The Story So Far has firmly established themselves as juggernauts in the world of modern pop punk. For over a decade, they’ve been delivering anthems that resonate deeply with fans, consistently combining raw emotion with catchy melodies. Their 2018 album Proper Dose was a breakout success, propelling the band to even greater stardom and solidifying their place in the pop-punk pantheon. After a bit of a hiatus, their new release enters the scene with much anticipation. While it doesn’t quite reach the highs of its predecessor, it still manages to deliver a solid collection of tracks that will keep their dedicated fanbase happy.

With infectious drumming, emotionally charged vocals, and playful riffs that evoke a warm, nostalgic feeling, this album continues to showcase the band's ability to balance both the intensity and lightheartedness that defines their sound. The songwriting remains as sharp as ever, filled with poignant metaphors and honest emotions that anchor the record. Even though they’ve played things a bit safe with this album, they’ve managed to craft something familiar yet still enjoyable.

In terms of sound evolution, it’s clear that The Story So Far hasn’t ventured too far outside their comfort zone. They’re not pushing the boundaries of pop-punk in the way some might hope, but they’re certainly not phoning it in either. Tracks like “Letterman” give you the classic pop-punk energy fans crave, while songs like “Jump the Gun” bring a bit more quirk and experimentation into the mix, showing a willingness to evolve even within the genre. Then, there’s the acoustic-driven “I Want to Disappear,” which presents a tender side of the band and provides some nice variety in the tracklist.

The standout element of this album is undoubtedly the drumming. The fills are tight, dynamic, and inventive, adding an extra layer of energy to each track. The drums help elevate the songs, pushing the record to new heights, and serve as a reminder of the band's live-show intensity. Vocally, the band still brings a lot of power, though on some of the earlier tracks, the vocals feel a bit buried in the mix, missing that extra punch that made previous records so impactful.

The bass plays a supporting role, providing depth and warmth but rarely taking center stage. It’s effective in filling out the sound, but it doesn’t carry much presence in the overall mix. The guitars, while relatively soft and light in tone, fit well within the pop-punk vibe and complement the record's overall feel. There’s a simplicity to them that keeps the album grounded in a familiar sound, but it also feels a bit restrained at times.

In the end, this album may not be groundbreaking, but it’s still a solid addition to The Story So Far's catalog. It offers a nice break from their older material, giving fans something fresh to enjoy without veering too far from what made them great in the first place. If you’re a longtime listener, this album will give you that familiar rush, but it may not be the one to win over new listeners or push the band into uncharted territory. Nevertheless, it’s an album full of quality jams that will easily fit into any pop-punk playlist.