Artist: Four Year Strong
Album: Go Down In History
Genre: Pop-Punk
Label: Pure Noise Records

With the rapid evolution of the pop-punk industry, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up with new releases, making it incredibly refreshing to hear that old timers are going to put out new music. Seamlessly picking back up from 2011, Four Year Strong are set to release their newest EP, Go Down In History, on July 22 through Pure Noise Records. The speculations of a breakup have long left us, and with Warped Tour and this EP, it’s like the band never even took a break.

Brilliantly reminiscent of Bowling For Soup from 2007-land, the pleasantly aggressive opening track “What’s In the Box?” (Se7en reference!) serves as a reminder of what pop-punk should sound like. With its high energy and the catchy, canorous refrain, this was probably my favorite track. Maintaining the upbeat dynamic, “Living Proof a Stubborn Youth” keeps the steady pace as drummer Jake Massucco works his magic.

I’m surprised this did not end up being the record’s title, seeing as this track embodied its lyrical not-so-teen angst attitude which, again, is essential for this genre. “Tread Lightly” (Breaking Bad, maybe?) was released in June, leaving fans restless in anticipation. The prominent harmonies in the big chorus and the pit-provoking breakdowns allow for easy retention and suggest a powerful translation into live shows.

The in-your-face chorus on title track “Go Down In History” was also another stand-out moment, and from there, left me eternally stoked on the band’s near future. The growing three-year-old hole in my music library rapidly repairs itself as we progress into the finale, “So You’re Saying There’s A Chance…,” (and Dumb & Dumber for the hat trick!) which concludes this very cohesive five-track collection. The instrumentals are robust and the lyrics hit home. I couldn’t have asked for a better addition to the Four Year Strong musical lineage, and although they haven’t necessarily been “away,” I personally feel like I really have them back this time.

As the EP comes to a close, fans all over the world will find themselves grateful that these pop-punk frontrunners decided to take time off and figure things out, musically. It often just takes some time; and usually, the outcome would Go Down In History as something remarkable.

SCORE: 9/10
Review written by: Dana Reandelar

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Dana Reandelar

If not hunched over her desk writing about music, Dana can be found binge-watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls or condensing long rants to 140 characters. She also writes for Idobi Radio, and is an Off The Record podcast contributor.

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