Summer is a great time to explore the outdoors, go on adventures and make connections with nature and people. Music makes a great backdrop for the 93.6 days from the June solstice to the September equinox. It’s also a great time to explore new music and blast favorites at a high volume with the windows down
Everybody has their own personal taste when it comes to music. It’s important to listen to as many different artists and genres to curate your own list. My summer soundtrack features local, regional and national bands, underground and mainstream.
Aaron West and the Roaring 20s “In Lieu of Flowers” – Though I have a sizable playlist, I’ve spent the last year and a half listening to this band and don’t see that changing. The (continuous) storytelling on all three albums has me hooked and going back for more listens to catch different things. It’s the closest I’ve come to reading a book in a while. I chose this song for the uplifting chorus and the memorable horn line.
Already Dead “Something Like a War” – This song sounds like a mental battle, but with a ska-style verse that, while heavy, cuts the tension slightly. It’s similar to seeing a small rainbow in the midst of a catchy thunderstorm.
Atlantic Thrills “Dirty Love” – Local garage punks are back and bring gritty rock and roll to cool off ears on a hot day. The song sizzles and has the right mixture of psychedelic and rock. Summer loving never sounded so dirty.
Blood Feeder “In the Summertime” – A nostalgic summer love song that follows the rock and roll writing formula. No tricks or frills, just straight-ahead rock. It’s predictable, but that’s the point. The song feels familiar by the second verse, so you can just lose yourself in the music.
Bobby Oakes and the TV Models “Let’s Make a Picture” – This is on the lighter side for the indie-punk band. The song is about making memories, which is what the summer is all about. This would fit right in on WBRU (look it up).
Bouncing Souls “True Believers”-This is one of my favorite bands and my go-to listen when I need a pick-me-up. I had trouble choosing, so I went with their most popular song and urge people to listen to their entire discography this summer.
Brown Apples “Front Page” –This song is catchy from the second the music begins. The dynamics of light to heavy fit well with the lyrics of self-talk and regret. The chorus stands out with how its rage interacts with the rest of the song.
The Callouts “Glomming On” –A quick acoustic song that ends this recently released EP. Though any of the seven songs would be worthy of making this list “Carolina” received strong consideration), “Glomming On” was chosen for the build-up psych out. I respect bands that pull off a good tease or prank.
Chappell Roan “Pink Pony Club” – I was initially indifferent to Chappell Roan, but she grew on me the more I listened. It’s a catchy pop song. It’s simple, letting the hooks do all the work. This song will be heard through a lot of open windows at red lights.
Death Before Dishonor “End of Days” –On paper, summer is to be a relaxing season with little to no worries, but bad days can happen at any time. This is the song to put on to pound the steering and vent some anger. The bass build-up leading to the breakdown is my favorite part on the entire album.
Dudemanbro “Beach Bum in RI“ – Reggae music seems customized for summer listening, and three-time Favorite Raggae Act Dudemanbro wrote a song that should serve as the theme song for RI summers. The lyrics hit local themes and the laid-back groove is akin to laying back on the beach and letting life calmly pass by.
Follow Thru “Liars and Thieves” – this song is a sing-along from the moment the vocals enter. The music shuffles through mid-tempo and lightning-fast parts with guitar leads throughout. It’s worth giving the rest of the EP, Ghosts, a listen, as it’s only eight minutes long.
Grip Bite “Skate to Annihilate» –an aggressive tune about skating from Grip Bite’s upcoming album. It’s mid-tempo and heavy with guttural yells that may be tough to replicate. This song is meant to be played at high volume, especially the killer breakdown at the end.
Haywire “Summer Nights” – This melodic street punk hardcore band has exploded in the past few months with their energetic songs that makes for an intense live show. Their new release, a split with No Guard, is the most melodic material they’ve written to date, but it’s still heavy and hardcore. The “woahs” will get everyone singing along and the song is about summer, which makes it a great fit for this list. The acoustic bonus material about a garbage truck adds some extra summer fun to this list.
Have Fun “Empty Handed” – This song takes influences from their melodic emo-pop-punk predecessors. There are fast parts, slow parts, breakdowns and plenty of hooks to sing along to.
The Hold Steady “Constructive Summer” – the Brooklyn-based rock band wrote a song that should be listened to while making summer plans. “We’re gonna build something this summer” serves as motivation to make the most of the upcoming three months.
The Kilograms “Ya Ya” –Anyone who misses The Mighty Mighty Bosstones should give this a listen, as it features former bass player Joe Gittleman. This song leans on the ska side with a fun chorus to sing along to.
Neutral Nation “Rocky Point” – the nostalgia will hit the feels of Rhode Islanders who remember spending summer days at the theme park that closed in 1995. The legendary and still active punk band released this song years ago, but it will still bring smiles to many faces.
Rose w/ Bruno Mars “APT.” – I first heard this pop song while driving a van full of kids to school. The APT hook caught my attention, the verse was silly but catchy and the chorus is outstanding (especially coming from Bruno Mars). The kids sang along to the entire song, which added to the fun.
Static Friction “Perpetual Motion” –This band full of punk veterans formed last year and already sound like they’ve hit their prime. This intricate punk song has a lot to unpack. It’s melodic aggression that is meant to be sung along to.
Structure Sounds “Waves” –the ocean is around all year long, but seems more prominent in the summer. Melodic vocals and a quick tempo moves this song along. Expect to be singing “watch the waves crash into the sun” long after the song ends.
Sue’s Garage “Beehive” –These indie rockers blend melody well with intensity, creating a song flat out rocks, and is fun to sing along to.
Teddy Swims “Lose Control” –This song may have received more radio play than any other this year, though I didn’t know who sang it until yesterday (5/19). Even if you don’t recognize the artist, you’ll know the song. Some may be sick of it by this point, but it still has enough steam to notch some summer listens.
Teenage Bottlerocket “Summertime” – this song is 13 years old but has the sun and warmth that is necessary for summer listening.
The War in Kids “RIFC” – someone sent me this theme song for RI’s professional soccer team over the weekend. The tune is memorable and lyrically hits the right words that supporters will identify with. Expect to hear this blaring through the speakers at Centreville Bank Stadium.
The Wonder Years “Junebug” – This is a song about the singer’s son, who is named August. Name-dropping half of the summer months makes adding this to the list a no-brainer. TJ Welch and the Wasted “The Female Joey Ramone” –This song from the self-described “dad rock” band will get you moving. The uptempo number kicks off their debut album with a great groove, catchy hooks and Ramones-inspired lyrics.
