Since 2007, The Story So Far has quickly emerged as one of pop punk’s most promising bands. With catchy sing alongs, relentless touring and a DIY ethic, these Californian lads are determined to snatch a shot at glory. After a short period away, they have returned with their sophomore album ‘What You Don’t See’ and what an album it is. Distinctively American, The Story So Far manage to find a comfortable balance between accessible insistent melodies, best showcased on the emotionally pummelling ‘Stifled’ and a healthy dose of sneering abrasiveness. With furious speed and passionate vocals ‘What You Don’t See’ is destined to be sung with breathless shouts at house parties and punk shows. With its confident sound, it is one of the most important albums to hit the scene in recent years.
Opening with the buzz of guitar feedback, ‘Things I Can’t Change’ starts things on a high, reminiscent of contemporises The Swellers, it is a perfect slab of modern pop-punk. This blitz of energy continues persistently throughout the 11 tracks. Closing track ‘Framework’ is the only song that breaks the 3 minute mark; proving quality not quantity is key here. Certainly one could never accuse ‘What You Don’t See’ of outstaying its welcome.
While the album doesn’t represent a shocking musical departure for the band, it does build on the rougher, looser cuts from their debut ‘Under Soil and Dirt’. ‘Small Talk’ is a particular highlight, kick drums, distorted guitars and anguished vocals; it brilliantly summarises the best of The Story So Far. There are moments of glorious highs on ‘What You Don’t See’ and songs such as ‘Playing the Victim’ are bound to become live favourites, but that being said, there is little change or challenge represented here. Yes, it will certainly satisfy many mosh pits and sweaty circle pits, but towards the tail end of the album, songs start to bleed into one another losing their individual punch.
‘What You Don’t See’ is an assured record from a band hitting their prime. Live it will be deadly, and it may just propel The Story So Far to even bigger stages worldwide.
CLARA CULLEN