Summer Set, The - Love Like This

[Steve Henderson]

The Summer Set – Love Like This
Release Date: October 13, 2009
Record Label: Razor & Tie

Without a doubt, watching the dissolution of The Militia Group over the past year or two has been heartbreaking for music fans whose tastes grew up alongside the storied label. After all, the label brought us the likes of Copeland, Lovedrug, Noise Ratchet, Rufio, Cartel, The Beautiful Mistake, and countless other notable acts. TMG seemed to hit a bit of a stumbling block after a string of fruitless upstream deals, but seemed poised for a comeback with a capable roster of young pop aficionados like Mercy Mercedes and The Summer Set. The latter showed a special amount of aptitude, constructing infectious and tight jams at an age when most bands were just picking up instruments or rounding up friends to cheer along at Battles of the Bands. So alas, while The Summer Set are now refugees from the once-iconic Militia Group, it remains to be seen if Razor and Tie can break these stars-in-training. But with a record like Love Like This, they certainly couldn’t have asked for easier material to work with.

Although TMG has signed a plethora of wonderful lo-fi staples over the last decade like The Appleseed Cast and Controlling the Famous, indie-minded hipsters should consider themselves warned before hazarding a listen to Love Like This. There is nothing “hip” or “cool” (at least in a tortoise shell glasses or clove cigarettes sort of way) about this record. It is about as mainstream or Top 40 as anything you’ll hear on the radio or in the five minutes a day MTV actually plays music. That said, The Summer Set’s Love Like This has an undeniable cotton candy charm, and those not averse to sugary-sweet jams will find themselves tapping their toes and singing along to all 11 tracks.

The transition from EPs to LPs can be fraught with difficulty, especially for bands that tend to write breezier tracks (it’s not like The Summer Set is putting together concept albums, after all). That said, these Arizona youngsters make the transition quite gracefully, putting a fair amount of variety into the tracks on LTT, hitting multiple corners of synth-pop and pop-punk (emphasis on pop) subgenres. Brian Dales’ vocals are passionate and bursting with youthful energy, but towards the end of the album, the lack of differentiation across songs is a bit of a detriment. Regardless, taken in small doses, he (and his supporting cast) does an excellent job of carrying what could be a handful of massive singles.

Songs on Love Like This are best viewed in solitary, as there is no true overarching theme to the LP, and this is where the merits of individual tracks are most evident. “The Boys You Do (Get Back At You)” is an upbeat little pop-punk number, showcasing an atypical dose of edginess for the band, serving as a great album opener. From there, though, pop influence washes over the next few tracks, leaving the saccharine, ridiculously catchy “Punk-Drunk Love” to follow. Fans of the band will recognize “Chelsea” next (for better or worse) which has now been inflated, lacquered, and glossed over into a true Radio Ready (TM) anthem. The cut is irrefutably catchy, but the added kitchen-sink layers take away any soul the song once had, making it a likely candidate for the ever-faceless Top 40, but most fans will still prefer the earlier demo version. “Young” has a huge hook, but being as synth-heavy as it is, it makes you wonder why a band like this would ever need two guitarists – same goes for the EP retread of “Can You Find Me?” The record’s title track is a likely candidate for a follow-up single – deservedly so – despite its heavy-handed (over?)production. The band swings the pendulum back to the rock side with songs like “Girls Freak Me Out,” “Passenger Seat,” and “This Is How We Live” which do well to wash out the copious amounts of sweetness from preceding numbers.

Simply put, The Summer Set is one of the most naturally talented pop bands to come out of the scene in the last few years. The group’s first LP, Love Like This, is definitely a solid venture, and a testament to the troupe’s seemingly boundless knack for writing killer pop anthems. Love is not going to bolster anyone’s street cred, but it is a promising collection of charming gems from this band on the rise. Of course, this collection should have come out in May rather than October, and the cuddly synth can be overbearing at times in a way that stretches the boundaries of what can really pass as pop-punk. But in the end, there is no mistaking the fact that The Summer Set is the real deal, and might just be one of the biggest bands everyone will be talking about in a few years.


Cartel, Fall Out Boy, We The Kings, The Friday Night Boys, All Time Low

[zachff]

Maybe it shouldn't, but I dislike it when Fall Out Boy is lumped in with bands like the others in the RIYL above.

Compared to those other 4 bands, FOB just blows them out of the water. Will Pugh is the only one whose vocals can come anywhere near P. Stump's, ATL haven't made a start to finish quality CD yet, and the Friday Night Boys are pretty terrible.

[Trashy]

Good review! I love this band.

[Gregory Robson]

Not like my opinion counts for much, but they don't sound like a Razor and Tie band to me at all. Oh well, what the hell do I know?

[stereokiller]

Maybe it shouldn't, but I dislike it when Fall Out Boy is lumped in with bands like the others in the RIYL above.

Compared to those other 4 bands, FOB just blows them out of the water. Will Pugh is the only one whose vocals can come anywhere near P. Stump's, ATL haven't made a start to finish CD yet, and the Friday Night Boys are pretty terrible.
i like Will's voice better than Patrick's.

not sayin' it's correct. well, i'm just sayin' i like Will's voice better.

haha.

[zachff]

i like Will's voice better than Patrick's.

not sayin' it's correct. well, i'm just sayin' i like Will's voice better.

haha.
To each his own. Pugh's voice is solid. I had a nice little rant up there didn't I.

[inthemidst]

Good review, Steve. Unfortunately, these kinds of bands are a dime a dozen these days. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the background info on The Militia Group. They breeded some of my favorite bands/artists over the years (Copeland, The Lyndsay Diaries and early Cartel). It's still somewhat fun to listen "in small doses" as you mentioned.

[sonicfury]

Maybe it shouldn't, but I dislike it when Fall Out Boy is lumped in with bands like the others in the RIYL above.

Compared to those other 4 bands, FOB just blows them out of the water. Will Pugh is the only one whose vocals can come anywhere near P. Stump's, ATL haven't made a start to finish CD yet, and the Friday Night Boys are pretty terrible.

Despite the fact that I actually like ALL of those bands (i'm not very selective with my music...) I agree with you, fob really aren't comparable to the others, especially if you take their latest album (which i don't particularly enjoy) into account, their sound has developed greatly over the last few years. I'll have to check the summer set out anyway, based on the riyl.

[nerdvglc]

not to be an ass, but i can tell i'll need to re-read this review later. right now it feels somewhat ambiguous; i can't tell if it'll be fairly solid or not. and what's worse is i know you give several specifics, but i feel i get how you really feel more from your rating numbers than the actual review. i guess i really do need more than 3 hours of sleep to function well... it's atleast something to consider.

either way, i'll give it a spin. one thing i really enjoyed you pointing out is that this is a release best heard through individual songs and their merits. i'm such an album person, but not really a song person, that if i'm expecting an album but not a collection of individually good songs, it can be hard for me sometimes to appreciate a record for what it is. so thanks for preparing me in that way, for sure.

[Schmidty Says]

I can't lie, I really enjoy this band. Can't wait to hear this!

[xsinkshipsx]

the militia group was so good and those bands got me into good music.....this makes me sad

[PlanetDahmz]

These guys are one of my guilty pleasures. Their EP was super good.

[stereokiller]

To each his own. Pugh's voice is solid. I had a nice little rant up there didn't I.
hey, although i did agree with everything else you said, especially on FNB being terrible.

though i do enjoy Cartel, FOB, and ATL(in that order), I pretty much dislike The Summer Set.

haha.

[tpnations]

Good review, Steve. Unfortunately, these kinds of bands are a dime a dozen these days. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the background info on The Militia Group. They breeded some of my favorite bands/artists over the years (Copeland, The Lyndsay Diaries and early Cartel). It's still somewhat fun to listen "in small doses" as you mentioned.
The Lyndsay Diaries...wow. Haven't heard anyone bring them up in years. Gonna have to go see if I can find that CD.

[Travis Parno]

Good review, Steve. Unfortunately, these kinds of bands are a dime a dozen these days. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the background info on The Militia Group. They breeded some of my favorite bands/artists over the years (Copeland, The Lyndsay Diaries and early Cartel). It's still somewhat fun to listen "in small doses" as you mentioned.
great call on The Lyndsay Diaries. i love that guy

[inthemidst]

The Lyndsay Diaries...wow. Haven't heard anyone bring them up in years. Gonna have to go see if I can find that CD.
Haha yeah. If you can't find The Lyndsay Diaries, you could always check out Umbrellas. Basically a full band version of the Diaries with electric instruments.

[inthemidst]

great call on The Lyndsay Diaries. i love that guy
Fo sho. So is Umbrellas.

[zubinmoosa]

I enjoyed their last EP. Good review Steve

[denissuxx]

Very good review, enjoy this album highly.

[tpnations]

Haha yeah. If you can't find The Lyndsay Diaries, you could always check out Umbrellas. Basically a full band version of the Diaries with electric instruments.
I'll check it out, thanks.

[forgivedurden37]

Maybe it shouldn't, but I dislike it when Fall Out Boy is lumped in with bands like the others in the RIYL above.

Compared to those other 4 bands, FOB just blows them out of the water. Will Pugh is the only one whose vocals can come anywhere near P. Stump's, ATL haven't made a start to finish quality CD yet, and the Friday Night Boys are pretty terrible.
This.

[inthemidst]

I'll check it out, thanks.
No problem dude.

[reid]

Chad Pearson (one of the two founders of the militia group) is still signing quality bands and putting out some great releases at his new label, P is for Panda (http://www.pisforpanda.com). Two of his recent releases are two of my favorite records of 2009 (Damion Suomi and Gasoline Heart).

[Gregory Robson]

Chad Pearson (one of the two founders of the militia group) is still signing quality bands and putting out some great releases at his new label, P is for Panda (http://www.pisforpanda.com). Two of his recent releases are two of my favorite records of 2009 (Damion Suomi and Gasoline Heart).
Love that Suomi record, as well.

[tyramail]

good review, i'm definitely excited for this cd.

[Steve Henderson]

Love that Suomi record, as well.
I hear you like that Gas Heart record too ;)

[krischel]

Maybe it shouldn't, but I dislike it when Fall Out Boy is lumped in with bands like the others in the RIYL above.

Compared to those other 4 bands, FOB just blows them out of the water. Will Pugh is the only one whose vocals can come anywhere near P. Stump's, ATL haven't made a start to finish quality CD yet, and the Friday Night Boys are pretty terrible.
That's why it says "recommended" and not "sounds exactly like"

[Steve Henderson]

Maybe it shouldn't, but I dislike it when Fall Out Boy is lumped in with bands like the others in the RIYL above.

Compared to those other 4 bands, FOB just blows them out of the water. Will Pugh is the only one whose vocals can come anywhere near P. Stump's, ATL haven't made a start to finish quality CD yet, and the Friday Night Boys are pretty terrible.
RIYL = recommended if you like. Thus, people that like FOB would be likely to enjoy The Summer Set. It is not a direct comparison.

Not like my opinion counts for much, but they don't sound like a Razor and Tie band to me at all. Oh well, what the hell do I know?
No idea how they ended up on Razor & Tie either...they would seem to make a great FBR signing.

[krischel]

Also, I'm not saying that I don't agree about Fall Out Boy because I do.

[Epilogueboy]

i seriously love this band. they are the best pop rock in the scene.

[reid]

that damion suomi record finds its way into my playlist on an almost daily basis. for months now.

and gasoline heart is my choice for modern day replacements. funny story - gasoline heart is now pretty much squad five o members with louis on vocals instead of jeff. dave peterson (adam & dave's bloodline, blaster the rocketboy) and adam garbinski (adam & dave's bloodline, squad five o, one21, speedy delivery) just joined the band.

[tragedyco]

Not like my opinion counts for much, but they don't sound like a Razor and Tie band to me at all. Oh well, what the hell do I know?
Yeah, except Razor & Tie has probably the most eclectic roster ever.

[codypayne]

i was expecting the score to be higher. theyre solid. not really my style but its done well.

[hiya]

good review, although I expected the score to at least be in the low 80s. I agree with you completely about "Chelsea", I prefer the demo a lot more. can't wait to pick this up next week.

[nagohmada]

RIYL = recommended if you like. Thus, people that like FOB would be likely to enjoy The Summer Set. It is not a direct comparison.


No idea how they ended up on Razor & Tie either...they would seem to make a great FBR signing.
Razor and Tie distributes The Militia Group so it was somewhat of an upstream

[UnderMyDreams]

Maybe it shouldn't, but I dislike it when Fall Out Boy is lumped in with bands like the others in the RIYL above.

Compared to those other 4 bands, FOB just blows them out of the water. Will Pugh is the only one whose vocals can come anywhere near P. Stump's, ATL haven't made a start to finish quality CD yet, and the Friday Night Boys are pretty terrible.
That's actually an opinion

[zachff]

That's actually an opinion
As opposed to the first line where I said, "Listen up here are some facts?" wtf are you talking about

[UnderMyDreams]

As opposed to the first line where I said, "Listen up here are some facts?" wtf are you talking about
You were saying that FOB shouldn't be put there because you think they're better than the other bands and shouldn't be with them. Maybe they are better, but they can still be of the same genre so it doesn't really matter.

Personally, I don't think that whole RIYL is very good... The Summer Set don't really sound like any of those bands.

[shwaz499]

these dudes are gonna blow up...its like a much much much better version of The Maine

[splitsecond]

I would give the production much lower marks. I know everyone loves Matt Grabe and he is a nice guy blah blah blah but his production is ridden with plug-ins, drum replacements and smooth overs that suck some of the life out of the songs. I definitely like what I have heard from this record a LOT more than what I expected to though. I think a more experienced producer who did more than pro-tools the shit out of their sound would have been a huge lift for this record.

[EyeSouvannarath]

I would give the production much lower marks. I know everyone loves Matt Grabe and he is a nice guy blah blah blah but his production is ridden with plug-ins, drum replacements and smooth overs that suck some of the life out of the songs. I definitely like what I have heard from this record a LOT more than what I expected to though. I think a more experienced producer who did more than pro-tools the shit out of their sound would have been a huge lift for this record.
yeah i was thinking the same thing, the boys you do (get back at you) sounds better live. imo

[splitsecond]

yeah i was thinking the same thing, the boys you do (get back at you) sounds better live. imo
I was really ehhhh about this band until I saw them live, and I was hoping for a bit more of a raw sound on this album, but I figured it wouldn't happen with Grabe producing, so I am not really surprised.

[hitormiss92]

This bands Love in the Club cover is legit

[Formatfun]

I love the band, I need to listen to this ASAP. Never got to see em like I'd have liked, though.

[Ryzenfall]

I'll check this out. I actually ran into these guys last year and they were all very nice down to earth people.

[Matt Grabe]

his production is ridden with plug-ins

I am lucky enough to have access to all the real version of plugins; vintage LA2A, 1176's, Distressor's, SSL G-Comp's, vintage Neve 1081's, Chandler EMI EQ's, etc. I do use a plate reverb plugin on snare and a slight delay plugin on vocals though!

drum replacements

Depends on the track! I have picked up some new drum techniques within the last 6 months that I am excited about. It's time consuming, but is well worth the paranoia. It allows me to not have to replace as much as I used to.

I think a more experienced producer who did more than pro-tools the shit out of their sound would have been a huge lift for this record.

I commit all the original gear listed above "to tape" (ProTools). This means I don't have to do much ProTools trickery. I bring funky pedals around with me everywhere to get a lot of the crazy production sounds. That stuff is fun!

Funny story; I use to use all plugins, replace all drums, do all the standard ProTools trickery. I lost a majority of my eye sight, had to do a bunch of surgeries, and couldn't focus on the screen much anymore (still can't). I needed to find a place that had all the gear I needed to take my eyes off the screen so I met with the guys over at Flying Blanket where I do most of my sessions now.

You're in Phoenix right? You're more than welcome to come by a few sessions to see for yourself. Let me know. I hope all is well!

[more heart]

Great review Steve. i appreciate your open-mindedness towards this release. I really enjoyed the EP(minus the auto-tune) so I'm feeling like I'll really enjoy this record.

[Steve Henderson]

I would give the production much lower marks. I know everyone loves Matt Grabe and he is a nice guy blah blah blah but his production is ridden with plug-ins, drum replacements and smooth overs that suck some of the life out of the songs. I definitely like what I have heard from this record a LOT more than what I expected to though. I think a more experienced producer who did more than pro-tools the shit out of their sound would have been a huge lift for this record.
Eh, I disagree. While you or I might like to see a more raw sound on this record, the production on the album is perfectly suited to the band's sound and their likely target audience.

As for the point on the experienced producer bit, that seems to be negated by the fact that the track Squire helped on is probably the most polished of the bunch.

[Steve Henderson]

I am lucky enough to have access to all the real version of plugins; vintage LA2A, 1176's, Distressor's, SSL G-Comp's, vintage Neve 1081's, Chandler EMI EQ's, etc. I do use a plate reverb plugin on snare and a slight delay plugin on vocals though!



Depends on the track! I have picked up some new drum techniques within the last 6 months that I am excited about. It's time consuming, but is well worth the paranoia. It allows me to not have to replace as much as I used to.



I commit all the original gear listed above "to tape" (ProTools). This means I don't have to do much ProTools trickery. I bring funky pedals around with me everywhere to get a lot of the crazy production sounds. That stuff is fun!

Funny story; I use to use all plugins, replace all drums, do all the standard ProTools trickery. I lost a majority of my eye sight, had to do a bunch of surgeries, and couldn't focus on the screen much anymore (still can't). I needed to find a place that had all the gear I needed to take my eyes off the screen so I met with the guys over at Flying Blanket where I do most of my sessions now.

You're in Phoenix right? You're more than welcome to come by a few sessions to see for yourself. Let me know. I hope all is well!
Matt Grabe kills with kindness.

[birtcho]

im one of those people who much preffered the demo of chelsea

[splitsecond]

I am lucky enough to have access to all the real version of plugins; vintage LA2A, 1176's, Distressor's, SSL G-Comp's, vintage Neve 1081's, Chandler EMI EQ's, etc. I do use a plate reverb plugin on snare and a slight delay plugin on vocals though!



Depends on the track! I have picked up some new drum techniques within the last 6 months that I am excited about. It's time consuming, but is well worth the paranoia. It allows me to not have to replace as much as I used to.



I commit all the original gear listed above "to tape" (ProTools). This means I don't have to do much ProTools trickery. I bring funky pedals around with me everywhere to get a lot of the crazy production sounds. That stuff is fun!

Funny story; I use to use all plugins, replace all drums, do all the standard ProTools trickery. I lost a majority of my eye sight, had to do a bunch of surgeries, and couldn't focus on the screen much anymore (still can't). I needed to find a place that had all the gear I needed to take my eyes off the screen so I met with the guys over at Flying Blanket where I do most of my sessions now.

You're in Phoenix right? You're more than welcome to come by a few sessions to see for yourself. Let me know. I hope all is well!

Hopefully you did not take offense, its just a taste/style difference for me when it comes to some of the stuff you have done. Wouldn't matter if you were Matt Grabe or Neal Avron or Ross Robinson, I would probably find something I disagreed with as a musician.

I actually am very familiar with studio B with flying blanket, just did a record there with Jamie Woolford that should be out in a month or two. We did everything but drums there, which we did at Uranus because Jamie is picky about drum tones too. Glad to hear you are doing more natural drum stuff, I for one think it is super important.

Eh, I disagree. While you or I might like to see a more raw sound on this record, the production on the album is perfectly suited to the band's sound and their likely target audience.

As for the point on the experienced producer bit, that seems to be negated by the fact that the track Squire helped on is probably the most polished of the bunch.

Well, I tend to want a more raw sound on pretty much every record I hear. I like my rock big and raw, what can I say.

[Matt Grabe]

Well, I tend to want a more raw sound on pretty much every record I hear. I like my rock big and raw, what can I say.

Can't blame you for that! My absolute favorite band (a slight obsession) is The Cardigans. From what I understand, Tory Johansson has a very raw approach and it suits the records perfectly.

[Badgers08]

Very excited for this record as I've nearly worn out the EP (if that were somehow digitally possible). I'm a sucker for music like this.

[flks511]

Awful.

[singlexsorrow]

I'm not really digging the new songs on the myspace, but I'm going to give this album another chance. I loved the EPs though.

[jallred11]

great band....so much promise...they'll be huge in a year or so

[Romancebled]

this band is alright...

seen them live before and they put on a decent performance, but it was nothing special. haven't heard the new album yet, but i don't dig the 2 new songs on their myspace at all.

[thewaitinggame]

listening to the album and its sounding really good so far. i think dropping the samples and techno beats such as songs like "can you find me" would do them no harm though.

[ohforsure]

i honestly expected a lower score/harsher review just because as much as i love this band, i can admit that they aren't doing anything groundbreaking in terms of contributing something new to the music scene. they're a powerpop/pop-rock/whatever you want to call it band and there are tons of those right now, so i've come across many people who think the summer set sound just like all the other ones out there right now. i do, however, think they're very solid for what they are, so seeing a lot of praise for this album is a pleasant surprise. this was a great review.

i have to extend a big congrats to them for dropping their first lp (which, for the record, i think is a great first release). not to be that person, but i've been following them for a while and have seen them play quite a few times. they've proven to be a really hard working group of kids who can put on a great live show to back their shit up. i do agree that the production is a little much in some places on the record (i'm more of a fan of the in color production, kind of an in between love the love you have and this record - a bit more polished than the former but more raw than the latter), but the fact that they still sound good live makes up for it. their fanbase seems to grow larger and larger so quickly just based on how much their draw increased with every show i attended, so i can definitely see them only getting bigger from here on out.

[Lirr168]

Great review, sums up the album pretty well I think. It's not conventionally great music, but it's catchy and fun without being pure pop crap.

[Gautz]

Good review man, sums up the album and the band as a whole perfectly...pretty average with some good hooks!

[11:11]

Really liking this album. Definitely pop surprise of the year.

[symbiote28]

nice review .. album's nothing special or anything but it's still a fun enjoyable pop rock album. digging it.

[fran.182]

Ridiculous to see the difference in score between this and A Rocket To The Moon's On Your Side.

[drudo182]

Can't wait to pick this up. Still listen to their EP all the time.

[chis08]

awesome review--i'm really getting to like this band! "chelsea" is hilarious

[symbiote28]

Ridiculous to see the difference in score between this and A Rocket To The Moon's On Your Side.
why?

[cavanaughpark09]

I didn't expect to like this album nearly as much as I did, but it is definitely sugary-pop, totally addictive. And yeah, now that I know the songs I do prefer them live but I've also totally has this CD stuck in my car all summer.

[MBIIdollaBill]

Maybe it shouldn't, but I dislike it when Fall Out Boy is lumped in with bands like the others in the RIYL above.

Compared to those other 4 bands, FOB just blows them out of the water. Will Pugh is the only one whose vocals can come anywhere near P. Stump's, ATL haven't made a start to finish quality CD yet, and the Friday Night Boys are pretty terrible.
exactly what i was going to point out. i didnt care much for FOB's last 2 albums, but the 2 before that knock the crap out of anything these other pop bands can come up with. that being said im sure the summer set is still better than the ready set.

[zachff]

exactly what i was going to point out. i didnt care much for FOB's last 2 albums, but the 2 before that knock the crap out of anything these other pop bands can come up with. that being said im sure the summer set is still better than the ready set.

Epic bump bro

[control_v_chaos]

awful