Let’s talk about ‘No Pressure’
No Pressure: Led By Parker Cannon of The Story So Far
When you think of Parker Cannon, it’s hard not to immediately associate him with The Story So Far. As the frontman of the beloved pop-punk band, Cannon has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern sound of the genre, delivering raw, introspective lyrics with a potent mix of melody and aggression. However, in recent years, he’s embarked on a new journey—one that has taken him into uncharted territory. Enter No Pressure, a side project that not only reflects a different side of Cannon’s musical persona but also taps into the core of what makes punk so vital: authenticity, passion, and unfiltered energy.
He and the band have expressed that No Pressure was created with the intention of having fun, free from the expectations and pressures that often come with larger projects. This was especially significant as it coincided with The Story So Far taking a break from the scene, allowing Cannon and his bandmates the space to experiment and create without the weight of their established reputation. It was a refreshing return to the roots of making music for the sake of enjoying the process, not for the pursuit of fame or success.
While The Story So Far has always been known for their melodic blend of fast-paced, emotionally charged punk rock, in recent years, the band has taken a more mellowed approach—a shift not uncommon for pop-punk bands as they progress in their careers. In contrast, No Pressure feels youthful and raw, with their music defined by short, punchy tracks that capture the spirit of classic '90s punk and skate-punk, all while adding a modern twist. Despite the differences in sound, No Pressure shares a core element with The Story So Far—a relentless pursuit of honesty and an unwavering refusal to conform to expectations.
Origins of No Pressure
No Pressure formed in 2020, during the midst of a global pandemic. For Parker Cannon, the creation of the band wasn’t necessarily a rejection of The Story So Far, but rather a way to explore a different style of punk rock—one that was influenced by the DIY ethos and the underground punk scene that shaped his early musical tastes. The band's lineup includes members from other bands within the scene, including guitarist Nick Barrett and drummer Pat McNulty, among others. Together, they created a sound that harkened back to the '90s skate-punk bands Cannon grew up listening to, like Descendants, No Use For A Name, and Lagwagon.
The debut self-titled EP, released in 2020, was a statement of intent. With fast tempos, short tracks, and riff-driven melodies, it served as an introduction to No Pressure's high-energy, no-frills approach to punk rock. Tracks like “So you say” and “Deal” exemplified this unpolished, aggressive style, as the band’s spirit collided with their desire to bring a sense of urgency and power back into punk. The band didn't need to reinvent the wheel—what they needed was to recapture the energy and vitality that made punk so exciting in the first place.
The Importance of ‘No Pressure’ in Today’s Punk Scene
One of the most refreshing aspects of No Pressure is their refusal to buy into the trends that have dominated the music world in recent years. In an era where social media plays an outsized role in an artist’s success, No Pressure has largely chosen to avoid the spotlight. The band’s minimal presence on platforms like Instagram or Twitter is intentional. They prefer to focus on their music rather than build an online persona. In a time where the online world feels increasingly curated and filtered, No Pressure stands as a reminder that punk music—at its heart—is about rebellion against the mainstream, not trying to make it fit into a carefully constructed narrative.
By staying away from social media and not building a “brand” around themselves, No Pressure remains more of an underground band. This strategy has made their music feel more authentic—less polished, more visceral—and it gives the project an air of mystery and rawness that many bands lack today. Their absence from the constant hustle of social media allows them to focus solely on the music, without worrying about cultivating a perfect image or the pressures of the digital age.
In many ways, No Pressure’s approach mirrors the DIY culture that gave birth to punk in the first place: play music, create community, and stay true to yourself. In a world where music often feels like a business more than a passion, No Pressure brings it back to the roots of punk rock—loud, fast, and unapologetic.
The Band's Growth
Since their debut EP, No Pressure has continued to grow both musically and artistically. Their 2022 full-length album, No Pressure, pushed the boundaries of what was explored on their first release, showcasing a maturity that comes from experience. The album further demonstrated their ability to fuse melodic sensibilities with their punk roots.
Cannon’s distinct voice remains central to the band’s sound, but No Pressure allows him to explore different lyrical themes than what you might hear in The Story So Far. While the latter’s lyrics often focus on angst, heartache, and self-reflection, No Pressure finds Cannon diving into themes of friendship, the state of punk, and the confusion. His lyrics have a more hopeful, albeit still cynical, undertone. The music, too, is more straight-up punk rock—faster, with more immediate hooks and a less polished production style.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of No Pressure is their ability to keep the spirit of punk alive without trying to “fit in” with what’s happening in the mainstream punk scene. While other bands may be drawn to commercial success or riding the wave of certain trends, No Pressure remains steadfast in their commitment to doing things their way. They’re not trying to reinvent the genre—rather, they’re offering a fresh take on what punk rock can be in today’s world.
Music, Not Hype
At its core, No Pressure is a reminder of why punk music exists in the first place.
For Parker Cannon, No Pressure isn’t just a side project—it’s an opportunity to explore a different side of himself, away from the massive stage of The Story So Far and back to the roots of why he started playing music in the first place: the love of punk and the desire to create something real. And in an era where authenticity seems hard to come by, that is more important than ever.
No Pressure Live in Perth
Seeing No Pressure live in Perth at The Amplifier Bar was an experience that perfectly captured the essence of what the band stands for: raw energy, unfiltered emotion, and a no-frills approach to punk rock. The show, while short and sweet, gave fans a chance to hear the band's music in its purest form—loud, fast, and unapologetically real. But as with any live performance, the experience was far from what I expected.
Parker Cannon, known for his trademark stage presence (or lack thereof), once again proved that his subdued, almost indifferent demeanour on stage has become part of his unique style. It’s something fans have come to expect, and in many ways, it’s become a bit of a joke within the community. Cannon often looks disengaged, standing still for most of the set with a look that seems to say, "I'm here, but I'd rather be anywhere else." But for those who’ve followed him over the years, we know better. Beneath that seemingly uninterested exterior lies a deep passion for the music and a genuine appreciation for the fans. It's just that his presence on stage is, well, understated—deliberately so.
The crowd that night was quieter and more tame than I had anticipated. I’d seen footage of No Pressure gigs online—crowds moshing, singing along, and generally feeding off the band’s energy. But in Perth, it felt like the crowd wasn't as engaged as I expected. Maybe it was the intimate setting of The Amplifier Bar, or maybe the Perth crowd just needed a bit more warming up. Regardless, the contrast between what I’d seen online and what I was experiencing in person was notable.
Cannon’s usual stage persona of seeming "bored" was even more pronounced here. His distance during the performance had some fans whispering and, after the set, I spoke to a few who shared their disappointment. They had hoped for a more engaged performance, but it seemed like Parker’s attitude that night suggested he might’ve rather been anywhere else. Still, it’s hard to criticise someone whose approach to live performances has become iconic in its own right. It may not be the most energetic or interactive performance, but it’s his, and that’s what makes it part of his charm.
Despite this, the show wasn’t a complete let down. It was still fantastic to see No Pressure in the flesh, and hearing the band’s raw, unpolished sound live was a real treat. Their music is meant to be felt as much as it’s heard, and that came across clearly, even if the vibe was more subdued than I’d anticipated. Last Ride Records had done a great job of putting together the tour, and I’m sure it was a success overall. While the energy of the crowd and the band’s stage presence may not have been at their peak that night, the show still served as a reminder of how powerful and stripped-back punk rock can be when you let the music speak for itself.
All in all, while the gig may not have been the most high-energy or interactive performance I’d seen, it was still an unforgettable experience—an honest reflection of No Pressure's approach to punk. The rawness of their sound and the intimacy of the venue made it a moment worth remembering. Hopefully, next time the crowd (and the band) will bring a bit more fire.