ALBUM REVIEW: Proper Dose – The Story So Far
Where THE STORY SO FAR fell short on their last record was that it felt far to middle of the road. It was a mid tempo plod through the basic tropes of the pop-punk genre whilst Parker Cannon delivered the usual lyrical fodder about loneliness and relationships lost. For all intents and purposes it was good but felt a bit rudderless and as if it were running out of momentum. Taking a longer time off found the band to be just that, and being burnt out and uninspired due to the relentless touring at their young age was starting to affect the material.
Their time off eventually led to reflection on what the band meant to its members, and subsequently meant the band were to approach their sound and writing differently this time round. The final product of all this is Proper Dose, and kick starting with its title track it tries to set the expectations right from the get go. This is still THE STORY SO FAR, their trademark urgency still present and their ear worm choruses staying true to their past work. Where Proper Dose differs is in it’s attitude and tone, as it shows to have so much more below its surface than just pop-rock and punk anthems.
The guitar work still walks the line between punk and hardcore, with tracks like Out of It, Keep This Up and If I Fall all boasting break beats that will easily get feet off the floor. Whilst all riding waves of energy the tracks also soar with catchy moments, whether it be the chorus on Out of It or the guitar work that floats over the rhythms in Keep This Up. Parker Cannon‘s lyrics are as revealing as ever, referencing his drug abuse and mental state frequently and with maturity.
THE STORY SO FAR do use Proper Dose as an opportunity to flex newer muscles. Their attempts at easy going pop-rock vary in success whilst still showing the group to be a band of ever developing versatility. Let It Go does feel over produced and poorly written as it rides the same vibe and seems to forgo dynamics. Upside Down has some interesting vocal work on the verses but is such typical radio schtick that it’s no surprise fans have turned their nose up at it. Growing On You tails the end of the record, and as a final ballad attempt it also falls short, getting lost after the surprisingly excellent instrumental work of Line and the uplifting album finale Light Year.
Proper Dose does an excellent job of allowing THE STORY SO FAR to experiment with fresh vibes and song writing. Maturing over their career and not allowing their development to taint their established sound, Proper Dose houses some of the band’s best material ever next to some dull and one dimensional cuts as well. It’s fair to say that this is the definition of a mixed bag album, but if you look below the surface there’s more than enough to enjoy here. If you can cut a band who have openly admitted to their creative changes some slack you will find a late summer banger that will firmly keep the spring in your step.
Rating: 7/10
Proper Dose is out now via Pure Noise Records.
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