Review - The Story So Far – Under Soil And Dirt

As a record, the debut cut from The Story So Far sees the Californian pop-punkers coming out of the blocks with a solid and, at times, hugely enjoyable offering. With a sound often akin to New Found Glory mixed with something like The Wonder Years, Under Soil And Dirt is packed with big melodies, and some great hooks, with some working better than others.

Quicksand is the first real hint of genius in their ranks, hinting at a bright future, and a knack to pen a great chorus, which hits home impressively with a driving guitar lead and an energetic approach. It is bread and butter pop punk, but when it sounds this good, and is executed so perfectly, you have to be impressed. Swords and Pens is another relentless banger, whilst High Regard is another great chorus and beat. Elsewhere, Four Years possesses another driving riff and hits hard, whilst Closure is a great way to round of a really good record.

There is no end of tunes to get any crowd moving on any given day, and although it may not be as strong as it ploughs towards it climax, at points, this is a solid and enjoyable record which hints at great potential.

With another record packed with bigger hits, and bigger choruses (still!) these boys could give some of the top dogs a run for their money.

7/10