The Rocket Summer has always been, since its inception, my go-to feel-goodery music. This Christian project led by Bryce Avary, an adorable 27-year-old who looks like he’s about 13, is one of those one-man bands. Though he tours with a full band, he shows off his skills by playing every part of a song during his live show with the help of a looping recording device.
His fourth full-length release, 2010’s Of Men and Angels, is typical Rocket Summer musical and lyrical songwriting. Not shying away from his strong Christian beliefs, the topic traces almost every single song but is done in a way that isn’t overwhelming to the listener. Honestly, the only turn-off about the Rocket Summer is the fact that he runs the risk of being too cute and upbeat (think Owl City and never.shout.never).
With “Roses” and “You Gotta Believe,” Of Men and Angels gets started immediately with the typical acoustic guitars mixed with electrical. His light, harmonizing vocals give the songs a nice effect while the saxophone makes a quick, barely-there appearance in “You Gotta Believe,” making his blues influences disappear into thin air.
The title track of the album is a piano-laced slow track that builds momentum, eventually getting the guitars in and hitting its zenith at the choruses where Avary’s voice passionately sings his slow melodies that contrast with the quick verses.
I’m not a fan of one of the album’s single, “Japanese Exchange Student,” because the lyrics are kind of cheesy:
I might as well be a Japanese exchange student
Cuz people wanna know me, rather not show up
But the thrill is off and then I’m alone
Until Beyonce rolls through town and I think that I can call and score a ticket
When I can’t cuz I don’t know her like you don’t know me
It’s a lonely world when it’s all that you see
It doesn’t matter if I got a good heart in me
This gets lonely
Though this is the case, the light-pounding pianos and strings make this song typical, poppy, catchy, body-moving Rocket Summer. You almost start ignoring the complaining lyrics to enjoy the musical aspect of the song. Surprisingly enough, Avary has actually been approached by a multitude of artists to write their singles and he has done so for American Idol alum David Archuleta (“Stomping the Roses”).
On first listen, I admit that I thought nothing of this album. But when I gave it another chance recently, it totally caught me in its big loving arms, just as his previous three albums did. Of Men and Angels to me sounds like Avary still struggles with his faith like any other imperfect Christian, but he has a knack for writing upbeat and hopeful songs that give the listener (and probably him) hope. This album is a great addition to his growing collection of LP’s and EP’s.
The first time I saw him live was at the House of Blues in Anaheim and after the show I was able to meet Avary and though I had a little bit of liquor in me, I just had to thank him for writing such joyful songs that are just drenched in love, which is refreshing!
Buy the album at our record store on Amazon
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- Album Review – What is Love? by never. shout. never.
- Sunday’s Blessings – God Bless The Generation Gap
- Catching Up With …
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- Album Review – Hurley by Weezer