A great tribute to a great album
Jake A. Ryder | IA, USA | 12/01/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For those fans of the first album in System of a Down's two-disc offering, "Mesmerize", who are unsure whether or not to pick up this tribute, set your worries aside. The String Quartet are professionals when it comes to setting your favorite rock band to strings. From Metallica, to New Order, and Queens of the Stone Age, if they're popular, the String Quartet has probably paid tribute.
It is very rare, however, that the String Quartet focus their energy on one single album from an artist, which makes this an incredible honor for any band who is so honored. If you don't think those crunchy, driving guitar riffs can be captured in the strings of these instruments, think again.
"Soldier Side" brings us fluttering into the upcoming classical feat, and then immediately shoves us headfirst into the moshpit that is "B.Y.O.B". The opening riff is incredible here, but unfortunately the string representing the wild vocals of Serj in this track misfire here and there, making it a little tough to listen to. The Quartet also missteps into Daron's breakdown in the track, making it a hard one to recommend to System listeners.
"Revenga" is next, and the Quartet is given a chance to move down in pace a little bit, and they easily catch up and lay it on our ears. They can keep pace with Serj's rapid-fire vocals in this tune, as they will later in the album, and the galloping riff in this song flies off the strings with ease.
"Cigaro" is another song that is tough to pay tribute to in string form, but it is certainly a better effort than "B.Y.O.B." in that respect. "Radio/Video" is without dispute one of the better tracks on this album, as the Quartet once again shows their prowess once the tracks slow down and focus more on the harmony of Daron and Serj. But there's no rest for the wicked, as they're immediately flung into "This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I'm on This Song," the first fast-paced song that they seem to be able to keep up with, and one that I have no doubt would be absolutely fascinating to see live.
Crossing into the second half of the album with "Violent Pornography," which was my favorite track from Mesmerize, gliding softly into the harsh strings of the verses and the chorus and once again showing that they can pull off some fast-paced songs every now and then. "Question!" manages to be well-known for the same thing in its original and string form--the rocket-fire ending for the song is incredibly well done. "Sad Statue," one of the few filler tracks on Mesmerize or Hypnotize is a worthy tribute but one that will be easily overlooked for the next two songs.
"Old School Hollywood" and its synth line posed a strong challenge for the String Quartet, but one they took head on. Nevermind the crazy vocals of Daron turned into frantic whines, and the song is just done to a T, as it will certainly be a treat for those that might have been lulled into a false sense of security by the easier-going tracks before this.
"Lost In Hollywood," unfortunately, doesn't translate well to strings, as it's better to experience Daron's vocals in the original, but you can't have a tribute album without that song.
Bottom line: A few misfires early are made up in the middle of the album, as the Quartet finds its swing quickly, plowing through songs in the manner that would make System of a Down proud. Unfortunately, some of these songs were just unnecessary in the sense that they could've been left off in favor of making a System of a Down compilation. But again, you can't have a tribute to an album and leave tracks off, so kudos to the Quartet for trying to make it all come together.
Very recommended buy for those obsessed with System of a Down and/or classical music, otherwise downloading a few of the key tracks like "Violent Pornography" and "Old School Hollywood" off iTunes might be enough to satisfy your tastes."
Very interesting album
P. Trahan | 10/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's amazing how such heavy rock songs can sound so good played by a string quartet. I wish it had been played by a full symphonic orchestra but a quartet is still good enough.
And being a huge fan of System of a Down, I am very picky. Some songs even sound like Bela Bartok (i.e. Sad statue). SOAD could easily rival with any contemporary classical composer. The songs, played in a classical style reveals all the complexity and melodic ingenuity that might not have been noticed by the "non-fan". You won't be disapointed.
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1