When you produce a modern pop punk juggernaut like The Story So Far did with 2011’s ‘Under Soil and Dirt,’ you’re bound to set high expectations for it’s follow up. So when it came to writing up our 2013 preview, it’s no surprise the Walnut Creek band made our list of 50 bands to watch.

Having come out of pretty much nowhere and raised the pop punk bar, how does ‘What You Don’t See’ shape up? 

Admittedly on first listen high expectations are met by underwhelming disappointment and seemingly a lack of progress in sound. However on further listen its evident that quintet have tightened up their brand of hardcore pop punk; early tracks ‘Things I Can’t Change’ and ‘Small Talk’ thrive off the bands urgency and hint at an ever so slightly more melodic TSSF.

Throughout the band take a more chorus-driven pop punk approach (see ‘Playing The Victim’) with the album reaching its peak at the one-two punch of ‘Right Here’ and ‘Empty Space.’ The former is a stomping, angst-filled number that is straight-to-the-point and in someways picks up where ‘Under Soil and Dirt’ left off; “All I Really want is to stay right here right now, there’s so much more to talk about.”

Whereas ‘Empty Space’ steadily pounds away with the improving Parker Cannon showing his vocal melody abilities but also keeps the aggression intact. 

Although ‘Right Here’ and ‘Empty Space’ are the peak, tracks like ‘The Glass,’ ‘All Wrong’ and closing track ‘Framework’ do keep the momentum going to the end. With the combination of fierce guitars, bold choruses, and pounding drum work TSSF have produced a worthy follow up.

Those wanting a change or variation will probably be disappointed, but underneath the angry pop-punk is a band who are lyrically leaner and have matured. Whilst working with New Found Glory’s Steve Klein has paid dividends, as TSSF have took on board a tighter, subtly more upbeat approach resulting a more traditional pop punk sound.

Fans of ‘Under Soil…’ will eat up ‘What You Don’t See’ and will become part of their summer soundtrack. It has all the characteristics of the first album with the inclusion of a more chorus-focused sound. Although it’s not the perfect pop punk record, ‘What You Don’t See’ is a clear indication that we’re going to keep on seeing a lot more of The Story So Far this year.

4/5

‘What You Don’t See’ by The Story So Far is released on 25th March on Pure Noise Records.

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Words by Sean Reid