Many hailed The Story So Far’s debut full length as pop-punk record of the year, ahead of genre heavyweights New Found Glory and The Wonder Years. For anyone, let alone a band who only recently graduated high school, this call would have been quite the compliment. A big call it may be, but with just one listen praises like this can rightfully and understandably be thrown around.

Under Soil and Dirt opens with “States and Mind”, a 50 second predominately instrumental piece which instantly showcases the progress since previous releases. The track flows into “Roam”, a highly addictive three minutes with an infectious chorus. “Quicksand” was our first introduction to Under Soil and Dirt which the band released prior to the album. It was a perfect indication of what was to come: pure pop-punk, nothing cheesy, no overload of gang vocals or trendy break downs. The Story So Far is everything you love about classic pop-punk with a modern spin.

The musicianship, which can be noted on “Swords and Pens” along with the outstanding “High Regard”, is clearly improved on this record. The latter features a crucial hook from guitarist Kellen Geyer and an initial drawcard to the band for me: honesty and aggression. Parker Cannon blatantly says with a sting, “F*** an apology I’m not sorry for anything/ I’ve been holding back my apathy for far too long/ You don’t deserve what you haven’t earned/ And your place in my heart has just grown so small.” I don’t know about you, but when I come across someone honest and straightforward I do my best to keep them close, so this is an attribute of the band that I certainly value. The Story So Far is honest. I’m going to keep them close and keep returning to these 11 tracks. Because of this, “High Regard” is one of my personal favourites. Entrenched in one of the most powerful choruses of the record is, “I’d like to think that you’re worth my time/ But you embody everything that I hate.” Angry enough for you?

If not, “Daughters” should suffice. The lyrical content is passionately hostile from start to finish despite being a little more low key than preceding tracks. Drummer Ryan Torf takes the reins on the re-recorded “Mt. Diablo”, a track that has been significantly revamped and lifted since its first inductions on 2010’s split with Maker. The song sports lyrics that are much more ruthless and heartfelt than many typical heavy bands in today’s industry such as, “Do you look yourself straight in the eyes/ And think about who you let between your thighs/ Cut the s**t/ Be real with me/ You’re the only one I ever f****** judge”.

“Placeholder” takes things down a notch yet again, but like every track on Under Soil and Dirt, it’s genuine, showing some of the best lyrics on the record. “Closure” finishes the record by picking things up again for a firm and thought out closer.

Some guy on my Facebook feed said Under Soil and Dirt was the best pop-punk release of the last decade. His status got many more likes than the annoying kids who state obvious weather patterns and complain about having cat hair on their jeans. I also value his valid statement. He got a ‘like’ from me. Under Soil and Dirt is definitely up there. If The Story So Far have produced a record this flawless at such a young age, then it’s almost overwhelming to think of the heights they could potentially reach on their next release.