ALBUM REVIEW ~ THE SUMMER SET ~ 'BLOSSOM'

against the current, I'm music magazine, the summer set, brian logan dales, jess bowen, blossom, teenagers, the current, travie mccoy, FTS, chrissy costanza — Photo Credit: Jordan Kelsey Knight

Following a lengthy hiatus, American pop-rock band The Summer Set are back with a new album after announcing their return last year with a new single titled “Street Lightning.” Based out of Arizona, the band is made up of Brian Logan Dales on vocals, John Gomez on guitar, bassist Stephen Gomez, and drummer Jess Bowen. The band has played on several notable tours in the alternative scene including the AP Tour for rock magazine Alternative Press, the Dirty Work tour with All Time Low, and Hey Monday, along with several Warped Tours and The Bamboozle Festival. The Summer Set were also featured on Fearless Record’s album Punk Goes Classic Rock with their cover of “Rock and Roll All Nite” originally by KISS.

Blossom is the band’s fifth studio album, which is out September 9 th . Opening with “The Color of Everything (intro),” the album quickly follows into the summery blast that is “Street Lightning”, the first single released. A fun pop song ringing out echoes of fast fiery love and good times, “Street Lightning” is a hit for the youth with the numerous synth notes and fast surf- style drumming. “My Own Medicine” comes in with the vocals and quick-strumming acoustic first before the full band joins in. An action and consequence meaning, “My Own Medicine” is all about diving in headfirst in love and friendships, acting without thinking of the end results, a relatable message we can all dance and sing along to.

Against the Current are featured on the next track titled “Teenagers.” Throwing in a chorus that’s not unlike something you’d hear in a 5 Seconds of Summer song, “Teenagers” is as straightforward as the title, all about that youthful nostalgia and going back to carefree days of being reckless and young. The song has an added layer of emotional depth thanks to Chrissy Costanza’s sultry vocals in the second verse.

Another artist feature on the album is rapper Travie McCoy throwing a verse on “FTS,” a song that’s more about the untroubled chorus chant than any emotional meaning. “Hard Candy,” gives an edgier more guitar-driven sound compared to the rest of the album, reminding the audience that despite the fun pop bops of earlier tracks, The Summer Set are in fact a rock band.

“Back Together,” is a hopeful, acoustic serenade, the ending to Blossom. With enchanting melodies and bittersweet lyrics of regrets, dreams, and hopes for the future, “Back Together” wraps up the album in a thoughtful finale about getting the band together. It’s an honest message, sweet and sad at the same time, an artist’s struggle coming to terms with getting older and looking back on what’s been done and what should’ve been done sooner. In the end, it’s a message of hope.

Blossom is The Summer Set’s reunion album. After stepping away from the industry, the band is back to playing shows and creating entertaining bops, still as energetic and exciting as ever.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Alice Kearney