Life Will Write the Words

A note of idealism has always resonated in the work of Bryce Avary (a.k.a. The Rocket Summer). Life Will Write the Words channels his zest for living into songs that uphold his past standards for ultra-catchy, spiritually inclined pop/rock. As in the past, Avary composed, played, and produced all of the tracks here, lending the album an intensely autobiographical quality. Rather than brood over personal issues, he prefers to work them out in propulsive numbers like “Run and Don’t Stop,” “Underrated," and “Revival.” Avary's a master of classic rock gestures, unleashing volleys of guitar-hero riffage in “Prove It” and building to an almost-operatic crescendo in “Ashes Made of Spades.” Though he freely indulges his theatrical side, he’s also capable of quieter moments, as the acoustic guitar–centered tune “Soldier” shows. Whether he’s recounting his convoluted journey to true romance (“200,000”) or lamenting the selfishness of the modern world (“Old Love”), Avary loudly and proudly wears his heart on his sleeve. “The Rescuing Type” nicely sums up the album’s mix of galloping beats, buoyant melodies, and life-affirming lyrics.