Described by vocalist/guitarist Dan O'Connor as being "one of the most raw records we've ever made, it's just us playing. No fancy computer shit. Made for singing along and head-banging." "Go Down in History" was re-recorded for the album, with the original version appearing on the Go Down in History EP the previous year. The album was produced by the band and Kurt Ballou at God City Studios. Ballou also engineered and mixed the sessions with additional help from Robert Cheeseman and Phil Dubnick. "Go Down in History" was produced and mixed by Machine. Brad Boatright mastered the album at Audiosiege.
Release
In March 2015, the group headlined the Pure Noise Records Tour, with support from Hit the Lights, Forever Came Calling and Light You Up. On April 2, Four Year Strong was announced for release in June. Alongside this, the album's artwork and track listing were revealed. The album's artwork and layout was produced by Ryan Eyestone. On April 9, "We All Float Down Here" was made available for streaming. On April 27, a lyric video was released for "I'm a Big, Bright, Shining Star". On May 12, "Eating My Words" was made available for streaming. In May and June, the band supported the Story So Far on their tour across the US; the stint included appearances at the Spring Fling and Skate & Surf festivals. Four Year Strong was made available for streaming through Fuse's website on May 27, before being released on June 2. In September and October, they group embarked on a headlining US tour, with main support from Defeater. Other acts throughout the tour included: Expire, Speak Low If You Speak Love, My Iron Lung, Superheaven and Elder Brother. A music video was released for "Stolen Credit Card!" on September 2, directed by Kyle Thrash. A music video for "Who Cares?", directed by Marlon Brandope, premiered on Warped Tour's website on May 23, 2016. Following this, the group performed at the Slam Dunk Festival in the UK, and on Warped Tour between June and August. In November, the group supported Good Charlotte on their headlining US tour.
Reception
The album was included at number 36 on Rock Sounds top 50 releases of 2015 list. The album charted at number 77 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S., number 100 in Australia and number 126 in the UK.
