JuSnide

The debut LP, Love Like This, by The Summer Set is a story similar to innocent young love with catchy lyrics and strong instrumental riffs.  This quintet has been around since 2007, and after the release of two strong EPs, the first full-length album does not disappoint.  The band has already accomplished all of this and they are all under 21.  The album is from Razor & Tie Records and available on iTunes for $9.99 with a bonus track.

The first single off the album, “Chelsea” is an adorable song about the lead singer, Brian Dales, and his girlfriend.  Dales opens up not only to his girlfriend (Chelsea Staub from the TV show JONAS), but also to the world.  It is a cute dance song and a great introduction to new listeners.

Although the band is known for their punk-pop style they do experiment with a new sound on a few of the tracks.  “Take it Slow” and “This is How We Live” sound edgier.  A little more lighthearted and more instrument driven, “Take it Slow” is a nice change from the previous tracks.  The band tells the audience how their life on the road is like on “This is How We Live”.”  It seems a little more glamorous on the track than it most likely is in real life, but the song is entertaining and rocky.

One of the best tracks on the CD is “Girls Freak Me Out.”  The band is ready to go out and party.  Drunken mistakes and wild nights while the girls yell “pour some sugar on me” dominate the lyrics.  It is definitely a fun dance song and adds nicely to the rest of somewhat innocent album.

The Summer Set falls on their tracks “Punch-Drunk Love” which is too repetitive and sounds like a more poppy All Time Low.  Also, “Can You Find Me?” is from their previous EP Meet Me On the Left Coast.  If the band wanted to include a previously recorded track, there were some better choices.

However, the final track “Where are You Now?” is an amazing ending.  It is a nice ballad with support from Dia Frampton from Meg and Dia.  Just like any other young love story, they two singers love each other regardless of their flaws or their location. 

This band’s sound is very now and with a big following in the alternative music scene, they will be around for a while.  They have toured with such bands as The Cab, A Rocket to the Moon and The Maine.  They are about to go on tour supporting Cartel for the next month.  Overall, The Summer Set’s debut album is 3.5 stars out of 5.