Pop Punk/Easycore meisters Four Year Strong release “analysis paralysis” on the 9th of August, while it may take you by surprise initially do not let it put you off, this one is a grower.
The album opens with “aftermath/afterthought” a funky electro beat and verse slowly builds to a banging crescendo of drums and guitars that run into the chorus, the electro-funk runs hand in hand really well with the guitars and drums in particular at the backend of the track when it turns a little more hardcore.
“Bad Habit” opens up on the heavy side but with pop-punk vocal stylings, the drums are the driving force behind this one with guitars close second, the vocals get harsher as the track progresses especially around the midpoint where the track gets grittier before it drops back as the track ends. Listening to “Maybe It’s Me” you will be forgiven for thinking it’s a Third Eye Blind track as it has that kind of post-grunge/alt feel, this is a killer track that has a real nostalgic vibe. “uncooked” kicks it up a notch with a pummeling track that has a riff that has a cool tone to it that really stands out, the drums and bass combo are savage while the two lads vocals are brilliant, a touch heavier than the previous tracks which is always a good thing. “out of touch” is a monster track underpinned by a booming drum and bass beat that reverberates through you with the guitars are down tuned to match it which just enhances the heft of the track, the vocals are melodic and in contrast to the relative heaviness they are accentuated by this giving the song a nice kick.
“Daddy of Mine” is a complete 180 on the previous track, propelled by a fast-paced riff and drum beat but it is when the bass hits that you’ll be blown away, the lads tear it up vocally going from melodic to harsh and back again, this is one of the best tracks on the album. “dead end friend” keeps things ticking along nicely with a real earworm of a track, the beat is infectious and just burrows into your brain, it has a Weezer feel going from subdued to balls out rock in an instant, another great track. “paranoia” chugs into life with a stuttering style riff with a banging bass and drum beat, vocally both O’Connor and Day are brilliant but there is something on this track that makes them stand out more so here, the rhythm on this one defines you to sit still a cracker. “STFIL” belies what is to come with its soft opening, the track grows in power as it moves along; the guitars get heavier the drums louder and the banging bass beat is savage, this is one of the stand-out tracks on the album. “rollercoaster” has that pop punk feel to it but with an edgier metalcore undertone due to the gritty riffs and rumbling bass, a bit of a contradiction in styles but it works well and gives the track a unique sound. “better get better” is a banger with its cutting riffs and machine gun drumming, Day and O’Connor’s vocals are killer, their ability to keep it melodic while shouting is insane, there is a bouncing rhythm to this one that sets the whole thing off. The album finishes with “How do i let you go?” a stripped-back, for these guys, mellow track that gently brings you to a rousing crescendo that closes out the track and album.
Review: Conor
Four Year Strong
KOYO (UK dates only)
Shoreline
Feb 9 – Munich, Germany – Ampere ***
Feb 10 – Vienna, Austria – Arena ***
Feb 12 – Berlin, Germany – Hole 44 ***
Feb 13 – Hamburg, Germany – Logo ***
Feb 14 – Cologne, Germany – Luxor ***
Feb 16 – Eindhoven, Netherlands – Dynamo ***
Feb 17 – Paris, France – Le Backstage By The Mill ***
Feb 19 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz
Feb 20 – Leeds, UK – Project House
Feb 21 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
Feb 22 – Glasgow, UK – The Garage
Feb 24 – Bristol, UK – SWX
Feb 25 – Southampton, UK – Engine Rooms
Feb 26 – London, UK – 02 Forum Kentish Town
Feb 27 – Brighton, UK – Chalk
*** NO KOYO
TICKETS ON SALE NOW- here
analysis paralysis out 9th August 2024 via Pure Noise Records.
Pre-orders for the new album are available HERE
Four Year Strong are:
Alan Day Vocals/Guitar
Dan O’Connor Voclas/Guitar
Jake Massucco Drums
Joe Weiss Bass
www.instagram.com/fouryearstrong