The Dangerous Summer – Reach For The Sun – Review

Release Date: May 5th, 2009
Record Label: Hopeless Records
Genre: Rock

I approached this record with a cautious ear because I had been told only great things from everyone who had heard it. The hype around some albums can just murder the enjoyment from the eventual moment you start listening. The Dangerous Summer has the home grown modesty on their side however, so even with the early buzz, their new album “Reach For The Sun” and the band had their feet firmly affixed to the ground. Even with a past of name and line-up changes, The Dangerous Summer has managed to stick together through their break out EP “If You Could Only Keep Me Alive” and this new effort, I was impressed not only with their musical progression, but also their determination.

Even with the hype creeping out, I can firmly say that “Reach For The Sun” is one of the best records of the year. It has a lot in common with artists out today such as The Starting Line, The Morning Light, Valencia, and Jimmy Eat World, but it seems to gently brush off the affiliation and slowly veer onto its own course. Its delicate and passionate presentation, along with the pleasant, emotion invoking rock make for an album with its hands on the hearts of its listeners. In fact “Reach For The Sun” feels like the pop rock classic “Say It Like You Mean It” from The Starting Line, in all of its close and personal glory.

Musically, each track is built to be catchy, but not in the way that every radio pop track is, but rather in a charming, sweeter, but addictive nature. It is all in the subtle demeanor, much like the way listeners swoon to the latest from Brand New. Aj’s soothing vocals and significant lyrics are what really set this album free. Anyone can make a select few catchy songs, but it is worth infinitely more when the message can be a stunning tale that goes along with the addictive songs. Plainly this album has loads of that and will blow away your expectations.

The Dangerous Summer has taken time and put something together that is truly precious, honest and memorable. “Reach For The Sun” may have tons of hype around it but it delivers on everything. Though it is delicate throughout most of it, it ushers in a silent strength that must be experienced to be believed. This is a future classic period. ~Staff

Score: 5/5

Track Listing:
1. Where I Want To Be
2. Settle Down
3. Weathered
4. Symmetry
5. Surfaced
6. A Space To Grow
7. Reach For The Sun
8. The Permanent Rain
9. Northern War
10. This Is War
11. Never Feel Alone