Album Review: The Rocket Summer - 'Do You Feel'

When I say “pop music”

what immediately springs to mind? Britney Spears maybe, or at the very

least, some other talent less hack who spends more time in the headlines

for their nightclub escapades than the quality of their music?  

Once upon a time pop

wasn’t such a dirty word, it simply described catchy songs that were

enjoyed by a large number of people. As the only full time member of TheRocket Summer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Bryce Avary knows how to pen a tune or two. Armed with a unique

voice and a penchant for writing one hell of a melody, this one man

band has released one of the best pop records of 2007. 

According to the band’s bio Bryce is one of those kids who developed into an accomplished musician

at an early age. After releasing a well received EP on indie powerhouse The Militia Group in 2003 and following it up with “Hello Good

Friend” (which made him a household name in Christian music circles)

“Do You Feel” is his first major label outing and one which is sure

to increase his profile worldwide.  

With its piano driven verses

and sing-a-long chorus “Break It Out” is the perfect way to kick

start the record. In fact, The Rocket Summer has squeezed more

hooks into one three minute song than most bands come up with over their

entire career. 

“So Much Love” is actually

the first song I heard from The Rocket Summer. My friend played

it to me with the promise that it reminded him of Huey Lewis And

The News… and he’s not far off. Seriously, how many current

bands can you name who have a saxophone solo in of their songs?!  

The album’s title track places

more of an emphasis on the guitars than the previous two songs and in

doing so becomes one of Do You Feel’s standouts. “Save”

starts off as a quieter number but the piano quickly makes way for one

of the album’s biggest choruses and although “All I Have” follows

a fairly similar blueprint (as far as the dynamic of the song goes)

it’s still a great track.  

As I mentioned, Do You Feel

does drag a little towards the end but it’s an otherwise enjoyable

record. Bryce Avary and The Rocket Summer know they’re

not changing the world but they’re doing their best to make sure we

all have a good time… and that’s enough for me.

1. Break It Out
2. So Much Love
3. Do You Feel
4. Save
5. All I Have
6. High Life Scenery
7. A Song Is Not A

   Business Plan

8. Taken Aback
9. Colors