LIVE REVIEW: The Story So Far @ O2 Academy, Bristol
It’s a good Thursday when pop-punk royalty comes to town. Tonight, Californian veterans THE STORY SO FAR take the stage at Bristol’s O2 Academy, supported by Baltimore’s punk mob, ANGEL DU$T. THE STORY SO FAR (TSSF) is currently touring in support of their latest LP, I Want To Disappear – a record that combines their pop-punk roots with the more serene, blissed-out vibes they explored on Proper Dose. But how well does this new chapter translate live?
First up, ANGEL DU$T steps on stage to warm up the crowd. Starting as a side project/supergroup with members of TURNSTILE and TRAPPED UNDER ICE, the troupe has changed lineup, becoming a whole new entity who really found their sound on 2023 album Brand New Soul. Frontman Justice Tripp is eminently watchable, strutting around the stage with a swagger that can only be picked up from years on stage. Bringing their eclectic fusion of punk, hardcore, indie, and pop, the Baltimore crew delivers a high-energy set, though they’re slightly hindered by the venue’s poor acoustics. Their unique take on pop-punk sounds heavier live, focusing on their harder-core material and sparking two steps and fist pumps from the crowd. Though lacking the euphoric energy of their recent set at 2000trees Festival, pre-existing fans have a blast. We’d love to see what the group could do with a smaller, more intimate venue like Bristol’s own Rough Trade.
Rating: 7/10
Watching THE STORY SO FAR evolve has been fascinating. They burst onto the scene in 2011 with Under Soil And Dirt, a fiery, angst-ridden debut that became an instant classic. The record, combined with relentless touring, earned the band a fiercely loyal fanbase that has followed them through shifts in sound and controversies. Notably, frontman Parker Cannon’s onstage persona has developed into a reserved, LIAM GALLAGHER-like presence, unmoving yet vocally intense—a decision perhaps meant to separate TSSF from his side project, NO PRESSURE.
The set opens with Big Blind, the infectious lead single from I Want to Disappear. It was a perfect first single, reintroducing fans to the band’s knack for crafting unforgettable hooks, and as a set opener, it hits all the right notes. The crowd’s reaction is immediate—jumping, screaming, moshing, and singing along to every word. Though Cannon remains stationary, his vocal control is impressive, delivering complex lyrics with note-perfect precision.
Despite the tour promoting their latest album, the setlist spans TSSF‘s discography. Fan favourites like The Glass (What You Don’t See), Out of It (Proper Dose), and High Regard (Under Soil and Dirt) inspire huge reactions. Amongst these classics, new cut All This Time stands out, showcasing how the band’s songwriting has matured over their 15-year journey.
The musicianship is tight, with Ryan Torf’s breakneck drumming a standout element. Guitarists Will Levy and Kevin Geyer nail some intricate licks, some that we’re sure weren’t on the recorded versions. Perhaps they were simply buried in the mix, but tonight they shine. Although the band’s stage presence may be subdued when compare to their earlier tours, their performance compensates with exceptional musical precision.
As the show draws to a close, the most poignant moment arrives with White Shores, a haunting yet hopeful ballad and a highlight from the new album. This heartfelt ode to Cannon’s late father brings the set to an emotional climax, stirring thoughts of mortality and family members gone too soon.
Grappling with the venue’s subpar sound quality, the pop-punkers certainly deliver a set to remember.
Rating: 7/10
Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Bristol from Serena Hill Photography here:
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