SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE STORY SO FAR – I WANT TO DISAPPEAR

THE STORY SO FAR
I WANT TO DISAPPEAR
PURE NOISE RECORDS

There are very few albums that one comes across in their time as a journalist that leave you with a sensation of joy in your chest. It’s a feeling you only get after you’ve genuinely heard something fantastic. For The Story So Far, the band has a history of delivering unforgettable sonic experiences. The Story So Far’s debut album, Under Soil and Dirt, dazzled listeners in 2011, sparking a new wave of pop-punk that would soon follow. Such a pivotal release in their history would lead to three further successful releases. While the band has evolved beyond their high-school heated rage, their energetic and raw musicianship, as well as their unconventional melodic cadence, remain audible on their most recent album, I Want To Disappear.

From the start, I Want To Disappear pulls one back in like an old friend one hasn’t seen in a long time, but once you get to talking, you realize not much has changed, only experiences you shared in the interim. The first opening experiences, “All This Time” and “Letterman” very much resonate with this feeling. Yet, even though the growth maturity is subtle, it speaks volumes through their creative use of choruses and the development of some of the most infectious guitar riffs on the record. Feeling reminiscent of pop-punk kings, New Found Glory, such comparisons are valid only within the vein of the catchy nature of their lyricism and the crafty nature of their guitar energies; this band has their own captivating identity, and they prove this fruitfully throughout this beautiful nuanced journey of early-2000’s pop-punk with the modern edge and dissonance of hardcore intertwined.

The standout tracks, “Jump The Gun” and “Big Blind”, showcase The Story So Far’s ability to create a truly nostalgic pop-punk experience. However, it’s important to note that this album is not your average pop-punk offering. The band skillfully combines sharp-edged vocals with captivating melodies, creating a familiar yet distinct lyrical and melodic essence that sets them apart.

Such candid thoughts continue to shine through other memorable moments on I Want To Disappear, like “Nothing To Say” and “You’re In My Way”. Musically stirring experiences adorned with raw passion and zest enveloped between arrant-infused guitar riffs and furious percussive energies, such listening experiences are the result of not only their tight musicianship, but also their ability to write profound tracks that don’t just grow on you but change you long after the tracks are over.

The Story So Far displays a remarkable blend of softer elements in the track “White Shores” and closing track “I Want To Disappear”. Beyond such taut instrumentality and the consistently impressive lead vocalist’s performance, the band’s talent for crafting delicate and deeply introspective tracks is evident. These tracks seamlessly integrate into the broader musical experience, adding a layer of emotional depth without disrupting the cohesive flow of the album.

I Want To Disappear doesn’t just check a box for a band’s growth and maturity as a band, that much is beautifully communicated on this new release. What really stands out in this latest release is the evolved emotional value that is firmly wrapped around some of the band’s strongest and most creative instrumental displays thus far. I Want to Disappear is a record that with each listen gets better, bringing a more reflective view of each experience with each spin through. I Want to Disappear is as much about growing up as it is about one’s eyes opening up to the stark and often disappointing realities that manifest from such experiences yet deciding to continue forward despite such revelations. If one thought that the previous endeavor, Proper Dose, added layers of dissonance to their sound, I Want to Disappear deserves a mark of achievement for the band.

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