The Story So Far
What You Don’t See
Pure Noise Records (2013)
Score: 9/10
The Story So Far has been everywhere lately. If they aren’t stopping by your town on their nationwide tour, then you can surely find them all over your nearest magazine rack. It’s easy to see why they’ve exploded over the past year, with their mastery of catchy melodies and sharp, relatable lyrics. And I expect that the upcoming release of their sophomore full-length What You Don’t See will increase their exposure even more.
WYDS hits the ground running with a soaring track about helplessness, “Things I Can’t Change.” You’ll immediately recognize the rhyme schemes and vocal acumen that The Story So Far is known for, paired with what I believe to be the flagship chorus of the record. This perfect opener shows off tighter musicianship as well as the writing prowess and undeniable catchiness that keep fans coming back.
For not even reaching the three-minute mark, “Playing the Victim” sure packs a punch with its driving hook and pounding drums. One of the best songs in the band’s catalog, it encapsulates the record’s overall theme of the strain of missing someone with a telling line in the bridge; “But you kept our trust, and said do what you must to be happy/And I left with a debt that called me out quick, to be honest with it all/So now I just sing about missing this and missing that, but what will it really bring?”
After the ultra catchy first single “Right Here,” you come upon one of my favorite TSSF songs ever in “Empty Space.” The band recently released an awesome music video for this, and it’s hands down the most addicting track on WYDS, acting as the perfect showcase for Parker Cannon’s intense vocal prowess. I can’t wait to see this song played live and watch people lose their voices to it.
“The Glass,” with its uptempo, angry pace is a nice lead into “All Wrong,” with an intro that really shows off the drummer’s unique, quick, sharp style. He puts his own stamp on every verse, hook and transition. “Bad Luck” and “Framework” are the final two standout tracks, for different reasons. “Bad Luck” is an aggressive, almost hardcore-feeling song equipped with a speedy chorus and a tough-as-nails riff. “Framework” closes WYDS out with its melodic, winding bass line and another soaring chorus for good measure. It’s the tidy bow on one of the most solid albums of the year.
The Story So Far has never disappointed me and I doubt they ever will. They just have too tight a hold on their strengths; quality musicianship, poignant lyrics, and soaring, impossible to duplicate vocals. In the years since While You Were Sleeping, they’ve stayed true to their style while continuing to progress, and I think this young band is poised to take over the pop punk scene. Make sure you grab a copy of What You Don’t See when it hits stores on March 26th!
– Felipe Garcia
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