AP gives Four Year Strong's new lp "In Some Way Shape or Form" three and a half stars. That's not so bad really, everyone has a criteria for rating a release but what gets me is that they compared it to Foo Fighter "One By One."
This opinion was provided by Alternative Press writer Scott Heisel. Scott…what are you thinking? FYS and the Foo Fighters really are about as comparable as grapes and gun powder. The Foo'd opt to please the masses and FYS aims to please themselves and the fans that have stuck by them. I also wonder how you can say the band is struggling with identity. Have you spoken to them about this?
Rarely is there a band that is so true and evolutionary as FYS. They're not the same band they were at the start but neither are their fans. In other words they have not gone stagnant. I'm also somewhat shocked that you feel this is their way to "rub elbows with rock radio acts." My dear Mr. Heisel you're a bit far off. The only thing these guys are rubbing are their beards and the palms of their fans who follow the religiously.
The album is more mature and more diverse in sound. it has some amazing FYS anthems and us fans who chose to grow and evolve as well are pleased with the momentum. Unlike the Foo Fighters who served up the same fast food assembly line sound (recorded in their garage!), Four Year Strong decided to strive for perfection and this is the sound that was created.
Finally, I disagree with AP! It's a great feeling, I was beginning to think I was brainwashed.