I know it’s after Labor Day, and technically we are to put away all thoughts and memories of summer as we prepare for the onslaught of the next three months worth of holiday fare and temperamental weather. I would usually agree as I simply love the autumn season, however after hearing Do You Feel the latest work from The Rocket Summer, I think you will agree with me that summer ’07 deserves a re-visit.
A power pop band from Colleyville, Texas, The Rocket Summer is comprised solely of Bryce Avary. Actually, I use the word “band” liberally as Bryce is the frontman, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist behind The Rocket Summer. Falling in love with music around the tender age of 12, Bryce simply got obsessed with different instruments. By age 15 he began playing solo shows in cafes and house parties around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. What to do at age 16? Put out a self-titled EP, of course. There was only one problem. “I didn’t have a band at the time,” he says. “So I recorded everything on my own…I get consumed with making music, seeing songs from beginning to end.” Released in 2000, it has been followed by two full-length records, 2003’s Calendar Days and 2005’s Hello, Good Friend.
That brings us to Do You Feel, its first major label release on Island Def Jam Records. “There’s a common theme on this record,” says Bryce. “Wanting to do greater things for the world, and not just trying to be a rock’n’roll star. I think we all have that desire but our issues and daily life get in the way. These songs are about trying to overcome that.” Throughout all of The Rocket Summer records, one thing remains constant: the vision. “Hope is a huge part of this and I want people to feel connected to that.”
As with Bryce’s other works, Do You Feel, is laced with rock guitars, a cavalcade of piano based ballads and Bryce’s high-pitched vocals; piano ballads such as the hauntingly beautiful “Run To You”. Lyrically calling out to God, “I will move right on through all of these things that I have done. And you’ll take me back. I don’t know why.” For me, that simply hits home. Who has not “messed up” with God? And yet He is the understanding parent once again forgiving you.
Do You Feel is also filled with many guitar fueled power pop songs such as “Break It Out”, “Hold It Up” and its first single “So Much Love” which can also boast the use of the horn section used by Stevie Wonder.
I know I’m gushing, I’ll stop. This album is just THAT GOOD. Don’t take my word for it, catch The Rocket Summer this fall with Sleeping with Giants on the Supporting the Academy Fall Tour ’07. Or even better…get this album.
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