I promised myself to hold off on sharing my favorite band but it got harder and harder each day I listened to them. So I caved.
The Band: The Dangerous Summer (TDS) falls in the "alternative rock" category yet has an indie aura. They're from Ellicott City, Maryland and started making music in 2006. They signed with Hopeless Records in 2007 but broke up shortly after. TDS returned on stage a year later and released a full length album, Reach For The Sun, last year. These guys are constantly on tour and have plans to release another album in 2011. Their influences are Third Eye Blind, Bright Eyes, Jimmy Eat World, U2, Phil Collins, Explosions in the Sky, and Andrew McMahon. Interesting but random fact... One of their songs (The Permanent Rain) actually made it into a mainstream movie trailer--Love Happens starring Jennifer Aniston.
The Sound: Okay, so, quick story... Last summer, I was bored and hung out on purevolume.com. Do you remember when that used to be so popular? Anyways, I weeded through a lot of overproduced pop punk/power pop bands and wa-la! I found TDS. Their music stood out because all the other bands just simply sound the same. Initially what lulled me in were AJ Perdomo's vocals.
Many people will argue that his voice is very similar to The Starting Line's vocalist, Kenny Vasoli. As much as I hate to admit it... I have to agree but AJ's voice is still distinctly different. Less "pretty." Less whiney. Not quite rugged but rough around the edges, I suppose... If anything, I should say 'masculine' but I know people will take offense and I am definitely not calling Kenny feminine. So I'll just stop there.
I've had friends tell me TDS is depressing and to change the music in my car. Other friends consider it deep. It is whatever it means to you. I never considered the lyrics of A Space To Grow sad until it was brought to my attention. I mean... I'm not saying I thought it was cheery, skipping through a field of daisies, sort of thing. But the song isn't a slow mundane death march either. I don't know... I just know that both their EP and full length album (Reach For The Sun) is a mixture of slow and fast-paced songs, filled with lyrics telling stories that relive emotions. All of their songs are relatable. I guess that's what draws me to particular bands... especially in the punk genre--it's REAL. The emotions are real. The lyrics are real.
"Well I'm an optimist but only in a perfect world. I think I'm too stained with all the negativity of all the people in my way."
The Truth: Obviously, I have nothing but good things to say about this band. TDS will always be in my rotation and I wish more people knew about them. I've seen them live twice and they surpassed my expectations (which were already high). Both performances were stellar. And although the merch, tickets, and beer put a hole in my wallet, I would do it all over again. These guys are meant to play live and not hide in the studio. I honestly think they sound best live which is impressive for a band as young as they are. They've been on tour with well known bands like The Casualties, Less Than Jake, Mayday Parade and The Audition, so I hope they've gained more attention.
I strongly recommend giving The Dangerous Summer a listen. Their sound is refreshing and the lyrics make me fall in love with the songs over and over. I can relate to every lyric they've written. Personally, I see no point in listening to music that cannot capture emotions and real life situations. That's why I can't stand 90% of the crap that's on the radio. I don't want to listen to a guy calling himself Mr. Flintstone 'cause he can make my bed "rock" (man, it kills me how catchy that song is!). Anyways, each one of TDS's songs seem to exemplify an experience or emotion I've had--maybe for you as well. So give them a listen... Then comment and let me know what you think!
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