The Summer Set "Blossom" Album Review
Blossom, the first collection of new music from pop-rock outfit The Summer Set in six years, sees the band pick right back up without missing a single beat. Led by Brian Logan Dales’ instantly recognizable voice and backed by instrumentals that carry the band’s iconic brand of upbeat neon-tinged pop rock into the modern day, this record showcases a refined, matured, and perhaps most importantly, a reinvigorated version of the band.
From the first listen of introductory track “The Color of Everything,” which theatrically and excitedly builds into lead single “Street Lightning,” an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and familiarity is called upon. The band has curated a collection of songs that expertly evoke the youthfulness of their past work, while now approaching that youthful energy from an adult perspective, sure to be especially relatable to long-time listeners who themselves have grown and aged alongside the band. “Teenagers,” featuring powerhouse vocalist Chrissy Costanza of Against The Current, is a particular highlight of the record, utilizing its dual vocalists to present a conversational piece between two old flames that speaks to the very adult feeling of reflecting upon the past in a way that longs to recapture their former youth. Album closer “Back Together” sees Dales reflect very candidly about his own struggles within both the band and life outside that, carrying a universally accepted message of love, positivity, and growth.
In addition to the several well-matured tracks on Blossom, the band made sure to include some unashamedly fun and carefree tracks as well. “FTS,” featuring Travie McCoy, is an anthem that carries the recurring theme of freedom and positivity laced through the entirety of this record, but presents it with an upbeat and infectious chorus that is sure to have listeners singing along from the first listen. Similarly, pop-forward and dance-driven tracks “Hard Candy” and “Famous” are sure to be immediate emo night dance floor classics.
“By definition, Blossom means ‘to mature or develop in a promising or healthy way.’ So that’s what we did…this is an album about growth and togetherness. About letting go of the past and looking forward to the future” shares Dales. That mission statement is very clearly visible throughout the entirety of this record, as Blossom feels like a group of longtime friends excited to make music with one another once more. Quintessentially and unmistakably The Summer Set at their best.
7.5/10
