Although it isn't as ambitious as their previous album, Bay Area pop punks the Story So Far have created a dependably satisfying listen on their third full-length offering. By making the decision to stick with what works, the Californian quintet have delivered a set of ten remarkably catchy and diverse songs.
There are subtle and welcome changes to the band's delivery over the course of the album, shifting between the full blast of tracks like "Heavy Gloom" and "Nerve," which feature hard hitting choruses overlaid with Parker Cannon's signature belting, and songs like "Solo" and "Mock," which incorporate more complex midtempo rhythms and guitar layers. The only drastic shift in the pace is the aptly named interlude "Phantom," which features beautifully stacked EBow leads that drift above subtle beats, all drenched in reverb and complemented by the softer, melodic side of Cannon's vocal range.
The Story So Far haven't reached for anything radically new on their self-titled album, but they've created a powerful listen that stays memorable and engaging throughout.
(Pure Noise Records)There are subtle and welcome changes to the band's delivery over the course of the album, shifting between the full blast of tracks like "Heavy Gloom" and "Nerve," which feature hard hitting choruses overlaid with Parker Cannon's signature belting, and songs like "Solo" and "Mock," which incorporate more complex midtempo rhythms and guitar layers. The only drastic shift in the pace is the aptly named interlude "Phantom," which features beautifully stacked EBow leads that drift above subtle beats, all drenched in reverb and complemented by the softer, melodic side of Cannon's vocal range.
The Story So Far haven't reached for anything radically new on their self-titled album, but they've created a powerful listen that stays memorable and engaging throughout.