The Rocket Summer

I’m fifteen years old. Well, no, I’m not. I’m twenty-one. But when I listen to The Rocket Summer’s Do You Feel? it’s like I’m fifteen all over again. I’m not sure exactly what to call this pseudo-pop/emo genre, but I’ve come to realize that bands like The Rocket Summer are the boy bands of the new millennium. The catchy music, heartfelt (albeit cheesy) lyrics, and the band’s good looks make teenage girls giddy. The difference between nineties boy bands and The Rocket Summer is that The Rocket Summer–or rather, its sole member Bryce Avary–is actually talented. If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the credits.

“Vocals, drums, piano, guitars, bass, percussion, moog synthesizers, organ, Wurlitzer, and harmonica performed by Bryce Avary.” Impressive–and I can’t even commit to learning guitar.

Now, you’ve probably guessed that this is not exactly a PureGrain-type artist, due to the fact that this album features an organ, moogs, piano, Wurlitzer, and a harmonica. Speaking from a rock/metal standpoint, I’m going to tell you right now: do not buy this album. You’ll hate it. You might as well just skip the rest of this review, since I’m going to approach this album from a mainstream, radio-friendly, rated “F” for Family perspective.

Do You Feel? opens with “Break It Out”, which has stolen the ‘Shawna’s Wake-Up Alarm Track’ title from The Junction’s “Components of Four”, which has been the song I wake up to since January 2006. This is easily the most single-worthy song on the album due to the following key attributes:

1) Easily recognizable introduction.
2) Radio-friendly length (2:47) (apparently successful radio singles are generally around the three-minute mark)
3) Vocal breakdown.
4) Catchy chorus.
5) Simple lyrics.
6) Dance-inducing melody.

Other notable tracks include potential second-single “So Much Love”–which features the six key components listed above, along with a saxophone–“Taken Aback”, and the title track “Do You Feel”. The album only features one ballad, which is entitled “Run to You”.

This album is a great pick-me-up if you’re into mainstream, pop-esque music. It also makes a killer guilty pleasure. Though, if you’re hardcore, punk, or a huge metal-head, then Do You Feel? would be much better suited as a Frisbee than as an addition to your music collection.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Break It Out
02. So Much Love
03. Do You Feel?
04. Save
05. All I Have
06. High Life Scenery
07. A Song Is Not A Business Plan
08. Taken Aback
09. Colors
10. Run To You
11. Hold It Up
12. Waiting
13. So, In This Hour…

Run Time: 47:18