SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FAT MIKE – GETS STRUNG OUT

FAT MIKE
GETS STRUNG OUT
FAT WRECK CHORDS

Amidst NOFX’s final tour, Fat Mike has contributed something a bit unexpected to his impressive discography. Fat Mike Gets Strung Out is a completely instrumental reimagining of NOFX songs. The instruments featured here are a little different from what fans are used to; instead of distorted guitars and wild drums, it’s violins, cellos, piano, and even a harpsichord.

“I wanted to hear every note in its purest form,” Fat Mike explains. Friend and collaborator Bastien “BAZ” Brisson helped him achieve this, as the two worked together in the studio to get every note perfect before the album was recorded by professional classical musicians. “I wanted to make something that would be liked by more than just punk fans.”

Punks should be intrigued nonetheless, as the album might inspire existing NOFX fans to expand their musical horizons if they’re so inclined. It’s interesting to revisit classics like 1997’s “The Desperation’s Gone” with xylophone and double bass, or 2000’s “Total Bummer”, which is a totally beautiful bummer as one of the most melancholy on the record.

Musically, the strings offer something emotional and visceral that might get lost in the original recordings. It’s easy to immerse oneself into the music without the distraction of lyrics and focus attention on the fact that even a notorious punk band like NOFX has impressive songwriting ability.

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