What would happen if the vocals of We the Kings and Angels and Airwaves collaborated with the musicality of Sing It Loud and Cobra Starship? The answer is The Boys of Summer’s new album What Its All About. The album drops June 15th and while it’s not something revolutionary that’s going to blow you away, the band is definitely what they claim to be–a good summer album.
Opening with the feel-good synth-littered track “Things in Two,” you’re introduced to the two voices of Jon-Paul and Scab. The hollow shout-singing reminiscent of Tom Delong (Angels & Airwaves) and Travis Clark (We the Kings/[insert other pop rock band here]) coincides perfectly with the puppy love lyrics intermingled with the humdrum of the day to day–“I turn this place upside down just to find the right shoes / I’ve only got one pair, but it’s just something to do / Stone cold love’s for the weak, baby / But you’re love’s the only thing I see.” While a little immature, it’s sweet and endearing.
Other stand-out tracks include the more upbeat and groovy piano rock track “Love Like An Arms Race,” the more pop-rock “My Best Interest,” the more Relient-K-esque, harmony-heavy “Maps and Magnets.”
Overall, it’s a fun album and a band that that you will love if you’re fans of the other pop rock favorites like We the Kings, Boys Like Girls, and The Maine. Take it to the beach this summer, play it on those iPod speakers, and soak up the sun and sweet melodies!
(2.5/5)
