It has been 6 years since The Story So Far (TSSF) released an album. I Want To Disappear introduces them back into the pop-punk scene that they played such a huge role in building since their inception in 2007. Its June 21st release characterizes this album to be the one you play on the way to the beach, or on the highway with the windows down. Besides summer anthems, this album reaches deeper, Parker Cannon and band exploring many themes such as loss and love, all while maintaining the sound The Story So Far fans have come to love.
While this album sways more on the pop side of pop-punk, it still fits the image of the band and blends well with their catalog. “All This Time” welcomes the listener to the album with familiarity of pounding drums and upbeat, repetitive choruses TSSF is known for and lays the groundwork for how the album will sound. “Watch You Go”’s upbeat energy carries you in contrast to its deeper lyrics, letting you catch yourself tapping your feet as Cannon sings, “‘Cause it’s never enough to have you here. I’d rather just watch you go,”. The song “Letterman” slows it down and its repeated choruses make this one of the catchiest songs on the album, you’ll catch yourself singing, “Wear your pride just like a Letterman…like a Letterman!”.
“Keep You Around” explores a softer side of TSSF and is a telling of how one can experience grief and the different questions one asks in the process such as “How will I get through this?” and “How am I still new to this?”. My favorite from this album was “You’re Still In My Way” as it balances the heaviest of its lyrics with an uplifting beat, a contradiction that works perfectly. “White Shores” is profound and even made me tear up, the lyrics, backing vocals working seamlessly to communicate loss and the daily resurfaces of grief one can face. The album closes out with the title track, “I Want To Disappear”. This song is stripped down, raw, and lets Cannon’s vocals shine, delivering a strong ending to this ten-track album.
This album offers a little piece for everyone and was a home-run for the band after a six year album hiatus.
Rating: 8.0/10
