Four Year Strong-Rise or Die Trying
I Surrender
September 18, 2007

This band seemed to come out of nowhere in a whirling ball of hype. I was taken a bit off guard, especially when this album didn't immediately hook me in, leaving me wondering if they were a band that couldn't back up the hype. After seeing them live, I can finally understand all of that hype surrounding this band, as their live performance made me view them in a whole new light, a very fun one at that.

These songs are a good time, bound to put a smile on the listener's face. They have that lovable-ness, mixed with the right amount of breakdowns, to make them a mainstream success that hardcore kids can still love. Their sound is a mixture between bands like Set Your Goals (the closest comparison), New Found Glory, A Wilhelm Scream and The Get Up Kids (mostly because they feature a synth player). These songs are super catchy, not unlike Take This to Your Grave era Fall Out Boy as well, and has some great hardcore parts. There are so many parts to sing along or jump along to, while air guitaring with an uncontrollable smile. Just wait until the songs hook you in.

Written by: RF

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