Album review: Four Year Strong – analysis paralysis

The story goes that Four Year Strong rocked up to producer Will Putney’s studio to record their sixth LP without any finished songs, but following a burst of inspiration, just a few weeks later they had most of the album in the can. analysis paralysis is the result of that swift work, and it’s a record that very much sounds like a product of its creative process: brash, in your face and oftentimes exciting, but also a little unfocussed. This is the most ‘anything goes’ album of Four Year Strong’s career.

There’s a lot going on across analysis paralysis’ 12 tracks, including some of the Massachusetts easycore gang’s most interesting work to date. maybe it’s me works well, with its muted guitars emphasising the impact of vocalists Alan Day and Dan O’Connor’s forceful delivery, while the guitars are allowed to shine on uncooked, which possesses some of the album’s best riffing. dead end friend is another highlight, while rollercoaster and better get better lean most heavily on the infectious pop-punk effervescence of vintage Four Year Strong.

That said, analysis paralysis does at times lack focus. So many ideas are fired at you so quickly that things occasionally sound a little muddled, and you’re left with the sense that promising tracks like out of touch and daddy of mine are over before they’ve properly had the space to take flight.

A little inconsistent in its delivery it may be, but you must give props to Four Year Strong for having the guts to push the envelope at a point in their career where they could easily play it safe. That refusal to be paralysed by expectations is worth championing.

Verdict: 3/5

For fans of: The Wonder Years, Trash Boat, Trophy Eyes

analysis paralysis is released on August 9 via Pure Noise