Review Summary: With hype that is almost overwhelming, The Story So Far delivers an album that fully breaks all expectations.
A little while ago, I began to discover a wide assortment of hardcore punk albums that I have become self-indulged with. Two albums in particular caught my ears by surprise. The Shape of Punk to come has been without a doubt a classic to me, and without a doubt one of my favorite Hardcore Punk albums ever made. The second album is The Story So Far’s Under Soil and Dirt. Ever since I listened to the sublime opener States and Minds, I completely lose myself in the dry vocals and elegant guitar riffs. To make a long story short, I had huge hopes for this album.
If you didn’t care to look at the rating, you can tell that I absolutely loved the album. I could just end the review right here and that would be it, but I don’t feel the outstanding amount of negative responses I would get for my second review would classify me as a genius reviewer. So with all blandness aside, What you Don't see is a great album which succeeds in delivering a fine punk album.
The Album opens up with the clean guitar rift that sounds a lot like the guitar rift that I treasured in States of Mind. After the band kicks in, Parker’s voice angrily shouts,
This twitch in my fingers, Love/hate it lingers.
Sent it direct, but the point must have missed her.
Gave up and lost, cause of timing and pressure.
And now I’m gone.
This opener reminds me of the reason I enjoy The Story So Far as much as I do. Parker’s vocals are key to providing the perfect hardcore/punk vocals that other bands could only dream of. In my opinion, the album does not contain any clean vocals, only the rasp and dry vocals that are sputtered out in a awe inspiring way. Things I Can’t Change is an amazing opener, and is a fine way to pave the road for what is to come.
By far the peak of the album is when the song Right Here kicks in. This starts what I believe are the trio of the three greatest songs on the album. Right Here is the first single that was released by the band and my god the hype that was released from the opening lyrics was just immense, Parker growls out the lyrics “All I really want is to stay right here right now, there’s so much more to talk about” in tone with the electric sounding drum beat. The song delivers a good atmosphere for the two songs following, and is worthy of being a single. The next song is Empty Space, the song shines in providing a very catchy chorus as well as an emotional break down towards the climax of the song. The third and final song of what I believe to be the best on the album is the second single released by the band The Glass. Starting off with a fine drum beat followed by a magnificent guitar piece, colliding together to form a great opening. Parker’s vocals feel at home as he sings along to the fast paced drum rolls and quick guitar riffs. By far my favorite song on the album.
I don’t believe there’s much else I can say about this fine work of art. A truly groundbreaking performance by a band that was once just an underrated gem, yet this album will prove to be a shining achievement in the band’s future careers. Every song flow’s seemingly perfect together, Parker’s vocals are incredible, and the overall instrumental presentational is flawless. With very few complaints, I can honestly say this album will stay as a great album from a great band.
