String Quartet Tribute to Switchfoot appears on the heels of the San Diego group's mainstream breakthrough, 2003's Beautiful Letdown. While
Switchfoot itself plays brash post-grunge guitar work off meaningful lyrics and soaring choruses; these instrumental versions feature a lead violin and a supporting cast of strings augmented by percussion elements and keyboards. "Love Is the Movement," "Let That Be Enough," and "Sharing of Trees" are mostly just strings, following the lead of the other titles in this long-running series from Vitamin. But
Switchfoot hits like "Meant to Live" and "Dare You to Move," as well as "Economy of Mercy" and "Learning to Breathe," all include additional percussion clicks and filled-out backgrounds. The songs falter a little without vocals. But
String Quartet Tribute to Switchfoot might offer die-hard fans of the band an interesting listen. ~ Johnny Loftus