Contrary to Popular Belief: Not Long After's Punk-Fueled Time Capsule from 2003
Let’s get one thing straight—this album isn’t your run-of-the-mill pop-rock fluff. Nope. Contrary to Popular Belief by Not Long After is the kind of record that grabs you by the collar and says, “Listen up, buddy.” Released in 2003 under New School Records, this punk-infused gem feels like a rebellious teenager stuck in a time machine, screaming its heart out while trying to make sense of life.
The band hails from the US, but their sound has no borders—it’s raw, unfiltered, and packed with emotion. And let’s not forget Marc McClusky, who wore so many hats during production (producer, mixer, masterer, arranger, backing vocalist, keyboardist, instrumentalist… seriously, dude did it all) that he might as well have been cloned. The artwork? Props to Scott Knight for nailing that gritty vibe. It’s simple yet striking, much like the music itself.
Now, onto the tracks. This album’s got 14 songs, each punching harder than the last, but two stood out enough to stick in my brain like gum on a hot sidewalk.
First off, there’s "Chasing the Impossible." Wait, hold on—isn’t that title repeated twice in the tracklist? Maybe they just really wanted us to chase hard after something. Anyway, this song hits different. Its opening riff slaps you awake, and before you know it, the vocals are pulling you into some sort of chaotic daydream. Lyrically, it’s about pushing forward even when everything seems stacked against you. You can practically hear the frustration bleeding through the speakers. I remembered this one because it felt like an anthem for anyone who’s ever tried to climb a mountain only to realize halfway up that mountains are kinda jerks.
Then there’s “That One Night,” which flips the mood entirely. It’s slower, moodier, almost nostalgic. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of fleeting moments—the kind you wish you could freeze-frame forever but never can. There’s something hauntingly relatable about singing along to lines that remind you of nights you’ll never get back but wouldn’t trade for anything. Plus, whoever handled the harmonies here deserves a medal. They’re smooth without being overly polished, adding just the right amount of grit to keep things real.
What sticks with me most about this album isn’t just how catchy or emotional it is—it’s how human it feels. These aren’t perfect studio creations; these are sweaty, honest snapshots of a band figuring stuff out as they go. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s brilliant, and sometimes it’s both at once. That’s what makes it work.
Oh, fun fact: Did you notice Tyler Ashlock and Mike Anderson were listed twice for photography credits? Feels like someone was really proud of those pics—or maybe just super indecisive. Either way, it adds to the charm.
So yeah, if you’re looking for an album that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers but still manages to kick ass, give Contrary to Popular Belief a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up chasing impossible dreams or reminiscing about wild nights afterward. Punk rock does weird things to people.
And hey, if nothing else, at least now you know what happens when Marc McClusky decides to play every instrument known to man. Spoiler alert: magic.
