9 years ago we were introduced to this not-quite pop/not-quite punk band, The Summer Set. They set out on a headlining tour with an interesting group of artist. I caught the NYC date on May 27 at Irving Plaza. Joining them was solo act, Karizma, 5-piece Royal Teeth and Handsome Ghost.
First into the night was 21 year-old, Karizma. His energy is electric and his sound is one that’s been popping up more over the past few years. He’s similar to artists like Mod Sun, Travis Mills (T. Mills) and Black Bear with some inspiration from Eminem. You can see his younger attitude and mind set within some of his lyrics, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it more so means that he has growing to do within himself and within the music industry (just as any young artist). His music is fun and he’s a light-hearted personality, so long as he maintains a strong level head, he won’t loose that during his development.
Royal Teeth were next; personally, I’ve never heard of them before but holy hell, are this fantastic. They are a 5-pierce act with both a male and female singer, which makes for a more diverse sound. They are within the same vibe of The Summer Set with a mix of We Are The In Crowd and Echo Smith. Their stage presence is fantastic, yet I wish the other 3 members who aren’t on vocals would get more within the spot light, granted they were on a smaller stage.
Handsome Ghost was the final opener. Their sound is super laid back and easy listening. They blend acoustic guitar with keys, a soundboard and both classic and electric drums. Using these new and familiar mediums to produce music makes for a more rounded sound.
Finally, The Summer Set took the stage and the crowd was all too ready. They opened up the set with one of their latest singles, Figure Me Out and took off from there. Their energy is explosive on all levels and from all members. TSS played some of their newer songs (Boomerang & All My Friends), as well as some of their classics (The Boys You Do & Chelsea). I need to express how amazing a musician Jess is. She is one of the best drummers I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live. And in an industry so overly dominated by men, it’s refreshing to see strong female musicians dropping jaws and showing everyone why music is genderless.
Lead-singer, Brian expressed their gratitude for the incredible support of their fans over the years saying, “Thank you for being apart of the last 9 years and thank you for being apart of the next 9 years.” He also reminded everyone there to enjoy the night and not from behind a screen by adding, “Everyone take your phones out and put those lights on. *(There was slight hesitation from the crowd)* NYC its 2016, everyone has a phone *(Everyone pulls out their phone)* Now put your phones away! You don’t need it here!”
We go to these shows to escape out daily lives, to enjoy a night with people with the same taste in music, to watch musicians we look up to do what they do best, perform. Put down the phones and create the memory.
We’ve had the pleasure of seeing The Summer Set grow as musicians and as individuals over the last 9 years and to say we are excited to see what the next 9 years brings is an understatement. So long as there are those willing to listen to these fantastic musicians, they will always have a place in this industry.
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