Band: The Summer Set
Release: Legendary
Release Date: Out Now!
The Summer Set fit the perfect mould for any pop rock band but if you did not get the pop culture reference in the album’s title ‘Legendary’ you would think it was meant to be ironic. With this third release The Summer Set have failed to move out of their comfort zone yet they have captured that summer essence in infectious pop that means this album will probably do alright. ‘Legendary’ is so sweet it will hurt your teeth.
The Summer Set obviously has an ear for catchy lyrics and addictive beats, ‘Lightening In A Bottle’ is the perfect example with its catching choruses and simple structure. It would be the perfect summer song if only they would strip it down, the song sounds almost too glossy. This is the tone of the whole of ‘Legendary’ with other tracks such as ‘Maybe Tonight’ continuing the addictive choruses with some contagious ‘na na na’s’ following suit on the summer anthem checklist that this album seems to follow.
‘Boomerang’ collects various pop culture references into a syrupy chorus which barely manages to stand out from all the other similar cookie cutter tracks on this release. But its optimistic and catchy vibes means it is like a really nice person you feel bad for disliking. Other tracks such as ‘7 days’ take a lighter electronic stance but the weak song writing juxtaposes a grating choruses with the pensive and wistful state of the rest of the track. All of The Summer Set’s pop melodies follow the perfect pop formula for winning tracks but collectively there is something missing.
‘Legendary’ is far from its definition and is a sickly sweet summer album full of nostalgia and sentimentality for older listeners and a chance to revel in the carefree lives of the younger. This blend of pop rock certainly leads more towards the pop side with the overuse of lazy electronics and lack of musicianship. At some points it is impossible to tell what is a computer and what is actually a talented musician. The tracks are catchy but at points feel lyrically odd as they seem to lack any substance and some cases logic. ‘Legendary’ brings the party vibes with tracks like ‘Maybe Tonight’ and ‘Lightening In A Bottle’ but it may not last much longer than that.
6/10
Reviewer: Amber Carnegie
