Despite often being hallmarked by singalong choruses and brash riffs, pop punk is a genre packed with a disarming amount of emotional depth, dealing with love and angst just as masterfully as any other.

It’s also seen plenty of change throughout its decades-long history, with each new wave of bands adding something fresh to the established sound, leading to long spells of huge mainstream popularity.

With Easycore legends Four Year Strong heading to Australia this week to play Unify: A Heavy Music Gathering and a run of sideshows, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their seminal LP Rise or Die Trying, we’re looking back on the history of pop punk, and the band’s place in it.

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