Album Review: Four Year Strong - In Some Way, Shape Or Form

Four Year Strong have gone through a reinvention of sorts. Not that they don’t sound like ‘Four Year Strong’ anymore, but they definitely have ventured down a new path. Once pioneers of a genre the boys have started to distance themselves from their pop-punk past perhaps in an attempt to breakout more into the mainstream.

Sure it’s choc-full of chugging riffs but 'In Some Way, Shape Or Form' is lacking a certain something that previous record 'Enemy Of The World' had. That may or may not have something to do with the departure of keyboardist/vocalist Josh Lyford. Anyone who’s a huge fan of 'EOTW' may have some difficulty relating to this new record.

'Just Drive', the lead single, is underwhelming to say the least. However, if rock ballads are your thing then 'Only The Meek Get Pinched. The Bold Survive' will be your skip to track. 'Fairweather Fan', which has caused somewhat of a furor on the internet accusing some fans are merely hopping on a bandwagon with lyrics such as “You’re becoming what I hated/close-minded and jaded about what isn’t yours”, is actually one of the strongest songs on the record and more recognizable as a more traditional FYS song.

Although a solidly written musically strong piece of work, In Some Way Shape or Form is unfortunately lackluster. Not only have the band lost Lyford since their last full length, it appears they’ve also lost their edge. By taking the band now a more traditional alt-rock route they camouflage themselves against a wide backdrop of similar bands.

3/5

'In Some Way, Shape Or Form' is out now.

Chantelle 'Kiki' Goodchild