Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying

[Anton Djamoos]

Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying
Release Date: September 18, 2007
Record Label: I Surrender

Start the takeover.
-“The Takeover”

Almost knowing what was to come, the first words said on Four Year Strong’s full-length debut, Rise or Die Trying, are evocative of the buzz that the band is being adorned with on this release. The band has received a notable following from their insane live shows, positive word of mouth, and critical acclaim from websites (guilty as charged) before their highly-anticipated full-length even hit stores. So, does Four Year Strong’s latest rise over the hype or die as an overhyped effort in mediocrity?

Simply put, this album rocks. Describing their music as “happy hardcore,” the band is essentially a pop-punk band with hardcore elements, thus being accessible to all sorts of fans. If you like singing along to music, you’re covered. If you like screaming along to music, you’re covered. If you like banging your head to music, you’re covered. Dueling vocals, great lyrical content, synth lines…I can go on. Rise Or Die Trying has elements that will capture the attention of any fan of rock music. The band is burning up and hitting up this scene that has become theirs for the taking.

Let me see you put your hands upon the stereo/It’s spitting out a ridiculous frequency/But turn it up turn it up/Break a sweat/’Cause were just burning up and hitting up the scene that was ours to hit up.
- “Bada Bing! Wit A Pipe!”

Rise Or Die Trying is an absolute treat for the ears. The album starts with a warning siren on “The Takeover,” indicating that this album is about to take over--thrash your aural senses while leaving a smile on your face. (Talk about happy hardcore.) The album kicks off with “Prepare to Be Digitally Manipulated” and, while seeming to be a speedy punk tune immediately shifts to the hardcore with former Bury Your Dead singer Mat Bruso putting forth his vocals that let you know that Four Year Strong is not your typical pop-punk band in the vein of Cartel or Motion City Soundtrack, but pop-punk that truly exemplifies the roots of punk with the charm of pop.

Drummer Jake Massucco shines on every track with quick feet on the double bass pedals and crafting some really great fills in between the dual singing of guitarists Dan O’Connor and Alan Day. Their first single, “Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die” is a standout track and the perfect representation of what this band is, especially the dual vocals into the breakdown toward the end of the song.

Try not to make it so obvious/You always make it so obvious/I’m fighting it off.
- “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Hell”

However, it is this representation of the band that underlies the album’s main flaw--the lack of originality. Like I have said earlier, they combine a variety of elements into one package that works but it seems like all of these elements are just taken from other bands. Song titles reminiscent of those popularized by Fall Out Boy, dual vocals, and the use of a synthesizer to enhance the music are just some facets that make this release seem a bit too familiar at times from a band that has not had much time or exposure to distinguish themselves amidst their peers. The lyrics, while they employ metaphor very well on tracks like “Abandon Ship or Abandon All Hope” and take a vengeful view on sex in “Catastrophe” and “Beatdown in the Key of Happy,” are surprisingly solid though many deal with the topic of the opposite sex. The most glaring problem is that the band has essentially done the same thing for eleven tracks so there is a genuine sense of repetition by the end of the album. Although the lack of originality is the main fault of this album, the band's ability to combine each of these parts and make it their own is no easy task, but it is one that they have excelled at.

Many will decry the slick production and mixing that have been done for this album, but I find that it is one of the album’s appeals, as it is intended to not be a full-fledged raw hardcore release but a pop-hardcore release. The clear sound makes it an easier listen than one that is muddled by murky sound quality and allows the guitar work and Josh Lyford’s synth lines to be heard easily.

Ladies and gentlemen, open up your eyes and ears and listen up.
- “Prepare to Be Digitally Manipulated”

All in all, this is an album that should not be missed. It is a true pop-punk release, a refreshing look into an increasingly stale genre. This is an album that fits with any mood one is feeling, allowing you to sing along or bang your head. Most of all, it is fun and will have a ton of staying power as a result.

Though many will inevitably shy away from this release because of the immense buildup it has received, they are doing their ears a disservice as Four Year Strong has risen above the hype and made an album worth every word of praise it has received.

Track Listing:
1. The Takeover
2. Prepare To Be Digitally Manipulated
3. Abandon Ship Or Abandon All Hope
4. Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die
5. Wrecked ‘Em? Damn Near Killed ‘Em
6. Catastrophe
7. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Hell
8. Bada Bing! Wit’ A Pipe!
9. Beatdown In The Hey Of Happy
10. If He’s Here, Who’s Runnin’ Hell?
11. Maniac (R.O.D.)

Four Year Strong is:
Dan O'Connor - Guitar, Vocals
Alan Day - Guitar, Vocals
Joe Weiss - Bass
Jake Massucco - Drums
Josh Lyford - Synth

AP Artist Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/fouryearstrong), Official Website (http://www.fouryearstrongrock.com)

[Nathan Lint]

first!

[Tom Good]

totally fair. I really like the album. Yeah, it may have some similar songs, but sometimes that is exactly what I need. I think it's one of the best pop punk albums to come out in a while and pretty much the only one in heavy rotation with me right now. I'm definitely pleased. Great review Anton.

[Julia Conny]

Double bass! I just learned how it works the other night!

Nice job, Anton.

[MasonR5]

i'm ready to hear this

[DI Pistola]

Still wary about this release, but this has me a little bit closer to a purchase than before.

[iamtaylorrr]

love this cd

[TSLROCKS]

This is an awesome album

[brandnew21g]

i saw these guys last night with tsl and got the album..... omgg idk what i love more, their live shows or this album !

[Brandon Allin]

Great review.

[Drew Beringer]

I enjoy this album.

[saysmydoctor]

More hyped than the Graduate.

[gonfreaks]

I really enjoyed this album, even if I'd give it a slightly lower score (probably high 70's - low 80's from me). I seem to keep coming back, even if I grow a little tired of the songs which do all sound similar. Still, it's a very enjoyable and fun release that's very easy to get in the mood for, and highly recommended to everyone.

Great review.

[Intamin]

I've tried so hard to get into them but it's just not working... :-/

[uglystar03]

first!

Sweet avatar. As for FYS, I would have to listen more. They have sweet breakdowns, but other than that, nothing else truly grabs me.

[tinylilnative]

I understand these guys are Jason Tate's babies but even through all the hype and many many listens I've got to say I still think this band is crappy, generic, and forgetable.

They remind me of Day at the Fair and they'll disappear off the radar just as quickly.

[notdarren]

overrated album that i tried listening to but quickly turned off and forgot about. good review though, anton.

i think the fact that you gave the new hanson album a higher score says something.

[sweetforever]

Well written review Anton. This is a good, fun, catchy album.

[airik625]

Really good reveiw. can't wait for my pre-order to come in

[Nolessthanblink]

What's the highest rating a reviewed album has ever gotten on ap? By fans or by the reviewer.

[Kyle Garchar]

best pop punk album this year

BY FAR

[Kyle Garchar]

[QUOTE=tinylilnative;7595010]They remind me of Day at the Fair and they'll disappear off the radar just as quickly.[/QUOTED]

Not a chance, they'll be pretty big pretty soon

[ShoeSh1ne]

Seeing them Tues.

Holler.

[Vanilla Bear]

nice review...as more releases come out i still can't get this album outta my head...so much fun.

[ShoeSh1ne]

They remind me of Day at the Fair

That was the worst comparison I think I've EVER seen.

[saving jonathan]

i've been listening to those 2005 demos for quite some time now... and i still spin them on a regular basis.
so needless to say, i'm very excited for this album.
great review anton.

[jantelis]

Well Deserved. Way to go FYS and Play/Work Productions F**kers

[walshknilb281]

there are some really great songs on thisand some poor, i've been listeing to it everyday ofthe past month though so that must be a good thing, andi gottabuy it cuz there localandhave liked these guys for a few years now

[Chemical Love]

My favorite album this year..so far.

[shes.a.ghost]

They remind me of Day at the FairWhat the fuck is wrong with you?

[12:46AM]

A six for creativity is spot on. I'd rate the album much lower overall though. Solid review all the same.

[llmp]

Not the greatest band ever, but they are fun to listen to every now and then. But it is in competition with The Flatliners' new album and so is not getting much play time. I'm probably in the far minority on that one, however.

To that guy that compared them to Day at the Fair: Harsh, man. I get what you're saying but that might be a little overboard... (Day at the Fair is probably my definition of a bad band)

[C480RG]

Pop-punk on steroids!!!

I love this album, cant wait to see them on tuesday!!

[sasalukac]

"catastrophe" is the catchiest song i've heard in a while

[FTTbass]

extremely over-hyped and it doesn't really live up to it in my opinion

[cory-182]

More hyped than the Graduate.

Ditto.

[pikenz]

i kind of feel like they just throw breakdowns in songs for the hell of it. just to have a breakdown. im not sure if anyone else gets that feeling.

but other than that the album is fucking kickass

[grimis16]

its not a bad album. But i still think its undeserveing of all the hype, and there is very little variety throughout the cd. Still a good listen, just nothing spectacular

[grimis16]

Not a chance, they'll be pretty big pretty soon

do not believe it

[lightcollapse]

i woulda given it higher! nice review though, my AOTY as of right now and sure to be a top 5

[bs7090]

this album is basically one good, long song

[spike22988]

This review puts into words all of my thoughts. Very well presented.

[everybodywakeup]

highest rated album on AP ever?

[asmolitor]

More hyped than the Graduate.

and less deserving, comparatively.

[pshh]

excellent piece of writing

[jerichoxeffect]

i really don't like when a reviewer has to mention EVERY SINGLE MEMBER BY THEIR FIRST AND LAST NAME. it should really be done more casually. and not so, "necessary".
otherwise, awesome job.

THIS ALBUM FUCKING RULES, IM GONNA ORDER IT TOMORROW! FUCK


SEE YOU IN HELL!

[3eb23]

this was a great review. dead on.

[tait]

What's the highest rating a reviewed album has ever gotten on ap? By fans or by the reviewer.
Thrice - Vheissu got 99% and Say Anything - Is A Real Boy got 99% both by Jason Tate

[tait]

"catastrophe" is the catchiest song i've heard in a while
yeah its more pop than the others

[irthesteve]

Great review, boring album though

[borrowedtime]

good review, i agree that a lot of the ongs do sounds the same, and they in general sound a lot like set your goals, but they are an awesome band and im really looking forward to seein them live

[brokenwings]

i think i might have finally gotten into this band. i might buy the album at the end of the year, just like i did last year with Rory's album (which turned out being one of my favorite records).
i'm kinda curious to see if the Driving East album will get a similar following and which band will end up being the more popular "new" pop punk band.

[CrenshawPunch]

Double bass! I just learned how it works the other night!

Nice job, Anton.


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHA

AHAHAHAHAHA

HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH A

[TJ Wells]

highest rated album on AP ever?
not even close.

[TJ Wells]

i think i might have finally gotten into this band. i might buy the album at the end of the year, just like i did last year with Rory's album (which turned out being one of my favorite records).
i'm kinda curious to see if the Driving East album will get a similar following and which band will end up being the more popular "new" pop punk band.
rory is leaps and bounds better than fys.

[Praetor]

I really like this album. I would rate lyrics a little lower, but all in all, I agree with this review. Good job.

[Praetor]

What's the highest rating a reviewed album has ever gotten on ap? By fans or by the reviewer.
Anathallo - Floating World got 100%.
i kind of feel like they just throw breakdowns in songs for the hell of it. just to have a breakdown. im not sure if anyone else gets that feeling.

but other than that the album is fucking kickass
I also agree with him. They always seem so haphazard (like the end of Digitally Manipulated.)

[Jacktheskipper]

Hmmm, I`m not sure about the 85%, but still a nice album, not mindblowingly great, but nice ...

[applesandcyanid]

Love the review, pretty much nailed it. FYS slayed in Portland last night and I'm rocking a FYS shirt right now.

[SJms1026]

I wish they'd come around here, I'd love to see them live.

[decrescendo27]

amazing album

I've been addicted to it for weeeeeeeks

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Good review. Just heard this yesterday. It's pretty good, though I don't know if I would give it quite as high of a score. Reminds me a lot of Set Your Goals. This band could get big.

[Just An End]

They remind me of Day at the Fair

If you honestly think that, then you definitely haven't listened to it enough.. that is a horrible comparison, and just because you read somewhere that they both have hardcore and pop punk elements, it doesn't mean that they sound the same... because they don't. At all.

[Tom Good]

Double bass! I just learned how it works the other night!hahha, ilu Julia.

[Christian Otte]

I preordered it, happy now?

:)

[aloneatlastnj]

waiting for mht to give his insight. :-D

[ACA]

Are the screams supposed to be funny?

[antlerboy182]

Can't wait to hear this album.. there are alot of amazing releases on this day :)

[spezialk]

rory is leaps and bounds better than fys.

The only song I was ever able to remember or actually want to listen to from Rory was that "Vroooooom" song.
FYS > Rory.

[Jaster]

It's decent.

[MountainJam2113]

great cd.

[duhpunk]

good review, decent album. but im just not feeling it the same way everyone else is.

[CountMeOut923]

great review, cant wait for this album. they were incredible when i saw them live a few weeks back.

[zeropunk16]

Love this cd

[Moral_Orel]

their album is fantastic ... i had a friend pick it up at a show last week. i've been shoving it in the faces of people since. i do agree with the review much of it is familar and has been done but sometimes you don't need to be ground breaking to be good.

[Drew Beringer]

I hope my preorder came in the mail today.

[MikeyEdge FL]

it's a little too over-hyped but nonetheless it is a great solid release.

[Julia Conny]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHA

AHAHAHAHAHA

HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH A

I'm happy my lack of knowledge entertains you. :-p

hahha, ilu Julia.

And I also learned what delay was over the summer. My brain is growing!

[therump]

I like the band but everyone on AP goes NUTS over them... I've yet to really see the importance of this album and dont know if I ever will. as for a 9.5 lasting value grade- i dont think any album in this day and age is that lasting- musicianship and songwriting is on a down hill slope, going fast.

[InaGreendase]

I understand these guys are Jason Tate's babies but even through all the hype and many many listens I've got to say I still think this band is crappy, generic, and forgetable.

They remind me of Day at the Fair and they'll disappear off the radar just as quickly.

I don't know about the comparison, but the first sentence of this post is about 100% accurate.

[CrenshawPunch]

I'm happy my lack of knowledge entertains you. :-p



And I also learned what delay was over the summer. My brain is growing!


Lol, Im sorry. I came off a little rude there. It was just a funny thing for me to see.

[AnvilFace]

This band is a Boys Night Out ripoff, not a totally bad thing

[dat scene kid]

I've had this cd for about a month now and I seriously cannot stop listening to it...i've tried and it is too damn catchy..i understand the repetative thing, but if it's repeating fun, catchy music...why is that necessarily a bad thing???

Plus I want to see them live so bad..


and...
This band is a Boys Night Out ripoff, not a totally bad thing

Uh...how??

[zooyorker182]

i cannot wait for this album only one more day!

[Tom Good]

I hope my preorder came in the mail today.Mine didn't:-(

[eversoinviting]

The only song I was ever able to remember or actually want to listen to from Rory was that "Vroooooom" song.
FYS > Rory.
Same here, Deja Vroomier was one of the few songs I could get into.

[Drew Beringer]

Mine didn't:-(
same here, fuck

[PassedOut]

I've tried so hard to get into them but it's just not working... :-/

I feel the same way. I wasn't even that impressed with their live show. The crowd participation was great but other than that it wasn't anything too special. Daggermouth was much more entertaining.

[irthesteve]

rory is leaps and bounds better than fys.
very true statement

[Genuma]

Nice review, Anton.

[ShutTheSoundOut]

this is pop punk that a 24 year old dude can feel really good about listening to.

[adozenroses]

ive only heard a couple of songs, but i am really enjoying what i'm hearing so far

[TomAce]

i kind of feel like they just throw breakdowns in songs for the hell of it. just to have a breakdown. im not sure if anyone else gets that feeling.

but other than that the album is fucking kickass

why the fuck else would they have breakdowns? it's not like theres an artistic value in any mosh part, its just fun to hear sometimes.

[Dan CiTi]

best pop punk album this year.

Except Saves The Day's.

Fixed.

[SweetThye]

Can't wait to buy this and play it a thousand times.

[Dan CiTi]

I can't see why anyone could think this band is in SYG's league. I like them a bunch but they're just a fun, sometimes funny band.

[Dan CiTi]

why the fuck else would they have breakdowns? it's not like theres an artistic value in any mosh part, its just fun to hear sometimes.

It's a hardcore thing an MEANS something in hardcore. It's part of the music. With FYS, it's just thrown around for fun.

[vegasbabyvegas]

and less deserving, comparatively.

Agreed completely.

[splat out path]

Yep, it's basically slighter thrashier Fueled By Ramen fare, but it's an awful lot of fun too.

[fulltiltxb00gie]

amazing review. amazing cd. if everyone on the planet does not buy/download/listen to this cd tomorrow i shall be very sad. it's worth it. completely worth it..

[wahwah16]

nice review, maybe I should pick this up tomorrow

[beerad]

singing = less than jake
synths = motion city soundtrack
breakdowns = a day to remember (each one sounds exactly the same)

this is a good pop punk album, i was super stoked about it when i first heard it. but now, it just fits into my collection as another pop punk record that probably wont get much more play once another one is released. the production on this CD is terrible. that's my biggest problem with this record

[saysmydoctor]

This band is a Boys Night Out ripoff, not a totally bad thing
Shitty connection.

FYS is another crowning achievement of the AP.net hype machine, always some pop-punk band, always consistently typical. Next trend please/

[Julia Conny]

Lol, Im sorry. I came off a little rude there. It was just a funny thing for me to see.

I didn't think you were being rude. I thought it was funny that you thought it was funny. It was pretty funny when I asked one of the dudes in the band to explain it to my roommate and I, hah. I have no problem admitting my non-existent music-making skillz.

[Julia Conny]

Shitty connection.

FYS is another crowning achievement of the AP.net hype machine, always some pop-punk band, always consistently typical. Next trend please/

Not really. There are other non pop-punk bands that are loved and pimped by the staff members. Most people just don't pick up on it because it's not as easily accessible. Two way street, really.

[notdarren]

this is pop punk that a 24 year old dude can feel really good about listening to.
no that'd be the ergs.

[saysmydoctor]

Not really. There are other non pop-punk bands that are loved and pimped by the staff members. Most people just don't pick up on it because it's not as easily accessible. Two way street, really.
The Graduate. The Format (pop, not pop-punk), FYS, I'm sure I could also include Cartel, Fall Out Boy, and Motion City Soundtrack.

[enderforever]

Since most of the CD sounds so 'stuffed' -- its hard to imagine they are as good live as everyone says. Honestly, I really like the CD, but some parts sound like just 'noise' because theres so much, 2 singers, 2 guitars, a bass, dual pedaling drummer and a synth -- thats alot of sounds.

Overall, great cd. I recommend the demo and their first CD as well (which is nearly impossible to find, but has hit torrent sites lately.)

[CrenshawPunch]

I didn't think you were being rude. I thought it was funny that you thought it was funny. It was pretty funny when I asked one of the dudes in the band to explain it to my roommate and I, hah. I have no problem admitting my non-existent music-making skillz.


You now have one-up on every girl I know though, so it's actually a good thing.

[detroitiscold]

Almost every Hot Topic will have Rise Or Die Trying tomorrow....best bet

[mr chainsaw]

the drummer really makes this band

I will probably buy this at best buy if it is cheap and available

[altemose09]

i saw these guys last night with tsl and got the album..... omgg idk what i love more, their live shows or this album !
how was sound the alarm?

[Julia Conny]

You now have one-up on every girl I know though, so it's actually a good thing.

Killer. I know what delay means too!

[Julia Conny]

The Graduate. The Format (pop, not pop-punk), FYS, I'm sure I could also include Cartel, Fall Out Boy, and Motion City Soundtrack.

The Swellers, Small Leaks Sink Ships, Cary Brothers, Manchester Orchestra, Kevin Devine. There are lots others.

[CrenshawPunch]

Killer. I know what delay means too!


Every musician's fantasy.

[saysmydoctor]

The Swellers, Small Leaks Sink Ships, Cary Brothers, Manchester Orchestra, Kevin Devine. There are lots others.
These kind of help my point. I will prop them for the SLSS leak--that fuckin' changed my life.

[saysmydoctor]

Every musician's fantasy.
I came,.

[myantiyou]

I love FYS, as well as the material I've heard off this record. Catchy as hell.

[flip]

ok not tryin to be a hater.

i listened to this awhile ago when i downloaded it to see what the hype was about. after first listen i thought nothing special.

this review persuaded me to give it another go...and still...zip. its amazing that they can still seem generic and reptitive with all the shit they throw into the songs.

anyways some songs are ok...but i completely dont get the hype. they have a good sense of fun though, i imagine it'd be cool to see them live.

(see what i did there? a few conciliatory statements to make my earlier criticism less harsh. ap.net forum etiquette.)

[brokenwings]

rory is leaps and bounds better than fys.

i guess there's no doubt about that

[takingbackrufio]

I'll throw it on at the house if I'm wanting to "rock out" for a while, but it's almost instantly forgettable.

They have some cool one-liners also.

[Big_Guy]

I understand these guys are Jason Tate's babies but even through all the hype and many many listens I've got to say I still think this band is crappy, generic, and forgetable.

They remind me of Day at the Fair and they'll disappear off the radar just as quickly.

Tate hadn't even heard of this band prior to this summer so I don't see how they are his babies.


crappy........debatable

generic........name another band that sounds like them. plenty of similar bands, but none that sound exactly like them

forgettable.....debatable


I like this band and album a lot, and will be the first to admit that they aren't the most original band ever, but if anyone takes this for anything other than just fun music, they are morons.

[oldskool]

I bought this album due to all the hype it was getting last night. My initial reaction is it's pretty good. I love the breakdowns and love when it's fast melodic punk rock. This band got comparisons to set your goals, lifetime, and gorilla biscuits so I was interested. I love when they get fast on this album and have the sweet breakdowns, and really cool guitar parts. my only complaint is i think there is too much synth and at times it is not really punk or hardcore but more like fall out boy. I would like it better if this band just was more fast i guess. i was hoping for more of a fat wreck or old school epitaph feel, but at times it feels a little more like new age FBR type stuff. I don't know if that makes since. All and all the more I listen the more I like, I always just seem to with bands played faster, so I can be a bit biased. with that being said, this is WAY better than 90% of the so called poppunk out TODAY, so go pick the record up!!!!!!!

[pikenz]

why the fuck else would they have breakdowns? it's not like theres an artistic value in any mosh part, its just fun to hear sometimes.

Yes agreed. But when you do shit like that, it has to atleast musically flow with the song. Im not saying the breakdown is some artistic breakthrough idea, I just think it should atleast flow in the song. Like i think they do it very well in "Heroes Get Remembered.." but not so well in other songs.

[Clark]

"Catastrophe" has the potential to be huge.

[G apostrophe Ra]

i think i might have finally gotten into this band. i might buy the album at the end of the year, just like i did last year with Rory's album (which turned out being one of my favorite records).
i'm kinda curious to see if the Driving East album will get a similar following and which band will end up being the more popular "new" pop punk band.

I'm willing to bet Four Year Strong will be considerably more popular than Driving East. I can't imagine those dudes taking off- even with the new Odom/Mount produced full-length.

[lightcollapse]

hell yeah this album fucking rocks. the cover is like the best i've ever seen. anyway i love every song and i mosh by myself in my room to it.

[YoureAllDumb]

Wow, Downloadpunk.com really screwed me over.

After reading all you guys' reviews and comments about the album, I went to buy it on iTunes, but it was $16.99 there, so I was like "fuck that" and went to Downloadpunk.com. I've used them before and they were great, but this time, I bought the album, and when the Download page came up, it was blank! There was obviously something wrong with the processing of my order because even though my Order History had an entry for today's date, the Artist and Title were blank too.

So what do I do? I email them, and guess what, no response. Great customer service. Anyway, I'm really frustrated with the whole thing. I just wanted to come home from work and listen to the album. If someone has it in their heart to PM me and send it to me, that would be great to hold me over until Downloadpunk.com (hopefully) resolves the issue. Can you believe they don't even have a phone number to call for customer service?

Anyway, sorry for the rant.

[motioncity182]

i pre-ordered this from interpunk (2 day shipping) and it still hasn't came =[

[AMAAS]

More hyped than the Graduate.

f u, the graduate are great too, and from my hometown :)

[andrewxmetal]

very good review,
i can never get tired of this album though.
it will stay in my cd player for days and days,
and i just keep singing along.
and about the originality,
not every good thing in this world is original,
a lot of things are taken from a bunch of others to make something good.

[isavedlatin710]

The most enjoyable pop-punk band out there. Breakdowns that rival some metal-core in heaviness too.

[julyburnsred]

i love this album, it just keeps chugging along. the breakdowns are pretty awesome as they are no insane as bands august burns red so its "happy" breakdowns!

[glassagainstyou]

i totally agree with this review.

when i first heard this band, i was like oh just a complete rip off of set your goals, nothing special.

that was MY opinion.

but then, one day i didnt even know what to listen to, put them on they are so catchy and fun, still hella sound like set your goals.

but when i get bored with set your goals i listen to them.
but they can't beat set your goals, sorry.
i know a lot of people would agree with that one.

[zubinmoosa]

how is the reviewer tilt over 10?

[Cheesus]

asdnklajnsa i need this cd NOW. Is the only place to get it on their myspace?

[cake eater]

i just got fired for playing my music too loud at work. thanks alot four year strong.

[zombie!pirate!]

For the sake of honest feedback... I felt like this was more of a summary then a review.. a few more insights and I wouldve been happy.

decent CD much prefer ADTR though

[nickthehick2]

I finally bought this album after listening it for almost 2 years straight. Favorite album ever.

[jonayy]

i just missed one of there shows. and all my friends said they were amazing and it was the best show they have ever seen.

[kevinjordan]

Sweet avatar. As for FYS, I would have to listen more. They have sweet breakdowns, but other than that, nothing else truly grabs me.
I feel like i could just about do without ANY of the screaming cause their dueling clean vox are so good!