Local act A Summer Ends is gearing up for a three-week, three-state tour, making a stop at UNM's Fiestas this weekend.
But caution to those who are tired of hearing the same tunes on the radio: A Summer Ends isn't much different.
"I love it," bass player Doug Herron said. "Touring is the most amazing experience. Just weeks of hanging out with the band and partying. You get to meet a lot of cool people, a lot of crazy people having a great time. California is the funnest place in the world to play."
A Summer Ends just put out a new album, This Is Forever, featuring music that Herron described as "screamo" or hardcore. Unfortunately, this may be embellishing the truth a little.
The music sounds like Hoobastank trying to be the Deftones at best.
Half of the songs have a dÇjÖ vu quality to them in that most of the melody sequences and song structures have been heard on the radio before, turning this supposedly "screamo" band into a screaming bore.
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But let's not be too hasty in our judgments.
Though the tunes are eerily reminiscent of radio fare, A Summer Ends does some things that others don't. The songs begin slowly, with long intros, then build up to the "screamo" that Herron is describing. The product is undeniably catchy and easy to listen to. The energetic quality and fast pace makes these great songs for the radio or to see at a concert, depending on how lively the band is.
The band consists of Herron on bass, Chris Martinez and Mike Pope on guitars, Walt Gill on drums with vocals provided by John Ball. All of them have previously been in other local bands like Fallen Process, Mitchell Point and the Middle Year.
All the members have been playing since they were about 13. They met in the mall, at Hot Topic of all places, and decided to jam together. After about a year of practicing, the band decided to go public.
"Opening up for No Use for a Name was our first big show and we were all really pumped," Herron said. "It gave us a jive to start doing this seriously. A lot of girls loved us."
Herron described the lyrics as consisting mostly of emotional themes and current events. The band generally has a very positive message. Perhaps the general public is not radio jaded and might hear something more worthwhile than previously described.
"The crowd loves us," Herron said. "We get really into it and have a good time."
But there's more to a good show than just the band having a good time. Fortunately, there are some fringe benefits for everyone else.
"Chicks," Herron said. "Lots of chicks and beer-drinking before and after the show. We take it seriously, but seriously with a lot of fun."
Well, A Summer Ends isn't horrible, and a short show would be fun, but a good show requires more than just semi-decent music. Maybe versatility? That's where this band crashes and burns.
What: A Summer Ends
When: Saturday at 4 p.m
Where: Johnson Field
Price: Free
