Project Description
THE STORY SO FAR
‘Proper Dose’
(Album Review)
Reviewer: Michelle Keesmaat
.
.
.
‘Proper Dose’ is the highly anticipated fourth full-length record release by American pop-punk band The Story So Far. It’s been 3 years since their last album and after reportedly heading into the studio way back in April ’17, we finally have a release date. Out on September 21, ready yourself for a record that is in some ways The Story So Far as you know them, but taking a new direction and pushing their works into new and exciting places.
.
In a statement released by vocalist Parker Cannon, “We were so burnt… playing the same songs over and over again…we knew we had to take a step back.” And in talking about the record, “I just think it’s leaps and bounds ahead of anything we’ve ever done”.
.
The record opens up with Proper Dose, and straight away this is the sound you expect from these guys. Cannon’s iconic gravelly voice, strong drum beats and stringy guitar that get you moving. The lyrics hit you with the realisation he’s talking about medication and if this is how his life is going to be now. The chorus is catchy and I can see myself rocking out to this in my living room or a venue.
Next up is Keep It Up and Out Of It, another two banging tunes. Typical harsh shouting Cannon and chorus that makes me want to head bang. It’s clear that one theme of this record is self-medicating, shown in lyrics such as “My pessimistic views stop from all the drugs I use” in Keep It Up.
.
.
Take Me as You Please changes the mood straight away from the first note. It’s acoustically driven and very cutesy, with echoing vocals and a springtime kind of vibe. It makes me feel like I’m lying in a meadow. This is definitely a hum-worthy song and one of my favourites so far. Let It Go starts out with acoustic guitar but quickly kicks into toe tapping drums and riffs, and echoing background vocals. Let It Go was the first single released and it’s your typical angst-y catchy tune, with an electronic twinge to it. Upside Down is a very chilled out track, a total opposite of previous works from these pop-punk titans. It’s full of harmonies, a nice beat and groovy guitar that puts out proper spring time vibes.
If I Fall picks the pace back up, falling back into the pop-punk category that kind of slipped away from them. It’s a hopeful song about getting better and someone being there when you fall. Along the same lines, the next track Need To Know sounds like The Story So Far that we used to know but with a little twist.
Line feels more like an interlude track rather than a song and is very groovy. Layering vocals and fading in and out, but with just enough drums to hold it there it makes for a very chill song. Growing On You has to be one of the most musically different songs on the record. With high pitched vocals and a chilled out slow tempo, it’s a song you can slow dance to. This one will grow on you, pun intended. Ending this 30-minute record is Light Year. Mashing the two different TSSF sounds together, about how you became to be the person you are now.
.
Photo – Nathan Barwick
This record takes you on a journey, from the lyrics to The Story So Far’s musical change. “Proper Dose is about finding balance between the person you were and the person you wish to be, and it shows the band working to bridge that gap”.
Using song-writing influences such as The Beatles and Oasis, the 5-piece outfit were able to create a record that connected with their previous works and recent experiences, and produce a record they are proud of. Guitarist Kevin Geyer saying, “It’s not like we’re trying to sound like The Beatles, but it just gives you a crash course in songwriting and how you can experiment but retain your identity.”
And with saying that, they have truly experimented with new sounds and strayed away a bit from what you would typically expect from them, but upon hearing it you would instantly recognise this as them.
I think this is a great record, some may not. After eight years and 4 full-length albums, it’s not hard to believe that a change of direction was coming. Regardless of whether you have hang-ups on the change of musical direction, you have to admit that these guys still produce catchy songs that appeal to a variety of audiences.
.
Proper Dose.
Out September 21. Through Pure Noise Records. Get on it.
.
TRACK LIST
Proper Dose
Keep This Up
Out Of It
Take Me As You Please
Let It Go
Upside Down
If I Fall
Need To Know
Line
Growing On You
Light Year
.
Photo – Nathan Barwick
.
Check out Nathan Barwick’s gallery of the TSSF show in Sydney in March HERE
.
Connect with THE STORY SO FAR
via OneBigLink
.
.
