The Dangerous Summer band formed in 2006. (Photo courtesy of Hopeless Records)
Emily Toomey
Connector Staff
The Dangerous Summer have finally released their fourth studio album after being broken up for nearly four years. The album, self-titled “The Dangerous Summer,” is one of their most creative works to date. The album has a perfect blend of upbeat songs mixed with darker and heavier tracks to take the listener on a roller coaster ride. Even after being away for four years, the band still stuck true to their alternative roots that their listeners loved.
The shortest but also darkest track and single, “Valium,” is a track with an emotional rollercoaster of its own. The tempo and instrumentals start off very subdued as A.J. Perdomo sings softly, “See through holes in your eyes. You wanted to die.” Afterwards, a sense of comfort is released when he says, “I get high and talk to myself, the songs tend to help.” The tone here is rather melancholic, as his voice carries a somber tone. By the chorus, the track has drastically picked up instrumentally. The beat becomes more pronounced as he lightly says, “Steal my heart again.” His raspy voice carries the song to new heights and allows the tone of the chorus to change the track’s demeanor. The chorus carries out the end of the track with a dark echo. The darkness of the track was carried to the end.
“Luna,” a track about Perdomo’s daughter, holds a much deeper meaning. The track starts off with a soft and peaceful instrumental. He is faintly singing, “I just want to be there, don’t want to miss it, no it’s all because of you.” The meaning holds sincerity as the soft melody carries the track to new heights. The second verse acts as the ballad to the track. He sings, “Someday, I won’t be around to guide you home… you fill my heart to the edge.” The innocence of this track is prevalent, and the softness it carries only pleases the listener further. The listener connects to the track as the meaning is incredibly relatable. Never lose sight of the ones you love, and always keep them close to you.
“When I Get Home” is definitely the happiest track on the record. The beginning instrumentals are incredibly upbeat and makes the listener want to get up and dance. The song has a sense of freedom about it. The first verse starts off with, “Remember where I was at seventeen? I miss the ordinary love.” The chorus becomes a sense of satisfaction for Perdomo. “I feel so lucky I could die. I feel so lucky I could have this in my life. It’s what keeps me true.” The song has an incredible sense of gratitude and sincerity. The instrumentals remain upbeat, but his vocal range is elevated to the next level. His words become more pronounced for the listener to hear. The lyrics create a sense of youthfulness to the track that the listener does not really see on the rest of the album, which ultimately allow the track to stand out the most.
Overall, this album delivers a new spin to their traditional sound, but still keeps the familiarity the listener knows. This album is most similar to their previous record, “Golden Record.” The album as a whole has an immense variety in tempo and melodies that are not as prevalent on their previous records. The record almost feels like a collection of short stories where Perdomo recounts different parts of his life and what they meant to him. This album is a perfect introduction for what is to come from The Dangerous Summer’s future for other new music.
Rating: B+
