The Story So Far - I Want To Disappear (Album Review)
The Story So Far- I Want To Disappear
Released: June 21st, 2024
Lineup
Parker Cannon // Vocals
Kevin Geyer // Lead Guitar and Keys
Ryan Torf // Drums, Rhythm Guitar and Keys
Will Levy // Guitars
Online
For over a decade, The Story So Far has built both a prolific sound and iconic display of showmanship that has seen them become synonymous with the brand of pop-punk, nostalgia, and legacy. Yet, despite their inextricable connection to the past, the band continues to flourish, relishing in their growth and shifting individual and group identities to release a new body of work that is a testament to The Story So Far in their present time. I Want To Disappear is an auditory embodiment of transition, the acknowledgment of fleeting youth, and an expression of how hardships can conjure growth, whether it be welcomed or not. Introspective as ever, this is The Story So Far.
Marking their first album since 2018, an introduction to the new sound had to be big. Taking this dutiful responsibility is the opening track, and one of the lead singles, ‘All This Time’. With a faint tapping, it is not before long that the heavily layered Story guitars come whirring in- intoxicating and all-encompassing. When talking of signatures, Parker Cannon is his own embodiment of one, with each track his vocals grace an immediate recognition of his undying flair and unmatched whine. So too, the record is a solidification of TSSF perhaps being one of the best constructors of choruses. Even upon first listen, you can find your mouth uttering along, almost as if they immediately implant the words into your brain. Truly, it is part of the recipe that has seen them excel for so many years.
Following is ‘Watch You Go’, another immediate belter that wastes no time for unneeded introductions or flamboyant build-ups, but allows the track to carry on the confidence of the band both instrumentally and vocally. This track also hosts the first of many two-minute long durations, at its core, supplying anthems that are inherently pop-punk; short, loud, and capturing within their length. The Story So Far continues to prove that regardless of length and parameters, a chord can still be struck and a connective narrative can still be told. ‘Watch You Go’ finds itself exploring complexities of the human condition; such as proximity, emotional burnout, and how to counteract the need to leave with the want to stay. With that twang in his voice, Cannon carries these messages sharply, from the first second to the last.
‘Letterman’ presented itself as a turning point for the band upon its initial release, becoming a defining anthem for their comeback. From the monochromatic music video to the somber feeling that exudes from it wholly, the song is both a visual and auditory moment of enrichment. Its strong solidification of return reaches far beyond its unbelievably catchy lines, layered vocals that ring through like a soft hand to the cheek, or sonically charged riffs, but through its many meanings. Despite dissecting the themes of closure past a relationship and moving on, the song can be translated to an apt reflection of the band's acknowledgment of change- recognizing they are not the same as they were some years ago, and coming to terms with leaving one’s youth and innocence behind. As it continues to rake up the streams, ‘Letterman’ is quickly becoming a staple in The Story So Far’s discography.
In a beautiful juxtaposition to the track before it, ‘Jump The Gun’ hurdles back to the band’s roots, channeling perhaps some of the closest energy to releases found on their self-titled album- one which for many reasons is heralded as an outward reflection of the band itself. It is charming to see the marriage between nostalgia and refreshing sensibilities, and it is one that the band has perfected. There is a comfort to be found within tracks like this that exceed far beyond that of just enjoyment, but as a reminder that although great changes can come, remnants of who we once were may always linger. It remains to be one of my favourite tracks from this release.
This album cycle began to get teased in 2023, with the release of ‘Big Blind’, a hearty track that now finds itself situated within the middle of I Want To Disappear. With drums permeating as the strong foundations of this song, they continue to draw you through the many pillars that surround. An endearing guitar tone circles around Cannon’s fluctuating vocals, gallivanting around the track in their prominence and proximity to the microphone. With a large instrumental break that leads to a close, ‘Big Blind’ shifts the focus back to the charged instruments of the band. From their staple and simplistic performances, to their more layered and dynamic, each note carries an essence of them to the listener onward. It is something to note within this record and beyond, just how much they have formulated a style that is so true to them, and them only.
‘Nothing To Say’ follows up, and with it, throws the pace into disarray. Leading into charge with a fast and unmissable kick drum, it holds a steady guide into the swiftness of the track, and ceases to slow down, even as it subsides and lets other instrumental feats take over. Despite its high energy and sonic soundscape, the track is yet another display of the Californian outfits' vulnerable writing style. With themes of separation that are not clear cut, and the consistent longing to return to the things and people that have once sliced through you, there is a glutton for punishment air to the song. There is a universality to be found within its themes, and a simplicity in the manner it is showcased, helping to achieve a track that is more than listened to by others, but heard.
Slowing it back down, ‘Keep You Around’ reconnects with the band’s emotional sensibilities in a raw, real, and clear way. It comes to its complete fruition within the chorus, which is a vulnerable display of grief, and how the engagement with it is not always a linear journey to healing, but can instead house feelings of abandonment, and guilt, and can in turn, take time. A varying clarity to Cannon’s vocals helps to house the point, but it is perhaps best encapsulated by the overarching soundscape instrumentally- one that is made to feel bigger than the song itself. ‘Keep You Around’ is loud and proud, which in conjunction with its lyrics, is perhaps all the more hard-hitting. It becomes one of the most memorable anthems from the album, and a personal homage to Cannon’s life-altering experiences from their last album to now.
Igniting with a sharp riff, ‘You're Still In My Way’ allows feelings from the previous track to linger, but redirects the attention to its electric instrumentals. This song, for me, sees Cannon’s vocals at their most varied and interesting to listen to, particularly within that first verse. With a strain and rasp, you can almost imagine the face he's pulling as the words are being sung. It's a visceral feeling. In an odd and perhaps inexplainable way, this song blares with a youthful radiance. Whether it be through its fun drums or positively read presentation, it just feels a little different from what we have been presented thus far, but of course, in the best way possible. I have found myself listening to this track a lot, and I think it may be the same for other fans out there!
‘White Shores’ sees the second half of the album continue this battle between the energetic and the somber, once again slowing back down to a more stripped and approachable tone. As gentle strums carry a reserved vocal performance, the song glides upon a peaceful undertone throughout its duration. It's both an easy and touching listen, which is not an uninspired nor unexpected feat from the band. In fact, it is one of the styles that The Story So Far does best. As the song progresses, we get a soaring guitar solo that, with each note change, radiates a beaming melancholic feeling. As it continues to carry, Parker interjects with a heavily layered and dynamic performance to close up the track, ensuring these feelings prevail for longer than ‘White Shores’ duration.
I Want To Disappear closes with its namesake, presenting a cyclical story of closure and respect for the body of work itself. The track is the most stripped-back on the album, with an acoustic guitar plucking among Parker’s soaring vocals. Delicate and emotive, Parker soars to new heights in his vocals, reaching notes untouched within the rest of this album, presented in a beautiful manner that touches deep within your core. ‘I Want To Disappear’ captures this heartbreaking energy through its stripped simplicity. With nowhere for these feelings to hide, the many thoughts and experiences that have thematically shaped this album so far come to light in one major and final display of vulnerability and connection.
I Want To Disappear is quickly asserting itself as one of the most important releases to The Story So Far. After years of breakup rumors, personal tragedy, and tumultuous roads, the band has come back together to present themselves at their most defined yet. With no need for hyperbolised extravagance or artificial craftsmanship, they have created an album that rings with sincerity, emotion, and individuality throughout its 10 tracks. By intertwining their signature style with an essence of growth (both physically, mentally, and musically) The Story So Far has made pop-punk profound. More so, they have written another chapter within their own personal history books.
The Story So Far - I Want To Disappear Tracklisting
1. All This Time
2. Watch You Go
3. Letterman
4. Jump The Gun
5. Big Blind
6. Nothing To Say
7. Keep You Around
8. You’re Still in My Way
9. White Shores
10. I Want To Disappear
Rating: 8.5/10
I Want To Disappear is out now via Pure Noise Records. Get it here
Review by Georgia Haskins @ghaskins2002
