Stretch Arm Strong - Engage

South Carolina natives Stretch Arm Strong are back with their follow up to 2001's A Revolution Transmission. The posi-hardcore quintet (that would be "positive hardcore") has been around since '94, and have made quite a big name for themselves, and a lasting impression on the hardcore scene. While songs such as "We Bleed" and "Raise Your Fist" are both extremely energetic, and typical of the band, the singing on "Rising Again" just kind of kills the mood for the song. "Miles Apart" comes out of nowhere - almost as if it's Stretch Arm Strong doing pop punk?! You could say touring with Good Charlotte and New Found Glory really rubbed off on them. "Devil Shoots Devil" is pretty... well, generic. "Black Clouds" is a song I could imagine the Bouncing Souls doing... if that's possible. The rest of the disc is typical of the band - the typically uplifting lyrics, but just all too familiar sounding. The depth of earlier work doesn't manage to grace Engage. The guitar work all feels recycled, and singer Chris McLane's trademark bellowing doesn't come off as well. And just to put one last nail in the Engage coffin, the band even tops off the record with a less-than-entertaining take on NWA's "Express Yourself". Hopefully this review reveals a less-than-excited outlook on the album, so take heed and steer clear of Engage until you've heard the band's older, much better material. On the other hand, if you're a newbie to hardcore, this album could open the doors to an incredible genre and culture. As for everyone else, we're just hoping that next time Stretch Arm Strong can bring something a bit more engaging. Well ...I thought it was funny. [www.stretcharmstrong.net]