The Story So Far arrived in 2011 like a shot of adrenaline to a pop-punk scene that had grown relatively complacent in the late 2000’s. Recorded at the now-legendary Panda Studios in Fremont, California (which is about a 20 minute drive north of me), the album captured the Bay Area’s burgeoning pop-punk scene with anthemic precision. The band blended emotionally charged lyrics with blistering guitar hooks, and while their melodic vocal hooks drew comparisons to bands like New Found Glory, their gritty edge and lead vocalist Parker Cannon’s biting vocal delivery brought an intensity that helped them stand out. That’s the thing that I’ve always loved most about The Story So Far– their emotionally honest songwriting combined with a post-hardcore edge helped them bring an emotional weight to each performance which felt meaningful and not as disposable as each of their contemporaries. The album’s success not only catapulted the band into the forefront of the pop-punk revival but also spotlighted Panda Studios as a breeding ground for the Bay Area’s vibrant music scene. Under Soil and Dirt remains a landmark release for a band that has cemented themselves as one of pop-punk’s most beloved modern acts.
Standout Songs: “States and Minds”, “Roam”, “Quicksand”, “High Regard”, “Closure”
