Four Year Strong looks like a hockey team during the playoffs. They play music like it’s game 7. They win it all with defense. By that, I mean they have never backed down from being Four Year Strong. The opening single, “Just Drive”, is a Four Year Strong song without a doubt. Distorted guitars, intricate drumming and the classic dual vocals between Dan O’Connor and Alan Day. The only thing missing is the never very apparent keyboards of Josh Lyford.
Even though Lyford was never very noticeable as a keyboardist, his gut wrenching screams are missed with FYS’s heavier sound on In Some Way, Shape Or Form. The heaviest moments on their sophomore album, Enemy Of The World, were made even heavier by Lyford on songs like “On A Saturday” and “What The Hell Is A Gigawatt?”. His screams are missed this time around on songs like “Sweet Kerosene”. The opportunities are abundant on ISWSOF, but in an attempt to sound more mature, Lyford was fired.
Album highlights include “Stuck In The Middle”, the would be balladry of “Only The Meek Get Pinched, The Bold Survive”, and “Heaven Wasn’t Built To Hold Me”. In Some Way, Shape Or Form does not trump Enemy Of The World, but it does show growth in the band, which is always a good sign.
Overall: 3/5 It’s enjoyable, but not as well done as their previous efforts. If you are a Four Year Strong fan, this is a must have. If you are a casual listener, get started with their older stuff. Also, ironically the album art has a couple hockey sticks on it.
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