In 2003, Bryce “Rocket Summer” Avary released his label debut entitled Calendar Days. It is arguably the most happy-go-lucky CD ever. Although he still urges us to “dance until we just can’t,” Hello, Good Friend witnesses the development of a more mature sound from a musical wiz-kid. To say this maturity makes for a “better” album than his previous release is something I can’t agree with, but it is a near guarantee that if you liked The Rocket Summer before, you’ll like TRS again. Avary writes every word and plays every instrument on this new, fuller-sounding release, and his vocal capabilities are just as sharp as before (although he adds semi-screaming to match his live-performance intensity). Hello, Good Friend begins with the super-short “Move to the Other Side of the Block,” and at a minute and a half in length, it is proof enough of Bryce’s development. The CD continues with very solid tracks, “I Was So Alone” and “Around the Clock,” which might be the best choice for a single on this album. “Never Knew” gives competition for this honor as well. But here’s the disclaimer: for as much as I found myself liking these 4 tracks, as well as the heartfelt “Treasures” and “Christmas Present” (along with the subsequent hidden track), I dislike the childish lyrics of “Brat Pack” and feel indifferent to many other songs. It’s tough to admit this guilty pleasure at age 22, but I never felt the need to skip a track on teen-anthem Calendar Days, while I find myself filtering out several songs on Hello, Good Friend. Despite this, I still give the nod of approval to Avary for having the courage to stand up and be happy in a world of emo-depressive music, and I encourage everyone (especially those who feel they’re too old for it) to try out both Rocket Summer albums for the youthful energy they supply.
Ratings – Doug Van Pelt 3/5, James Wetz 3/5
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis June 2005Reviewed by Tom BastianWell I had The Rocket Summers debut release "Calendar Day" in my top 10 of 2003. It's now 2005 and we see Bryce Avary's The Rocket Summer 2nd full-length release. My initial reaction is that he has lost something from that first release. Maybe it was the charm of an 18 year old releasing an album of great positive catchy pop songs some of which were written when he was younger then 16. Or maybe…Similar sounding releases
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