar work. The only thing lacking is the vocals on some of the tracks. The vocals on seven of the tracks were basically screaming in the same tone throughout the entire song, but on the rest of the tracks, the vocals were very clear and the lead singer showed a good vocal range. Overall musically and lyrically it is a very well done album including a very good track at the end of the album called "Express Yourself," which is a rock/rap style song and includes some sampling from a secular song. The concern I have with the album is the vocals on several of the tracks (just because to me it sounds like monotone screaming). One other bonus is that the CD has some extra features, which includes video of the band while on tour. But as always make your own opinion and check out their web site for samples www.stretcharmstrong.net.

- Nate D.