Reviewed by Peter Timmis

Originally released in 2008 this is the first full length album from the Maryland punk rockers. Fronted by the improbably-named Mikey Scars, the band draw their influence from a much broader and interesting spectrum than a lot of their contemporaries. Rockabilly, ska and 1970s British punk sounds are evident throughout this wiry, retro production. The problem of the album is that sometimes Mason Summers display their influences a little too transparently. "Destruction" is an uncomfortable Kinks pastiche and Mikey often tries too hard to imitate Joe Strummer's vocal stylings. The band are at their best, and sound most relaxed, when they are being themselves. "Settle Down" is a supremely catchy slab of modern punk pop and "Downpour" sounds fresh, vibrant and lyrically, is on a different level to the other songs here. Hopefully the band will realise the potential, fitfully shown here and emulate their heroes, by developing a more original musical identity. If they do that the next Mason Summers album may very well be something special.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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