Album Review: Four Year Strong - Explains It All

If you remember Pogz, Tamagotchi's and TV shows like Saved By The Bell and Sister Sister and want a bit of 1990's nostalgia, than Four Year Strong's 'Explains It All' is the perfect antidote.

Four Year Strong have never been a band to take themselves to serious and this clearly shows with this release. The concept is easy; 11 covers of songs from the 90's. Its safe to say that they don't make the aim hard, as they keep the covers basic with 'In Bloom' and 'Bullet With Butterfly Wings' sounding very much like the originals.

Whilst tracks like 'Semi-Charmed Life', 'Absolutely (Story Of A Girl)' and 'Roll To Me' have that adrenaline-filled punk tone the band do so well, that can't help but put a smile on your face and singing along to every word at the top of your lungs.

However 'Fly' and 'Spiderwebs' are given a new lease of life with the band being able to show diversity, with the latter showing the bands heavier side and the former showing their poppy side.

On the whole this is a harmless record and is meant to be nothing else but fun. Even though there are some songs you may not be familiar at first, they are still enjoyable and with the songs you do know, you will enjoy even more and you may even lose your voice after a few listens. 'Explains It All' is definitely essential listening this summer.

4/5

'Explains It All' by Four Year Strong is available through I Surrender/Hassle Records from July 20th.

Four Year Strong on MySpace

Sean Reid