Review by Dom Vigil
Story of the Year are back and better than ever! Even with a seven year gap between their 2010 release, The Constant and their explosive new album, Wolves, these guys haven’t lost a single ounce of energy. In fact, Wolves is everything fans have come to expect from Story of the Year and then some. Dan Marsala’s dynamic vocals reign over wild guitar work and driving drums, and with additional 80’s influenced synth peppered throughout the record, it’s an incredibly timeless and unique release.
The album’s title – Wolves – symbolizes the suffocating feeling of life closing in on you like a pack of wolves, and this theatrical element of the album is established right off the bat with the prologue, which then dives quickly into the explosive, “How Can We Go On.” Thematically, things are solid right from the start and don’t let up until the very end, and sonically, Wolves has this 80’s influenced sound that will make this album withstand the test of time. These songs are frantic, anxious and wild, but most importantly, unique.
Following “How Can We Go On” is the electric, synth driven single, “Bang Bang,” which hosts a little bit of everything and gives you a taste of what to expect from the rest of the album – aggressive screams, soaring choruses and energetic instrumentals that are intercut with bright synth. From there, Wolves continues to play like a movie with the brief but electric instrumental track, “Youth,” which leads into the heavily 80’s influenced anthem, “I Swear I’m Okay.” With big drums, retro synth and wild guitar work, this song successfully merges Story of the Year’s modern sound with something more timeless that really drives the sound and theme of the album home.
The exploration of sound on Wolves is definitely one of its strengths, but it might seem a bit daunting at first. There is just so much to every single song on the album – from vulnerable and striking lyrical content to some of the band’s most dynamic songwriting to date – that it might take a few listens to really absorb everything. You might feel a bit exhausted by the time it finally comes to an end, but that’s exactly what Story of the Year have set out to accomplish with this release.
All of that being said, there are definitely some standout songs on the album, too. The bass and synth driven “Miracle” sounds like a different band entirely compared to “How Can We Go On,” yet the dynamic vocals easily connect the two different sounds. “A Part Of Me” is easily one of the most interesting songs on the album, peppered with sweeping synth to pounding drums and even piano. This song really feels like a call to arms when Marsala sings, “I’m stronger than I believe.” And emotionally, “Give Up My Heart” is a powerful one – a desperate, heartbreaking track that refuses to grow up and give up on the things you love. On the opposite end of the spectrum, “Home” is a very uplifting and positive track.
Story of the Year hit every single mark throughout Wolves. The album’s powerful lyrical content, solid theme and groundbreaking songwriting combined make for an explosive, exhausting and satisfying release. Even though there has been a seven year gap between the band’s last release and Wolves, there’s absolutely no hesitation here. Instead, Story of the Year dive right in and pick up right where they left off, only stronger than ever before.
LISTEN TO “Give Up My Heart” or “A Part Of Me”
STAY CONNECTED WITH STORY OF THE YEAR: https://www.facebook.com/storyoftheyear/