Four Year Strong - In Some Way, Shape or Form
Rating
RIYL
Rise AgainstSet Your Goals
Foo Fighters
Release Date
11/08/2011
Tracklist
1."The Infected"2."The Security of the Familiar, the Tranquility of Repetition"
3."Stuck in the Middle"
4."Just Drive"
5."Fairweather Fan"
6."Sweet Kerosene"
7."Falling on You"
8."Heaven Wasn't Built to Hold Me"
9."Unbreakable"
10."Bring on the World"
11."Fight the Future"
12."Only the Meek Get Pinched, the Bold Survive"
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When Four Year Strong and synth-man Josh Lyford parted ways, many were skeptical on what the band's new material would sound like. Originally it was said that Lyford left to concentrate on his side project Foxfires, but it later came out that the band elected to have synthesizers removed from their sound, which obviously left no place for Lyford. Unfortunately for Four Year Strong, they’re now a band that has comfortably placed themselves in the pop punk / hardcore realm of things. When they came onto the scene, they had a sound that was polished and different than what most everyone else was doing at the time, and the synths were a major part of that sound. Since then, many have tried to emulate that sound and most of them have succeeded, which is why this said scene has become so over-saturated with teenagers playing the same shit over and over on equipment their parents' credit cards bought. So with that being said, could a more rock, less pop approach to their music be just what the doctor ordered?
“The Infected” gets the ball rolling with what sounds like a Foo Fighters intro to a song. Actually a lot of this song’s structure is reminiscent of something Foo Fighters would write. Now don’t get ahead of yourselves, I’m not saying FYS is the next Foo, I’m simply stating that it has a rockin’ sound, one which Foo Fighters have perfected. The progression of the song is very simple, but not boring, which provides a very pleasant listen, especially in the chorus. The following track “The Security of the Familiar, the Tranquility of Repetition “is the perfect blend of pop punk and rock. The opening to this track has the typical pop-jive to it, but it’s when the chorus kicks in that you realize FYS are really trying to run with the whole rock vibe they seem to have picked up. “Just Drive” is slotted as the album’s first official single and for good reason. This particular track shows exactly why these guys got rid of the synth--this is a pure rock single. It has structure, melody and well… it's got drive!
This entire album is about structure. Every song follows a formula and FYS stick to that on each track. “Stuck in the Middle,” “Sweet Kerosene,” and “Falling on You” all have the potential to be radio hits but not cock-rock radio hits, instead the type of hit you want to hear on the radio. Each track possesses an edge that will get any “rockers” head bobbing yet still carry enough melody to make the particular song pop friendly. The track that ties everything together is obviously the last track… it’s always the last track! But in reality, FYS stuck to a precise pattern on this album so why not continue on throughout to the last track? “Only the Meek Get Pinched. The Bold Survive” has a heavy Queen sound to it. Some classic piano and an anthemic chorus carry this above and beyond anything that not only this band has done, but anything anyone in this modern day genre has done.
So is this album a strong contender for album of the year on some critics' lists? I wouldn’t go that far. It’s definitely their best work, but it’s nowhere strong enough to carry the band to that type of level. It is, however, worthy of a top ten reference. I see this album being a catalyst for a whole new world of album sale for FYS. Let’s be honest, less breakdowns means more success and these dudes seem to have found the key to victory. So before all you little scenesters start writing FYS off because you can’t pop-mosh to them anymore, learn a little about music and grow up already.
--Bill Lohr
Comments
Reno, NV
Pretty accurate review. Solid album.
Current Listenings:
Psychollywood - Psychollywood
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The Next Hundred Years - Troppo
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Kill Devil Hill - Kill Devil Hill
Minnesota
This album was simply ssssoooo mediocre, especially after their previously solid albums. Consider me very underwhelmed.
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Staunton, Va
Although, I was a huge fan of their previous material....I really like the "rock" sound they took with this album.....Should broaden their audience
West Haven, CT
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Illinois
ya i expected a lot more when they were building up to the record. i dig a few tracks off it, but other than those, it's pretty bland.
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Lehigh Valley, PA
Fuckin Mike D
Fishers, Indiana
Finally got around to listening to this.
Bland as hell. Never want to listen again.
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