Four Years Strong Produces Weakest Album

In Some Way, Shape or Form

from  Four Years Strong

 Released: November 8, 2011

 

Rocks like: Story of the Year's The Black Swan,

Recommended Tracks: "The Infected", "Fairweather Fan"

Overall Rating: Two and a half stars

There is a sad, recurring tale within the music industry.  Once upon a time, a rock band formulated for the love of music and to find unique ways to express themselves. Years go by, band members change, and so does their unique sound.  The band falls prey to maturity and Four Year Strong’s newest album, In Some Way, Shape, or Form, is a perfect example of this fairy tale. 

Sadly, this album is the quintessential story of reckless, loud punk/alternative rock bands maturing and beginning to stray from their roots.  The lyrics have grown up and their unique, fast paced music accompanied by the ever-preset sounds of keyboards and synthesizers is obsolete, and the quirky, random song titles have too died down and have become just run of the mill.

The biggest change for this album and the band itself is the departure of keyboardist Josh Lyford, who added a recognizable resonance to the band by playing the synthesizer, which most rock bands feel is “too uncool” to use anymore.

Now my initial comments may scare off readers and those who have been listening to Four Years Strong for quite some time, but I feel that is only right to play Devil’s advocate and talk about the pros to the album too.  In Some Way, Shape or Form at its core is still pure Four Year Strong.  Each song still has the classic vocal trade offs of Alan Day and Dan O’Connor, and the guitar riffs remain snappy and quick. 

“Fairweather Fan” is a classic example of how Four Year Strong still stays true to themselves, from the brash lyrics, to the fast paced drums and heavy focus on swift guitar playing.  “Fairweather Fan” is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for those who have been following the band since their tremendous 2005-breakout album, Rise or Die Trying (listen to the lyrics, there is a tribute to that album hidden within the bridge).

The album kicks off with “The Infected,” which sets the tone for the reminder of the album: mature, new, and experimental.  Unfortunately, a majority of the tracks blend in together and do not offer any individual flavors.  Songs like “Unbreakable” offer those oh-so happy lyrics that try to empower their listeners and make them feel good about themselves.  The songs themselves can borderline embody the typical rock radio, singsong, catchy energy, which is very different for Four Years Strong.

Overall, give the album a listen and a chance.  To the die-hard Four Years Strong fans, this is not their best work and is a turn for the worst, however there are worse albums out there that you can listen to.  For those who do not know much about them, the album is catchy, the songs can really strike a cord within you, and has some real stand out singles that are perfect workout/driving music.