While the idea of a
String Quartet Tribute to Sum 41 might sound to some like one of the famously goofy Canadian crew's gags, it is in fact real, and part of Vitamin's long-running series of similar titles. It's also not nearly as strange as you'd think. Musicians
Todd Mark Rubenstein and
David Davidson seem to have moved away from the usual lineup for this set, opting for a lead violin accompanied by layers of instruments both organic and synthesized. The approach gives "In Too Deep" a rousing, sun-is-risin'-let's-seize-the-day quality, while "Fat Lip"'s brash melody is surprisingly adaptable to multiple tracks of violin. The same goes for "Over My Head," "Makes No Difference," and "Summer," all highlights on this surprisingly heartening and rewarding entry in the string quartet tribute canon. ~ Johnny Loftus