I always love getting introduced to new music, even when that music may not actually be new. A friend recently introduced me to The Summer Set, a pop rock band who have been around since the mid-’00s. Apologies to long-time fans, but this was my first time hearing them, and I was captivated instantly by their sound. With a new album called Meet Me at the Record Store that felt like it was continuing the legacy of the band, and a new tour called the Meet Me at the Record Store Tour, I knew we had to go and see what they could bring to a live performance. The first stop of the tour was at the Observatory in Santa Ana, CA, where old and new fans piled in to rock out with The Summer Set.

Opening the show was a band founded by twin sisters Hallie and Dylinn Mayes, known as Good Boy Daisy. Hallie was the vocalist who was entranced by her own music, channeling the energy of their sound through her vocals that reverberated through the crowd. Dylinn on guitar was a bit more of the life of the band, as she could be seen getting lost in her own playing. Good Boy Daisy warmed up the crowd with songs like “Terrify,” “Shag Chateau,” “Where Did You Go?,” “Selfish,” “Someone Like You,” “Supermodel,” and ending with “Summer Love.” That final song really stood out to me, as it felt like it had a stronger presence than the others — almost hitting the peaks of a Florence and the Machine song.

Up next was a band I have really grown fond of: Senses. I’ve been fortunate to see them a couple of times now, and they never disappoint. Fronted by Madison Taylor, who is a ball of energy on stage that can’t be contained to one spot — whether it’s standing at the foot of the stage singing to the people in the back, or dancing with her bandmates — your eyes are constantly following her around as her voice compels you to dance. Her musical partner Nick Sampson on drums feels like the lifeblood of the band as he bangs away on the kit, laying down dance beats, rhythmic sticking patterns, and powerful blasts that get the heart pounding in time with the music. Nick performs shirtless, and I wholeheartedly believe this man has a six-pack due to the number of crunches he does while using his whole body to slam away at the kit. Senses had a solid set featuring songs like “Clean Cut,” “Gonna Make Sure,” “Obsessed,” “Skin,” “Come Clean,” “Tiptoeing,” “Onto Something,” “Playing Dead,” “Sleepwalking,” and ending with “Better Than This.” This dynamic duo has continued to be a solid direct-support act for multiple tours now, and I eagerly await a headlining tour from them.

It was then time for The Summer Set to take the stage. Before they could, two record displays were unveiled on the backline of the stage, making it feel like we truly had just met the band at their own personal record store. Opening with “For the First Time,” the crowd immediately erupted in screaming, singing, and cheering. You could spot the younger fans in the crowd having the time of their lives. But the true sight to behold was seeing the long-term fangirls who had been with the band since their inception — who now have lives and careers — transported right back to their teenage years blasting this music in their bedrooms.

With most bands you always have a standout member or two that really captivates the stage. Not with The Summer Set — every member oozed with charisma and charm. Vocalist Brian Logan Dales felt like the bad boy of the group who knows he’s the center of attention and basks in the glory of the stage. Guitarist John Gomez was the most animated on stage, playing right into the faces of screaming fans, dancing and spinning, and providing backing vocals that helped Dales’ voice sound fuller. Bassist Stephen Gomez was like a golden retriever let off the leash — the band mentioned this was the first tour he was performing with a wireless guitar pack, and you could see how much he enjoyed the freedom to run around the stage. Drummer Jess Bowen has made a name for herself outside of the band, and it’s easy to see why. Perched with her drum kit on a high riser, she drove the punch in every song, crafting creative beats and textures that define The Summer Set’s pop sound and make the music as danceable as possible.

The Summer Set gave fans an hour and a half of music from across their discography, featuring songs like “I Don’t Wanna Party,” “The Boys You Do (Get Back You),” “Jukebox (Life Goes On),” “The Night Is Young,” “Boomerang,” “Hit and Run,” “Street Lightning,” “Teenagers,” “All My Friends,” “Girls Freak Me Out,” “America!,” “Missin’ You,” “Punch-Drunk Love,” “When We Were Young,” “Under the Influence,” “ADIDAS,” “Flowers,” “Dizzy,” and a three-song encore of “Figure Me Out,” “Chelsea,” and “Lightning in a Bottle.” The Summer Set brought a sound and energy that could have filled the Forum in Los Angeles, but we got to experience it in a more intimate setting at the Observatory.

If my buddy had never told me about The Summer Set, I would have missed an amazing concert experience filled with high energy, powerful arena rock songs, and the privilege of standing in the middle of a crowd of diehard fans who just wanted to shower the band in love and admiration. Sometimes we can be neglectful of a friend’s recommendations — saying things like “Oh, I’ll get around to checking that out” and then never following through. I’m thankful I didn’t make that mistake. From me, your reviewer friend, I highly recommend catching this tour, which runs through the middle of April with plenty of dates left. You will find yourself rocking out to every song, whether you know it or not.