War Paint

Given the time of its emergence in the mid-2000s, Maryland quartet the Dangerous Summer probably should be categorized as "neo-emo" and "neo-alternative," since it marks a next generation (the bandmembers were in high school when they started), even if its sound has been a familiar one in rock since the 1980s. By now, U2's the Edge should be as resentful that he couldn't patent his guitar sound as Bo Diddley was that he couldn't copyright the Bo Diddley beat. Guitarists Cody Payne and Etay Pisano prove themselves close students of the Edge, in each song introducing repetitive yet driving riffs played with a ringing tone. The rhythm section of A.J. Perdomo and Tyler Minsberg barrels along below them, and Perdomo sings over it all in a husky voice sometimes sweetened with harmonies. In true emo fashion, his words are full of confessional insecurity and anxiety, usually directed at a love object who doesn't seem to love him as much as he does her; consider songs titles like "No One's Gonna Need You More" and "I Should Leave Right Now." Such sentiments are likely to have a considerable appeal to listeners of the Dangerous Summer, especially married to the driving rock that toughens them up. The Dangerous Summer may not be original, but it is available. The band is not out touring the world in football stadiums yet, but is growing more confident and tighter with each release. ~ William Ruhlmann