It’s easy to falsely equate depressing lyrical content with substance, or minor chords and somber delivery with being genuinely moving or inspired. It’s a mistake we all make. To illustrate my point, please answer the following: When was the last time a comedy movie won best picture? Take a second… Google it if you must. The point is, too often bands feel they need to be serious to be profound or dark to be considered worthy of praise.

King of Summer don’t want you to take them seriously. They just want you to dance. The pop punk four-piece began as the ever-elusive side project of frontman and human whoopee cushion, Tim Sterritt (formerly of Word Travels Fast, Jebediah Springfield, and Fairlane). Recently, I spoke to him about his new band and how it’s different from his previous endeavors.

“I always had it in the back of my head that I wanted to do a band where I write songs that are very simple and just more my wheelhouse,” Sterritt says. “I tried to do it a few times before and it never really worked out. So when Word Travels Fast broke up I told myself ‘I have to do this.'”

Crunchy power chords and surfy drums make it hard to miss strong influences from Weezer and Saves The Day, but Sterritt’s brand of self-deprecating humor and storytelling act as his thumbprint, bringing sincerity and wit to a familiar genre.

“A couple people that we’ve talked to have told me ‘I wish I could play goofy music’ or ‘I wish I could play silly stuff like that.’ I don’t think that’s a diss at all,” Sterritt says. “That’s what we’re trying to do. I make jokes in the songs and I want it to be just really fun.”

King of Summer is rounded out by Ryan Sterritt on drums, muppet wild card (and possible figment of my imagination) Nick Novak on bass, and Microwave shredder Wes Swanson on guitar. Their debut EP, Getting Stabbed With an Ice Cream Cone, features three extremely danceable and energetic earworms. Throw on any one of these bad boys and try to keep your feet and head still. I double dog dare you.

King of Summer is playing Jabroni Fest tonight at Star Bar. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is FREE. 21+ to enter.

More Info
Bandcamp: kingofsummeratl.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @kingofsummeratl