The Rocket Summer's Bryce Avary is a one-man music making machine! Not only does he write, sing, and produce every song on his records, he plays every instrument as well. With his newest album Life Will Write The Words, Avary has taken on an even bigger role by releasing it independently. With piano-driven rock melodies and passionate vocals, this album is the perfect soundtrack to your summer.

"Run and Don't Stop" is the perfect name for this first track because the song's energy starts and doesn't stop until it's over. Featuring Avary's signature vocals, hard and fast drumbeats, electric guitars, and a passion that can be felt in every lyric, this song is the perfect introduction to what will be a great listen all the way through.

 

Following right behind track 1 is "Revival," the beginning of which leads the listener to believe things are going to get a little more subdued because of the solo piano and vocals, but quickly the energy returns with a vengeance. Through the piano, electronic beats and guitars Avary sings, "You're gonna make it out of here, let the revival rattle me, open my eyes, it's so good!" We all need a revival once in a while to breathe life back into our dying spirits and if this song doesn't do that, I'm not sure what will.

 

Not every track is quite as high-energy as the first two, but even the more reserved "Soldier" and "Scrapbook" still carry the passion and upbeat sound heard throughout the album. With strumming guitars and piano plunking, each song contains a feeling and message all its own.

 

"Circa ‘46" is super catchy with keyboard beats and hand-clapping as Avery sings, "Life will write the words, you choose your own melody, life has given me hurt, but I choose my own melody... I'm just trying to find the right notes."

After 3 minutes of an upbeat energetic melody, the song ends quietly with only vocals and piano plunks as Avary humbly sings, "A misty-eyed stranger said the song's words inspired, if they really knew would it break their hearts, that there's dirt that my soul keeps, if there's any good in me, it comes from the grace of my Father." I think this song not only sums up the mission of the entire record, but the artist himself.

 

After listening to The Rocket Summer's Life Will Write The Words, I'm still trying to figure out how one person can be so talented vocally and musically, creative enough to make every song uniquely different, and still have the energy to tour and produce his own record! How is Bryce Avary not taking continuous naps when he's not writing or recording? I haven't seen The Rocket Summer live, but this album makes me want to. It was difficult to choose which songs to write about because they're all amazing, so just do yourself a favor and make it the soundtrack for your summer.