The SUmmer Set

The Summer Set returned to the stage in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a nostalgic and energetic night at The Underground. Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, the band proved that even after time away from touring, their connection with fans is still strong. The current lineup features Brian Dales (lead vocals), John Gomez (lead guitar), Stephan Gomez (bass), and Jess Bowen (drums). The show was part of their Meet Me At the Record Store Tour, alongside opening acts Good Boy Daisy, People R Ugly, and Senses.

The stage set was immediately captivating. The band leaned fully into the nostalgic theme inspired by their latest record, Meet Me At The Record Store. The stage featured round red rugs and a record store-inspired design that quickly set the tone for the night. Bright vertical lights stood behind the stage in a way that felt reminiscent of an old television performance or concert production. The aesthetic created the perfect atmosphere for a show built on the idea of blending past and present. The past being vintage nostalgia mixed with the carefree “young and dumb” energy the band built their early career on, while also reflecting their growth as artists.

The band opened the show with “For the First Time,” a song from their newest album. The indie-pop track includes the lyrics, “'Cause I’ve been waiting for this moment so I’m gonna get it right / Yeah it feels like I’m alive for the first time,” which perfectly captured the energy of the night. It felt like the ideal way to kick off the set and immediately pulled the crowd into the performance. From there, the band kept the vibe consistent while joking with the audience about how many fans were there for the throwback songs that originally made them fall in love with the band.

These nostalgic moments came quickly as the band transitioned into fan favorites like “Boomerang,” “All My Friends,” and “Change Your Mind.” Each of these songs sparked loud sing-alongs and had the crowd dancing throughout the entire venue. The flow of the setlist balanced new material with beloved classics, allowing longtime fans and newer listeners to enjoy the show equally.

Although The Summer Set has not toured heavily in recent years, their fanbase clearly hasn’t gone anywhere. The crowd remained energetic the entire night, singing along to every new lyric. Between songs, Dales shared some personal reflections that added an emotional layer to the performance. He mentioned how ironic it felt that many of their older songs revolve around partying, drinking, and being young, while his current life looks very different. Dales explained that he is now in recovery and that much of the new music reflects that growth and new perspectives.

He also joked that many of the band’s early songs were written when he was younger and he was simply writing what he described as “stupid” lyrics. However, he acknowledged that two decades later, those same lyrics are still relatable to fans. Because of that connection, those songs continue to remain a core part of their setlist.

Overall, the show felt like a celebration of every era of the Summer Set. It honored the carefree, youthful spirit that first brought fans to their music while also recognizing the growth and self-reflection that comes with time. The combination of nostalgia, an energized crowd, and the heartfelt moments made the night feel special for both the band and the audience.

Photos and review by Jenifer Mitchell