When the singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist of The Rocket Summer, Bryce Avary, says, “I wanted to make a record that sounds like bombs going off,” one knows that his newest effort is going to be both exciting and fresh. Over the past decade and a half, The Rocket Summer has built a strong loyal fanbase, beginning with their debut album in 2003, Calendar Days. Since that time, he has been tirelessly working to create music, having his albums chart on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums, as well as scoring the #1 spot on iTunes. After being a part of a few record labels in his career, Avary decided to create his own in the form of Aviate Records when he released Life Will Write the Words in 2012. Now four years later, Avary returns with his sixth overall studio album, Zoetic. Eleven tracks in total, the latest creation by Avary could be looked at by listeners as his most mature collection of songs to date as it is set for release on February 26th.
It all begins with “Cold War,” a song that mixes Techno and Rock with a dark kind of melody as well as lyricism that brings out a unique sound. It is a great way to kick off an album that Avary stated would be, “The most ‘alive’ music,” he has ever made. The track has so many different elements that come together to get a listener interested in what is ahead. Then, “Same Air” starts off with a quick strum of a guitar and then starts to become another melodic masterpiece. Being his own producer definitely suits Avary, and this song shows off his many skills. Thereafter, “UNI” goes into a deeper bassline, like Muse, but Avary’s vocals make the song 100% his own sound.
Moving along, “Help Me Out” is a song that brings out Avary’s older style of quirky quick beats, and his distinctive vocals. Next, “Get Over It” starts with Scat vocals that proceeds throughout the background of the song while Avary overdubs his singing and adds a small element of Screamo as well. Bringing on a sensual dark beat is ”White Fireworks,” and what is most fascinating is the fast pace that somehow still has the illusion of being slower. Speaking of slower, “You Are, You Are” actually does bring down the tempo of the album and continues the sensual feeling begun by the prior track. It uses distortion, sampling, along with Avary’s sultry vocals and lyricism to make it an extremely powerful song.
Following the more mellow vibe, “FL, CA” takes a darker sound with deeper, almost angry vocals by Avary. Then, surprising listeners, “Rule of Thirds Kind of Life” starts off like a punch to the face of instant quick beats and continues at an accelerated speed. It is a shock to the system after the two previous songs, but a wonderful change of pace. Returning to a darker song, “Sharks” possesses a deep atmosphere, but does maintain a quicker pace. Finally, Zoetic concludes with “Emergency Landings,” and it is yet another shock of rapid beats as well as vocals. Showing diversity, Avary’s vocal approach does change several times throughout the song. At some points it is quick, other times it is almost choir-like with harmonizing, which reminds one of a Queen-esque sound. Overall, it is a breathtaking close to one of the most unique The Rocket Summer albums ever.
Zoetic has such a mix of different stylings which showcase Avary’s many musical sides. It is a fun blend and Avary truly makes this album his own. His passion for creating music has been displayed throughout in his decade of work, but Zoetic really solidifies his handiwork and musical talent. With that being said, Avary was right, this is one hell of an ‘alive’ album. CrypticRock gives Zoetic 5 out of 5 stars.
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