Review Summary: The Dangerous Summer’s true ‘’Golden Record’’
The Dangerous Summer are a band l had certainly heard of, but had not really taken notice of for reasons I’m not really sure of, but after such a strong recommendation l felt compelled to listen. What l heard was definitely a change from my usual playlist of metalcore, hardcore and pop punk.
The first thing l noticed was the vocalist’s brilliant tone and the brutal honesty that is so evidently portrayed in his delivery. The opening track ‘’Where l Want To Be’’ strikes me as a very personal experience for vocalist and bass guitarist AJ Perdomo. Lyrics such as: ‘’I really think for once that I can change. It's really not that bad. I'm learning now that I was wrong in everything and that's the reason why I think that I can grow’’ These extremely personal lyrics really draw attention to AJ really baring his soul to the listener and we immediately feel a connection to his message. It’s a very mature and honest song for a band very young at the time.
The album continues down the same path with songs such as ‘’Settle Down’’ ‘’Symmetry’’ ‘’The Permanent Rain’’ and ‘’This Is War’’ all standout tracks in allowing AJ to convey his message and its meaning to the listener. A criticism that could come from a listener is his limited range and always sticking to the same sort of tone throughout all songs. I definitely don’t see a problem in him sticking to his preferred singing style. Due to his unusual, but nice consistent tone he immediately stands out from other vocalists in this genre.
There is certainly enough variety displayed by the instruments particularly the guitars. The beginning of ‘’Symmetry’’ shows a really nice rhythm section and is one of the catchier rhythms of the album. Lead guitarist Bryan Czap contributes nicely to the album, particularly the start of ‘’This Is War’’ the rhythm guitarist Cody Payne also backs up Bryan really well to contribute their best performance of the album. Vocalist AJ Perdomo also contributes bass guitar to allow a slightly deeper sound to songs like ‘’A Space to Grow’’. Drummer Tyler Minsberg does a sound job behind the kit with his best performance coming in the title track ‘’Reach for the Sun’’ where he starts the song off with a nice little beat that continues throughout the track. I would have to say my favourite song is ‘’This is War’’. Every element of The Dangerous Summer’s sound is put together nicely. AJ with probably his strongest vocal performance of the album, nice lead and rhythm guitars and a great drum beat.
Rarely does a debut album show such immense maturity and honesty. This is 11 songs of pure enjoyment that tick all the boxes. The Dangerous Summer were a totally new musical experience for me and l thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
