For the longest time, I was trying to figure out why this band reminded me of old Good Charlotte. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that their old drummer is in this band. It explained a lot to me. I’d put this band on par with older Good Charlotte. I’m talking the first album, which ironically enough is the one Chris wasn’t on. The uh, good one. Yeah, I said it.

The Summer Obsession sound like Virgin Records’ too little, too late attempt to cash in on pop-punk. I could be wrong. Maybe it’s just the changing of the guard for major label lineups. Who knows? It doesn’t change the fact that this album could have been even better than just “pretty good.” Musically, TSO lay waste to Good Charlotte’s latest musical endeavors. A light piano line opens the album on “8 AM.” Automatically, the song takes a hold of you and refuses to let go with the aid of an explosive chorus. “Disappear” is another ear-pleaser, but the lyrics start to show their weakness. From here on out, the lyrics sound like they were taken from a Jr. High student’s notebook. Aside from the lyrics, I only have a few minor complaints with some annoying melodies and riffs, but for the most part, the album is pretty solid. On that note, “Melt the Sugar” needs to be a single. It’s got “school dance” written all over it.

If your siblings are tired of waiting for a new Fall Out Boy album and aren’t ready to appreciate the new Sugarcult or New Found Glory records, pick this up for them. Also, a personal note to Chris Wilson: Congratulations for being in a much better band than your previous one. Hopefully The Summer Obsession will mature with their next album and not try to act artsy.

Track Listing
1. 8 AM
2. Disappear
3. Never Coming Back
4. Death Said
5. Melt the Sugar
6. Burning Bridges
7. Bored
8. Do You Remember
9. Over My Head
10. Down For Whatever
11. I Miss You
12. Where You Belong