THE ROCKET SUMMER - The Early Years EP Review

The sophistication of this release is admirable, and reminds us that Avary – even if you shy away from before-mentioned acts – is a musical prodigy, if not genius. ...full text Bryce Avary never bought into the importance of machismo. The Rocket Summer’s live performances showcase its front man frolicking and flailing about the stage, flying from his guitar to the keyboard and any other instrument imaginable like a pinball. One quickly recognizes the songwriter’s confidence in his image when presented with his shockingly high-pitched vocals and energetic, bouncing guitars of recent releases. Going back to the outset of his career, The Early Years EP, we see that same flamboyance in a more raw, equally expressive fashion....full text Although nobody would have believed it in 1998 or 2001 if you told them, it's kind of hard not to look back fondly on emo's glory days. The era when the Get Ups and Promise Ring ruled the style instead of screaming Hot Topic kids. The days when emos languished over whether or not to call a girl, not slit their wrists. Those halcyon times when the style was still concerned with using pop to buck the punk-rock status quo instead of makeup to support it....full text