Review Summary: TSSF present a cohesive, eclectic, and sincere album that showcases their growth as people and artists.
When it comes to good music, sincerity is the most important element. Talent and craftsmanship can go a long way, but once an artist fails to let his music evolve with himself, the finished product always reeks of stagnation. With The Story So Far’s newest release
Proper Dose, all five members have presented to the world a fresh piece of work that is just as cohesive as it is sincere. Sonically it still retains all the intensity of past albums, but shapes and refines that sound to further highlight the band’s unique identity, a feat that does not always come easy within the pop punk scene.
From the opening of the album, the listener can immediately connect to the melodic groove that weaves itself in between the heartfelt words of Parker Cannon and the tight instrumentation of his band. In the first three songs of the album, each word is belted out with an immensity of feeling, while at the same time showcasing a subtle constraint that only comes with vocal prowess. His feelings become the listener’s feelings as both form an intimate bond of understanding as they traverse through the hopefully tragic life stories he presents.
By the near middle of the album, signs of experimentation begin to take hold as the songs transition even further into a dreamy atmosphere that can only be likened to the calming experience of life contentment after repeated trials of harsh struggle. Not once does a beat become boring as the listener is introduced to Parker’s hazily romantic world of acceptance for who he has become and where life has taken him. Long gone are the days of bitterness, melancholy, and self-doubt- “It’s all love now, upside down”.
Owing to the beauty of this musical journey, the second half of the album picks right back up, offering a blend of both the band’s dreamy new direction and the punk intensity they are known for. The depth of increasing musicianship really becomes evident as various instruments and guitar tones are experimented with, leaving the listener curious as to where TSSF may take these elements in future releases, including the standout track “Growing on You” which utilizes vocal harmonies in a beautifully memorable way.
By the end of the album, the band’s message is vindicated with the song “Line” by encapsulating the hopeful and appreciative feeling that pervades the entire work. It is clearly evident with this release that the band feels rejuvenated and free, using these songs to cathartically process their past and present a glimpse into their future growth. It took many years of blood, sweat, and tears, but even after it all they can’t help but ask, “How did I get here? Feels like a light year”.
