|
After three years of relentless touring and recording, the most famous one-man show in Christian music has
finally resurfaced with a new album. On Of Men And Angels, Bryce Avary (better known, perhaps, as
The Rocket Summer) truly delivers with what could easily be his best record yet. Mixing TRS's
classic pop rock with a hefty helping of spirituality, the fifteen song collection is both undeniably fun and
oddly thought-provoking.
"Roses" loudly kicks off Of Men And Angels, in more ways than one-- the topic of faith introduced in
the song is a recurring theme throughout. "You Gotta Believe" and "Hills And Valleys" are quick follow-ups, which
some listeners might remember from the extended play disc You Gotta Believe EP, released in October of
2009. Next, "I Want Something To Live For," which is quite possibly the best track of the entire album,
will have you shouting its beautifully catchy chorus long after the song is over. Later on, the tempo slows a bit
with the vaguely autobiographical "Walls" as well the moody title track. But there's no stopping Avary's rhythm
as "I Need A Break... But I'd Rather Have A Breakthrough" restarts the party, just in time. Two oddly titled
tracks fall right next to each other, "Japanese Exchange Student" (which may very well be a serious effort,
but unfortunately isn't) and "Tara, I'm Terrible." "Hey!" sounds exactly like you'd expect, and the album
eventually concludes with "Light," arguably one of the strongest selections from the 2009 EP.
Bryce Avary himself called Of Men And Angels "the most substance-filled Rocket Summer album to date."
This description is not entirely true, yet not entirely false, either. As far as lyrical content goes, the record
is miles away from previous TRS material; it almost plays like a pop music version of Pilgrim's Progress.
Musically, though, there aren't a whole lot of defining moments in Of Men And Angels. To be realistic,
that's not at all a bad thing-- The Rocket Summer wouldn't be The Rocket Summer without the raucous melodies and
simple joy ever-present in each song. Somehow, Of Men And Angels takes listeners to a simple place,
where faith is all that matters, and a happy song can save your day. No matter your mood,
Of Men And Angels's infectious nature will certainly improve it.
- Review date: 2/22/10, written by Garrett DeRossett of Jesusfreakhideout.com
|
 |
|
|
The highly addictive music of Bryce Avary is making a substantial comeback after his
absence of several years from the spotlight. Back are the highly individualized vocals and catchy pop/rock
anthems that led to this one-man-band's success. Of Men and Angels brings out the best of Bryce in
"Hills and Valleys," and in the lead single, "Walls." The title track provides a solid anthem of submission
to God and continues on "Nothing Matters" and "This is Refuge." And despite several out-of-place tracks,
The Rocket Summer really is reentering the music scene with a commendable record. The
high standards that Bryce Avary continues to set for the originality of his music makes Of Men and Angels
worth at least a spin or two.
- 2/21/10, Logan Leasure of Jesusfreakhideout.com
|
|
|
Record Label: Island Records
