Story So Far - The Story So Far
Californian pop-punk rockers The Story So Far have followed on from their debut album Under Soil and Dirt and follow up record What You Don’t See with their self-titled third studio release stacked full of tracks which shows they are as determined as ever to make a memorable record.
Smile is the opening tune and something you’ll be doing for the duration of the album. This track sets the scene for the albums entirety. It’s loud, in your face, powerful and upbeat, with punchy vocals from Parker Cannon flowing easily, gruffer tones adding an extra kick to the mixture, some over-laying vocal harmonies and bitter lyrics about love and loss; you have as a result angry pop punk songs at their best.
The majority of the tracks on this release are on the heavier side with some very fiery guitar work from Kevin Geyer and Will Levy. Heavy Gloom uses guitars in the foreground to make much more of an impact, guitars on Distaste give more of a darker undertone while Mock rumbles along in a similar fashion with some echoing vocals making a mark. These tracks demand attention and you’ll certainly be willing to give it. Then as the album winds down with Scowl and closes with Stalemate it lashes out with a lasting smash with backing vocals making a hectic track even more so.
There are the occasional 'lighter on the ears' type tunes such as the lead single Solo which has a more melodic feel with moments you just want to sing along with. This sing-along at the top of your lungs feeling returns for How You Are where vocals explode and backing melodies make it even more intense and Nerve where your feet will tap uncontrollably.
The stand out tune of the record is Phantom as it is the only track on the album that takes things to a whole new level. On this ballad of a lost love Cannon’s vocals are stripped back to their purest, harmonies make it even more touching, while accompanied by some gentle strumming guitars and taps of drums.
At about thirty minutes long the album is fairly short, but in such a small amount of time one of 2015’s most anticipated pop-punk records leaves its mark. The Story So Far has grown as a band and music is just as fierce as ever.