Music Review: Of Men And Angels
Posted March 23, 2010
By ChristianManifesto,
By Brian Hall & Kyle Kiekintveld
GENRE: ALTERNATIVE/PUNK/POP
LABEL: ISLAND DEF JAM MUSIC GROUP
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 2010
BRIAN HALL’S RATING: 4.25 OUT OF 5
KYLE KIEKINTVELD’S RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 4.4 OUT OF 5
Brian Hall’s Review:
Bryce Avary, better known as The Rocket Summer, has been the biggest one-man-show on the punk/pop scene (Christian or otherwise) for many years now. Since his last record released three years ago, Avary has been busy touring all over the world be it on the Vans Warped Tour, UK tours, Japanese tours, or selling out shows all over the US and Canada. He has even taken other major bands like Paramore, the Plain White T’s and All Time Low along with him as opening acts. With three other full length records under his belt, The Rocket Summer releases Of Men and Angels, a wondrous blend of “bubblegum” pop and alternative rock styling that packs as much bite as it does joy.
The topics of faith and hope are center stage here, which is clearly evident from the rousing opening track “Roses”. Infectious phrasing and hooks also saturate the album. “Japanese Exchange Student” is one such example. Dealing with issues like loneliness while avoiding not only clichés but also despair, can be a difficult thing, but the song approaches it with a sense of humor and respect and easily succeeds. Other tracks that deal with tricky themes, all while staying optimistic are plentiful; “I Want A Break… But I’d Rather Have A Breakthrough” and “Walls” are excellent examples. The impressive title track is a prayerful, self-denying plea for God to hold him near during the hard times. Other standouts are, “Tara, I’m Terrible”, (a touching song about his wife) “Nothing Matters”, “Hey”, (including some random but fun beat-boxing from Avary) “Nothing Matters” and “Hills And Valleys.”
All in all, Of Men and Angels is an excellent record. While it may not be as universally addictive as fellow one-man-band, Adam Young’s (aka. Owl City) music, it is still a catchy and happy record that is perfect for blaring in your car as you cruise down the road, or providing a middle of the day pick-me-up. This album is well worth your time (clocking in with 15 songs!) and money. Be sure to catch TRS live if he stops in a town near you.
Kyle Kiekintveld’s Review:
Of Men and Angels is an album that isn’t polished smooth with autotune, it isn’t overly complicated by effects it was left simple and organic by design. The subject matter at first feels a bit immature but it will quickly win listeners over by never being fake or overly pretentious but being completely honest.
“Let You Go” is an example of the simplicity and the heart wrenching honesty of the album. It is a honest love stricken song that keeps the listener smiling and nodding to the wonderful piano and guitar beat. It is just picture perfect, just light enough to be enjoyable but lyrically it is heavy enough to be captivating.
Of Men and Angels offers listeners a rare high quality album that isn’t filler songs polished into a full length album but what could legitimately be a collection of singles, each song is completely radio worthy. This album lacks anything that would identify it as being a mass produced work, despite it’s major label ties it feels very much like a labor of love.
Of Men and Angels is a great album. It swings smoothly from hyper happy go lucky infectious to mellow and melodic without losing any momentum. It is an album that forces head nodding and toe tapping with callous disregard for what others may thing. It is a supremely enjoyable album that everyone should listen to at least once.
Authors Note: The Rocket Summer’s lead singer, Stephen Bryce Avary has truly arrived with this release and listeners will be tempted to go and look up his entire discography. This album is that good.
Review copy provided courtesy of Island Def Jam Music Group
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today! View All Music And Book Reviews By ChristianManifesto | View ChristianManifesto's Profile
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