Customer Reviews

Of Men & Angels [Vinyl]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Rocket Summer's Of Men and Angels just came out, and I've been loving this band's sound ever since I heard the bright, emo-tastic Hello Good Friend. Bryce Avary is a one-man wonder, playing all of the instruments himself while recording. This allows him to truly get the sound he wants and envisions. He released the You Gotta Believe EP to give a taste of the new material when his first full album in 3 years was delayed. Bryce's voice seems more mature and a little lower on this album. Maybe it's something about piano rock, or the optimism that radiates from most of his songs, or the energy of his live shows...but TRS is just a good time all around.

First off, 15 songs is a pretty good number for an album; having only 10 or 11 songs that make the cut isn't unusual these days. The leadoff track "Roses" shows off his drum talent, and the sound seems tighter and fuller than on his previous albums. "You Gotta Believe" is the feel-good single. The soul in Avary's voice is unmistakable, and everything from the guitar solo to the Michael Jackson-like quick breaths makes this an awesome song. But it's not quite as awesome as "Hills and Valleys," which has an infectious hook with amazing piano. The lyrics are sweet, simple, and happy; a dedication to touring and the ups and downs of life on the road. Probably my favorite moment on the album is when it all kicks in on "drove out to California..." The hand claps come in and it's all over. I absolutely love it. Ok I'm done...but it's SO good. Sorry.

Known for often getting spiritual on some songs, "I Want Something To Live For" tunes into a deeper theme of life and death, while "Of Men and Angels" is a track about Bryce's relationship with God and the conflicts of fame. "Walls" is another single, with a beautiful piano rhythm that opens up into orchestra-accented rock. A reoccurring topic for TRS, Bryce digs into the corporate music industry on "Nothing Matters." "Japanese Exchange Student" also dives into his experience being on the brink of fame, saying that it's all about who you know and that he feels out of place. "Tara, I'm Terrible" is a short dedication to Avary's wife, who goes on the road with him wherever he goes. The acoustic sound is a nice break, but doesn't have the same power as his previous acoustic songs like "That's So You" or "Goodbye Waves and Driveways." A few other weaker links are "Pull Myself Together (Don't Hate Me)," "I Need a Break...," and "Let You Go." They're not filler by any means, but nothing to write home about. "This Is a Refuge" is a powerful wake-up song, although it's titled like something that Dashboard Confessional would make. "Light" as a final track sadly doesn't compare to the soul of "So, In This Hour..." on Do You Feel, but it is a strong, spiritual finale that fades out with an acoustic "I will trust that it's not the end, but a great beginning..."

Rock-n-roll count-offs, "whoas" and "ohs," multi-level harmony, deep personal lyrics, big choruses, great simple solos, and endless energy makes this an amazing album. It is different than Hello Good Friend and Do You Feel, but not in a bad way. He's getting a bit further away from any genre of "emo." Bryce is getting older, so his subject matter also matures--and so does his talent. Why hasn't The Rocket Summer totally blown up into top 40 radio play? As he puts it, "I know it's not too sexy that I'm singing about the blessings that we get..." And I'm pretty sure he likes it that way.

[...]

I've been following Mr. Avery for years now and I'm so happy he has matured to this album. I love his other albums, but just like I was younger, so was his music. I highly recommend this for driving, cleaning the house, and most importantly, if you are ever feeling down, this album is such a great picker upper!

There's only one word to describe this CD...AMAZING! Bryce Avery is awesome at making music! The fact that he plays each instrument himself, is incredible. This allows for him to showcase exactly what he has pictured it to be. You will not regret buying this album...So go and pick one up today!!!

WOW!!! I've never listened to "The Rocket Summer" before tonight but I guess ONCE IS ALL IT TAKES!!! I started listening while working on my computer but almost immediately dropped what I was doing to give "Of Men and Angels" my full attention! Now Bryce & Co. have me hook, line and sinker! From driving melodies of "Roses" and "You Gotta Believe" to the slower tempos of "Walls" and "Tara, I'm Terrible" I listened, spellbound. Bryce's vocals on "Walls" brought to mind Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 fame. Now my next step is to buy "Do You Feel", Rocket Summer's 2007 release!

The Rocket Summer is an amazing, talented band. Bryce Avary has not disappointed with this latest release. My favourite would have to be "Walls", but to be perfectly honest, it's a through-and-through solid album. I would definitely recommend it.

Each time Bryce Avary from The Rocket Summer brings out a new album, I think it can't get any better. I'm wrong every time.
This album has really hit the spot - a great mix of tunes, with amazing lyrics, still with the feel good factor you can expect from mr Avary.
Another A* album, favourite songs include Roses, Hey! and I Want Something To Live For.
Art work also inspired by Banksy, which is also great!

Laura Ahmet.
Laurarocket9000

This album is amazing from start to finish! Lyrically beautiful and inspiring, musically powerful and uplifting. Bryce Avary makes music from his heart that has meaning and relevance. You can't help but want to sing along with all these songs! I haven't stopped playing Of Men And Angels since I got it! Buy it, you will be so glad you did!

This album is incredible. Bryce (The Rocket Summer) did absolutely phenomenal job with this one. He is one of the hardest working musicians in the business, and it shows! Do yourself a favor and buy this album!

This is a solid Album from a band that I have never heard much of before. Pleasantly surprised that all the songs are solid. I love the piano in most of the songs and the overall quality of the music from top to bottom of this album. This is a quality band

I've never left a review for anything before, but I felt like this album deserved it. It's absolutely gorgeous. Filled with the truth of God. I cry all the time when I listen to it, simply because it's soooo cathartic. Nothing Matters is my favorite track on the album, but they're all fantastic. When you're having a bad day or you're too much into yourself and your own problems, this really puts things into perspective. Highly recommend!