Review #2

The Dangerous Summer - Reach for the Sun. 2009 Hopeless Records

Hey guys! For review #2 I'm going to be talking about The Dangerous Summer's first full length release, Reach for the Sun. The Dangerous Summer is a 4-piece alternative rock/punk band hailing from Elicott City, Maryland. I first heard about these guys around the time they released this record in 2009 and I have not yet been able to get sick of it. The reason why I chose to review this record is because personally, it is one of my favorite records of all time. It's my perfect record, and I'll tell you why...

Reach for the Sun is the perfect example of a record in which all the components that make it (lyrics and music), compliment each other. Every sound in every song, whether it is coming from the guitars, bass, drums, or vocals, fits together in the most amazing way. This is also most definitely an emotion-driven record. With his unique, powerful voice, lead singer AJ Perdomo belts out every single lyric with the utmost intensity and feeling. He is also able to deliver the softer lyrics with a delicate and heartfelt tone that will make anyone relate and feel what he is feeling to the most realistic degree. It is no question that Perdomo is not a stranger to the pen and paper and knows how to transform his feelings into song.

Along with AJ Perdomo's wonderful, heartfelt lyrics, the musicianship that comes from guitarists Cody Payne, Bryan Czap and drummer Tyler Minsberg brings a sense of creativity, technicality and professionalism to the table. AJ Perdomo also showcases talent on his bass playing while simultaneously being able to sing his lyrics with the passion that shines through him. There is a unique feel to the guitar sounds on this record, being that they don't sound like they are overproduced with filters and other means of sound tweaking. All you hear is the raw sound of guitars with a ton of dissonance and reverb that makes it unforgettable to the ears. The component that really drew me into this record and this band in general is the creative and technical drumming of Tyler Minsberg. This guy knows what he's doing behind the drum kit, people. Being experienced on the drums myself, I have never seen or heard a style of drumming like this ever before. From the fast beats and rhythms to to the technical drum fills, Minsberg never repeats himself. It seems he always plays something different within every section of a song. His drumming is completely unique and its simply a joy to hear and a breath of fresh air brought to the world of drumming.


Diversity and universality are words I think best describe Reach for the Sun's strongest power. It's extremely relatable and its prevalance can speak to anyone who has willing ears and open hearts.  If you want to hear a rock record with an undying amount of meaning, passion and heart, Reach for the Sun is the perfect record for you. I know it is for me.

Notable songs on this record: ALL OF THEM. Personal favorites are: "Where I Want to Be," "Weathered," "Surfaced" and "A Space to Grow."

Here's a lyric video for their song "Where I Want to Be."

And after you check out Reach for the Sun, check out The Dangerous Summer's newest record War Paint! It's equally as amazing! These guys seriously deserve the support!

Thanks for reading, guys!

Andrew

Review #1

The Story So Far - Under Soil and Dirt. 2011 Pure Noise Records

Hey everyone! Thanks for stumbling upon my brand new blog! I'm going to be using it as a blog to review music old and new, ranging from the folk to screamo/hardcore genres, and I hope you all enjoy it. I also hope it inspires you to check out all the great albums and the bands that make them.

For my very first post, I'm going to be reviewing probably my favorite record of 2011, Under Soil and Dirt by the Walnut Creek, California pop-punk band, The Story So Far.

I first heard about this band through a couple really great friends of mine. One of them had posted a music video to one of their songs on their Facebook and I fell in love with them instantly. I am a complete sucker for really well done and constructed pop punk music and this band proves to produce just that. If there ever was a definition for an infectious record, it is The Story So Far's Under Soil and Dirt. 

The type of sound that this band manages to produce is, for lack of a better word, hypnotizing. Hypnotizing in a good way, of course. A very good way. From the minute I put this record on, I have to listen to it front to back. They are songs that will be engraved into your mind for days and days. The lyrics alone are what I think keeps me and other listeners coming back for more. They are so relatable to the young adult generation. The lead vocalist, Parker Cannon, has written what so many of us want to say, but can't. To me, this is an album about growing up and trying to find a place in this world. And I feel that it is a problem that so many young people, like myself, face today.

Aside from the raw, inspiring lyrics, the music is an entity of its own. As I said before, this is perfectly constructed pop punk music and its played by 5 guys who obviously know what they're doing behind their respected musical instruments. From the drums to the vocals, every little sound coming from these guys is tight. All the sound you hear will leave you bobbing your head up and down to the intricate guitar lines and beats of the drums. I am very happy to say that there is not one bad song on this record, as a record like that is very hard to come by nowadays. Even though this is a great record, it may not be the record for you. But if you're into really fun, catchy pop punk songs,  it is definitely worth checking out. You have nothing to lose. The Story So Far brings a fresh new take on the pop punk genre, while staying true to their roots and influences such as Blink 182 and New Found Glory. It's plain to see that these guys have something to say and are a force to be reckoned with. I think we can expect great things from them for years to come.


Like I said, every track on this record is solid and worth giving a listen to, but the most notable tracks to me are: "Roam," "Quicksand," "High Regard," "Mt. Diablo," and "Placeholder."

I'll leave you with the video for their song "Quicksand."

Thanks so much for reading, guys!

Andrew