#2 - SUMMER DAZE - Performed by Numbers On Napkins

Possibly the most shocking song in our top five is “Summer Daze”, from the well established Phoenix punk band, Numbers On Napkins. Seeing Numbers On Napkins in a category as one of the Hottest in Phoenix was a common occurrence back in the mid 2000’s when the band was at the peak of its popularity. It’s been several years since Numbers On Napkins was active, but the band just came off of a long hiatus. With the return of the band came their new full length album, “From Buckeye To Beardsley”, which has the bands first single, “Summer Daze”.

Numbers On Napkins released a music video featuring various footage of the band performing live versions of the song, as a way to help promote the single. The song has a pop punk charm to it, in the same vein as No Use For A Name or The Ataris. “Summer Daze” has a highly addictive chorus, that gets tattooed on your brain, and drives you to play the song again and again, every time that last note has finished ringing out and faded away.

The simple chord progressions throughout the song are accompanied by strong lead vocals and the harmonizing between lead and backup vocals during the chorus fits perfectly. NON uses a fair amount of metaphors throughout the song, and lyrically the song is outstanding, especially with the chorus. “I spent my summer days in a Summer daze. Her bronze skin glowing in the black light. And in my Summer daze, I spent my summer days. And ever since then, nothings felt right”.

Lyrically, “Summer Daze” kind of reminds me of the song, “Summer Lovin’”, from the Grease Soundtrack. Although NON decided to name the girl Summer, in their version of a summer fling love song. In any case, “Summer Daze” is absolutely one of the Hottest Punk Rock Songs from Phoenix of 2019, and “Summer Daze” is still scorching hot, even during these cold winter nights.