Four-Year-Olds Strong: A Raw, Heavy Evolution in Sound

Well, it seems like Four-Year-Olds Strong got tired of playing it safe in the easycore lane and decided to dive headfirst into something much heavier, and let me tell you, their latest album is a testament to that bold decision. This album feels like they picked up right where bands like Every Time I Die left off—raw, brutal, and unrelenting in all the best ways. Sure, they've experimented with heavy sounds in the past, but this album takes it to a whole new level, with a visceral and aggressive sound that just hits different.

The riffs throughout the album are powerful and occasionally trippy, creating an intense sonic landscape that leaves you feeling as though you're being pulled through a ringer. From heavy industrial riffs to psychedelic twists, the band does an incredible job of keeping things fresh and unpredictable. Take the track “Paranoia”, for example—the riffs are unique and refreshing, adding an element of surprise while still maintaining that heavy edge. Or listen to "Rollercoaster", where the riffs during the breakdown hit you with an almost mesmerizing quality that feels hypnotic, keeping you locked in from start to finish. It's clear that Four-Year-Olds Strong are not afraid to experiment, and their willingness to blend different genres makes this album all the more exciting.

The drumming on this record is tight, relentless, and impactful. Throughout the album, the band maintains a rock-solid rhythm, but there are moments where the drumming truly stands out with dynamic playing. A great example is “Maybe It’s Me”, where they add snare drum rim hits that bring a certain spice to the track. The drums on this album don’t just keep the beat—they enhance the music, making each song feel alive and charged with energy. They don’t just keep the tempo; they elevate the intensity.

The bass here deserves its own recognition. It's smooth, groovy, and drenched in so much feeling. Whether it’s subtly supporting the rest of the mix or taking center stage, the bass gives the album a deep, resonating pulse that anchors the entire project. You can feel it in your chest, especially on tracks like “Maybe It’s Me” and “Daddy of Mine”, where the bass does more than just fill space; it commands attention.

And then we have the vocals, which are nothing short of hard as nails. These guys have been harmonizing for over 20 years, and it shows—every note is as tight as ever. The band has honed this craft over the years, and it’s clear that their vocal dynamics have only gotten stronger with time. In tracks like “Bad Habit” and “Uncooked”, the vocal harmonies feel effortless—a perfect blend of grit and melody. These vocals complement the heavier instrumentation beautifully, making everything sound cohesive and impactful.

While much of the album is undeniably heavy—think tracks like “Daddy of Mine” or “Aftermath/Afterthought”—there’s also a softer side to this record that gives it balance. Songs like “STFIL” and “How Do I Let You Go?” bring a more reflective vibe that contrasts the more intense tracks. Placing these songs towards the end of the album was a brilliant move, as it gives the listener a chance to catch their breath after the heavy punch of the first half. It’s like being taken on a journey, with the first half being a rollercoaster of hard-hitting tunes that channel bands like Every Time I Die and Turnstile, while the latter half taps into the melodic and somber vibes reminiscent of Turnover or Superheaven. It’s a masterful mix that makes the transition feel seamless, and by the time you hit those softer moments, they feel incredibly earned.

The production on this album is absolutely crisp. Everything feels well-balanced and polished, which is crucial given how dense and layered the sound is. Each element stands out in its own right—the riffs, drums, bass, and vocals all complement each other perfectly, creating a cohesive sound that feels both expansive and intimate. The mix is tight, and there’s nothing overdone or underwhelming here; it’s a perfect representation of the band’s evolution.

At the end of the day, this album is an evolution of sound for Four-Year-Olds Strong. They’ve taken their heavycore roots and expanded them into something much bigger and more dynamic. They’ve embraced a level of musical maturity without losing any of the raw energy that made them stand out in the first place. This isn’t just ignorant music for the nerds and dorks—this is a heavy, multi-faceted piece of art for anyone who craves something unique, bold, and unapologetic. Four-Year-Olds Strong have truly outdone themselves on this record, and I can't wait to see where they go next.