Storm The Bay is a template of the perfect balance between Pop Punk and Hardcore. This five-piece group from Upstate New York recently released their third EP, Travel Songs, via Streaker Records. The release sets an example for how to incorporate two sub-genres of Alternative music to form one smooth, flowing collection of songs.
Travel Songs features five distinct tracks that individually stand out among the others. 2 Minute Drill is the first of the five tracks, featuring melodic verses and an irresistibly catchy chorus with Vocalist Nate Hamberger creating a kind of Taking Back Sunday-inspired back and forth echoing sound with Bassist/Vocalist Mike Till throughout. Fool's Gold follows in second, shifting into a more melodic rock vibe with Josh Swagler pounding the drum kit relentlessly. The band fools us with a lighter, acoustic introduction in Any Other Way, but quickly kicks back into an upbeat, sugary guitar riff courtesy of Trevor Darrah and Jordan Foehner as they match Hamberger’s vocalizes ("I never really wanted any other way than right here now with you"). This Side Of The Genesee relates more to the Hardcore sub-genre than any other track on Travel Songs. It is aggressive and rough both in instrumental and vocal elements, channeling Red Jumpsuit Apparatus in a way. The EP closes with Days Go By, a track that combines the signature Pop Punk bounciness with a rougher, more forceful sound the band displays; Hamberger delivers the chorus with melodic simplicity ("Days go by so fast it seems"... "And one day I’ll see you again/On the bright side"). Essentially, Travel Songs is an easy and enjoyable listen.
After their third EP, Storm The Bay seem ready for a full-length release. They have the sense of melody and diversity in songwriting down pat, mastering the art of having the vocals flow with the rest of the band and creating a smooth finish. Storm The Bay is a band to watch out for, and show it particularly in Travel Songs.
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Written by Melissa Jones
