The Story So Far - What You Don't See (ALBUM REVIEW)

So here we are in March and it's time for an album release that has been on my most anticipated list for a while. I have to say I had little doubt that The Story So Far's new album What You Don't See would be a let down. I just felt the band has that ‘something’ that sticks out amongst the pack. I saw that on their debut album Under Soil And Dirt and I think the trend continues on What You Don't See. It's chocked full of pop/punk goodness that is longing to be dipped in summer sunshine.

When I first heard Story So Far's album Under Soil And Dirt I thought to myself this is going to be a band to look out for. The song "Quicksand" was ultimately what every pop/punk band hopes to achieve. It is catchy, gets stuck in your head, has intensity, and it is a little more punk than pop. I had heard the band before that song; but the song just stuck out as a major accomplishment for the band. The new album is filled with songs that are of similar caliber. I couldn't help thinking to myself through the majority of Under Soil And Dirt that I liked the raw sound, but the band would sound so much better if the production was just a slight bit cleaner. Fortunately for me on What You Don’t See, TSSF have done just that. Although the album is still a bit more punk than pop, it has a cleaner sound to it which helps the band achieve a stability to their music that is a little more friendly to the ears.

Steve Klein from New Found Glory helped produce the new album. NFG themselves have spent years balancing their sound between friendly and aggressive. From the sound of the album Klein’s guidance was probably a key element in what helps make this album a next big step for the group.

In the newer wave of pop/punk (or pop/rock whatever you want to call it) we've seen the likes of All Time Low, The Wonder Years, Set Your Goals, (add more here if needed) ascend to the forefront of the genre and really keep it relevant. I think The Story So Far is officially ready to step into the same category as those bands. There is no doubt this album will make a lot of people's top 10 list as well as their soundtrack to the summer.