Yellowcard is probably the only pop-punk band in the world with a full-time violinist, but that doesn't help their music when all the instruments are stringed. The 12 songs on
String Quartet Tribute to Yellowcard are drawn mostly from the band's 2001 album One for the Kids and its hit follow-up, 2003's Ocean Avenue, and are performed instrumentally on violin, viola, cello, and contrabass. Some, like the single "Ocean Avenue," retain the summer night exuberance of
Yellowcard's originals, but most aren't strong enough melodically to withstand the instrumental shift. ~ Johnny Loftus