Review Summary: I'll give you five years strong.
You had a good run, boys. Rise or Die Trying was good and Enemy of the World was even better. Four Year Strong was a band full of life in a world relatively full of bands with punk moxy and hook sensibilities. I don't see the same band anymore.
I believe in the evolution of a person, or a group. I believe in change, development, adaptation, evolution. I don't see any of these phenomena at work but rather a band that has leaped from point A to point B. This change in the band's style is rather drastic and comes out of nowhere. The raw edges and distinct musical placement are gone, and instead I see a band confusedly exploring new territory. Many of the songs seem to lean towards poppier alternative while each song harkening back to the hardcore days have lost their luster. I found little enjoyment from this album, as the band seems confused in their new direction and to have lost their touch in old territory. The band clearly removed keyboardist Josh Lyford in order to explore their new sound, so it is difficult to substantiate his role as a key member of the band, but it makes one wonder how much he helped hold their sound together.
Some bands make drastic changes in the style they play, but these changes can often be circumspect. I was immediately suspicious of Four Year Strong's decision to make such a big stylistic change on their fifth album, and it can be easily be chalked up to demographic targeting. The album feels a lot less carefree and actually rather calculated. I don't see many bands in the genre pulling off "calculated". When being just and fair, one can allow the band this choice, if the album is executed well. It isn't. I see a set of songs in a brave new world, but the grass isn't green and I've seen these street signs before. I am disappointed by this effort.
