Album Review: The Story So Far - 'I Want To Disappear'
The Story So Far return with their first full-length record since 2018.
‘I Want To Disappear’ becomes the latest addition to a seriously impressive catalogue that The Story So Far have built up over the years.
The group have continuously grown in popularity as the years have gone by, and there are thousands out there who have been waiting, with uncontrollable excitement, for the release of the new album.
Lead guitarist Kevin Geyer has spoken on the conception of the record, saying: “We were waiting for all the stars to align for our individual situations so that this record could be the priority, and that we had the time and space to make it happen in the way we wanted to.”
The record kicks off with ‘All This Time’, one of several singles put out ahead of the record itself. Fans have lapped this one up already, but as an album-opener, it’s even sweeter.
The track encompasses everything The Story So Far are about. Everything that fans love about the group is shown off in the first two minutes and forty-nine seconds of the new album. Parker Cannon’s instantly recognisable voice is raw as he belts out the chorus which feels full of real feelings. His voice cuts like a thousand knives as he calls out: “Say you want out, so we can stop all this pain. How many reasons you’re not around? I spread your ashes onto the ground.”
The track is relentlessly full-throttle. The Story So Far sweep listeners off their feet at the first opportunity with infectious, fast-paced pop-punk that so many adore.
There’s no let up from the close of the first track. In no time at all, ‘Watch You Go’ begins. Yet again, it’s fast-paced, full of burning emotion and shows off all the band’s talents. Lead guitar of Geyer is particularly notable, as too is the expert drumming of Ryan Torf that truly dictates the tempo.
The Story So Far show just why we’ve come to love them as a band over the years as their album progresses. At just ten tracks in length, there’s no room for a bad tune. Every single one included is of the same high standard.
One which feels as though it will become a fan-favourite is ‘Nothing To Say’. This one kicks off with Torf’s beautifully chaotic drums, before the rest of the band come together to create a full-loaded sound at a pace that will have crowds throwing themselves around in a frenzy of beautiful emotion.
As usual, Cannon’s words transcend what is already an epic track. His words will relate to so many as he tells the all-too-real story of life after a relationship.
What is truly unique about this track- in particular- is that it changes pace, style and feel in its final quarter. Led by Torf’s change in drumming, the band change the feel of the track entirely. It shifts from stunning chaos to a real triumphant sound. This shift makes the track extremely notable. It feels as though The Story So Far tell a tale through the words of their music, but also through its sound. The sharp shift in feel makes for a truly wowing track in the form of ‘Nothing To Say’.
Drummer Ryan Torf is evidently a vital cog in the well-oiled machine that is The Story So Far. On the record, he stated that: “We wanted this to feel like the present thing that we are. We tried to make something that we connected with, and that hopefully our fans will like. But first and foremost, it’s just something that we’re proud of and feel good about.”
It’s safe to say that the group’s fans will treasure this new material. As an album, ‘I Want To Disappear’ boasts some of the band’s best work to date.
The record isn’t full-throttle rock for its entirety. The final two tracks are slower, melodic numbers that are largely acoustic. ‘White Shores’ is a soft number that is quite simply beautiful. Parker Cannon is explicitly sincere with his words, singing the direct lyrics: “I need every single part of you”.
Closing out the brilliant record is the titular track. ‘I Want To Disappear’ is profoundly wholesome. It feels as though the band slow right down, reflecting on what ahs been a record full of pace and raw emotion.
‘I Want To Disappear’ is a stunning record that holds some of the best work we’ve ever heard from The Story So Far. Fans will hope to hear some of the new material as the band take to the UK and Europe in the coming months.
Words by Matthew Caslin
