The Story So Far-Proper Dose (2018)

Why I like it:

The Story So Far were a band that were within the orbit of pop punk music that I like but never had the staying power, for me at least. Upon reflection, I think it had something to do with the lyrical content of their past material because Proper Dose I absolutely loved!

From what I could read, the lead singer Parker Cannon was going through some personal issues with self medication and isolation. These problems are what he used for the theme of Proper Dose and it was a step towards a different writing style. Before Parker wrote a lot about past relationships and the feelings one goes through when they end. Usually that's a lot of anger. 

With Proper Dose there's self-reflection of Parker's past mistakes and how to move past them, whether it be the self medication or old grudges. I like how you can hear this change in attitude within the album's tone. It leans towards more poppier and anthemic sounds, which is refreshing to hear from The Story So Far. 

This might be a bold statement but I really feel like The Story So Far have breathed new life into pop-punk as a genre with Proper Dose. If anything, I hope it inspires other long running pop-punk acts to try something new :) 

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

If I fall-"Give me space, make me pace, let me whine"

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Similar bands to check out:

Man Overboard, Four Year Strong, Neck Deep, State Champs

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Reviews and links to check out:

Infinity on Hannah (YouTuber)- Review

Pressreader.com- Interview

Pod Goes Punk Podcast- Review

Live set from 2019

Bear Vs Shark -Right Now, You're in the Best of Hands. And If Something Isn't Quite Right, Your Doctor Will Know in a Hurry (2003)

 

Why I like it:

A band that is truly unique in their style. They have aggressive shouting one second, to soothing melodic verses in another. It's like if a hardcore band met an indie band and decided to have a child. 

If you like Alexisonfire for the juxtaposition of brutal screaming with soft spoken singer-songwriter styles, then I think you might just like Bear Vs Shark too. The genres are not exactly the same but it's a unique blend of styles that breaks ground and has inspired new generations. 

If want a direct example of their inspiration of a new upcoming band, check out the Washed Up Emo interview linked below. There's a band called Dogleg that took inspiration from Bear Vs Shark and they are amazing! It's actually this interview that got me to really deep dive into Bear Vs Shark in the first place. 

Right Now, You're in the Best of Hands. And If Something Isn't Quite Right, Your Doctor Will Know in a Hurry I chose to cover because of the simple fact that this is one that I first connected with. The album has fantastic pacing and will help you burn off any pent up emotions with all the shouting and head banging you will be doing! 

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Kylie-"Kylie, say the words/With silent ears and silent hands"

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Similar bands to check out:

Bars of Gold, Planes Mistaken for Stars, Sparta, Cursive

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Reviews and links to check out:

Punknews.org- Review

Peer Pleasure Podcast- Interview

Live session from 2004

Washed Up Emo Podcast- Interview of Dogleg

Tigers Jaw-I Won't Care How You Remember Me (2021)

 

Why I like it:

Tiger's Jaw are a band that came from DIY roots and it has been exciting to see their progression and growth. I think it is important to bring up the DIY aspect because, even though they can now headline their own tours, there's still that DIY ethos that they follow and makes then endearing. Essentially, Tigers Jaw still do a vast majority of the managing themselves and play the music that they want to because they love it. In my humble opinion, this is the special ingredient to their music and why they have such a longtime loyal fan base. 

Now to most recent release I Won't Care How You Remember Me. When the album first came out in March I spun it a few times and thought "ya this is pretty good" and put it down to look into some other releases. Low and behold, I kept getting certain guitar riffs and song choruses stuck in my head and had to came back to this release to really assess it properly. 

To be honest, the more I've been digesting and letting I Won't Care How You Remember Me sink in, the more I'm connecting to it. This album is definitely a grower (at least for me) and it's been a fun journey getting into it! The lyrics are phenomenal, like always, and the instrumentation is just mwah! This a album you should play in order to really appreciated the craftsmanship that Tigers Jaw has created. I have no doubt this album is going to be year end list contender. 

I could go on and on about Tigers Jaw and this album but I think there's folks who do the album better justice. Please check out the links below!

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Lemon Mouth- "If I don’t say it now it’s gone forever"

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Similar bands to check out:

Seahaven, The Front Bottoms, The Dangerous Summer, Into It. Over It

*Bands that came up from the same era as Tigers Jaw and still killing it

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Reviews and links to check out:

Washed Up Emo Podcast- Interview

Everythingisnoise.net- Review

Record release show- Record in full live

Swimintothesound.com- Retrospect on Tigers Jaw