The Story So Far — Proper Dose (09/21/18)
7.5/10
Parker Cannon, the 26-year-old vocalist behind California pop-punk band The Story So Far, has been involved in a couple of incidents over the years. From intervening with security after seeing them mishandle a fan in 2014 to literally kicking a female fan off the stage in 2016.
With the band’s latest release Proper Dose, Cannon is shedding light on a fact many didn’t know about the singer, and that’s his struggle with opiate addiction. From the opening title track with lines like “I defy the proper dose” and “red bottle, white cap,” he lays it all out.
The band delivers their head-first style of pop-punk on several of the tracks but there is clearly a stronger focus on softer melodies than ever before. On “Take Me as You Please” the band defies their sound with a dreamy acoustic-based melody that tugs at the heart. “Upside Down” also shows a new side to the band with a tame beat that has Cannon hinting at a lack of passion for his current career choice.
Four albums in, TSSF is moving from the brash pop-punk of their early work to a more open and relaxed sound. There’s more room to breath within these songs but there’s also a polished production to every note that takes away from the raw appeal. Overall, this album is a good continuation of the band’s story but leaves me questioning the future for these Cali pop-punkers.
