The "String Quartet" of American Idiot features renditions of the complete album replacing the sound of full electric guitars and solid drums with the violin, viola, cello and double bass. I can't imagine a more niche audience for target audience, Green Day fans who also enjoy stringed arrangements? I don't doubt there's an audience for it, and after having the chance to listen to it, I don't think it'll disappoint those who already have a taste for the style.

Lets not make a mistake, it's only Green Day in melody. As I write this, Homecoming is on in the background, there's a certain tranquility in hearing Green Day's music represented through the quartet. It's also a bit surreal that even though you can hear the melody and sing the words in your head, the music still sounds like a cross between classical and country. Some songs feel like theme music for a tv show. I'm not gonna lie, it's a bit weird picturing some western chase scene with "St. Jimmy" in the background. Their renditions of "Wake Me Up" and "Give Me Novacaine" fit so well with this style that you'll notice them stand out on their own.

If you're the type of fan that feels Green Day's music should never be touched, you might find this sacrilegious. If you're open to listening to some different variations, and especially if you already have a taste for stringed instruments, you'll enjoy this.

More Details Available At:
- Vitamin Records
- String Quartet Website

Preview: Wake Me Up When September Ends


Performed By:
Violins - Jean Sudbury
Viola - Yevgen Stupka
Cello - Vahan Karapetian
Double bass - Paul Reznik
Produced/Arranged/Recorded by Sasha Ivanoc at Xact Sound Productions