It’s always funny to me when bands are like four albums into their discography, sit down to write a new album, and then someone in the room is like “Hey we never did a self-titled album, we should probably do that yeah?” and then they inevitably put it out. It was sort of commonplace for pop punk bands in the 2010’s as (I think) a way for them to sort of re-establish themselves with a new identity moving forward. It’s a creative choice I can get behind.
Which brings us to Four Year Strong and their 2015 self-titled album (the sixth in their discography). It’s a powerful blend of 1990s hardcore punk intensity and the catchy hooks of 2000s pop punk, basically a pop punk headbangers ball of heavy-hitting songs that come hard right out of the gate. The band leans into their heavier influences with thick, chugging guitar riffs and breakdowns while still delivering the anthemic choruses that made them stand out in the pop-punk scene. The guitar work is especially impressive, with dynamic, fast-paced riffs and intricate lead lines from Alan Day and Dan O’Connor that dominate each and every track. If you’re looking for a hook-filled hardcore punk record, Four Year Strong is a great one to spin.
Standout Songs: “We All Float Down Here”, “Wipe Yourself Off, Man. You Dead.”, “Eating My Words”, “I’m a Big, Bright, Shining Star”
