Released in July 2011 via Hopeless Records, War Paint is the second studio album by The Dangerous Summer and represents a significant sonic evolution for the band. Moving away from the polished, straightforward pop-punk of their debut, Reach for the Sun, this record embraces a grittier, more atmospheric alternative rock sound. Produced by Paul Leavitt, it captures a band in transition, aiming for a "wall-of-sound" aesthetic that trades catchy, fast-paced hooks for emotional weight, slower tempos, and complex instrumentation.

Musically, the album is defined by the interplay of delayed, ambient guitars and vocalist AJ Perdomo's famously raw, strained delivery. Tracks like the title song, "War Paint," and fan-favorite "Work in Progress" showcase the band's ability to build tension, utilizing heavy percussion and vast textures to create a dense, immersive listening experience. Lyrically, the album explores themes of perseverance, interpersonal conflict, and the struggle to maintain one's identity, using the concept of "war paint" as a metaphor for preparing oneself to face the daily battles of life and relationships.

While it debuted at number 149 on the Billboard 200, War Paint has since cemented itself as a cult classic within the emo and post-rock communities. Though it was initially viewed as a risky departure from their earlier sound, it is now celebrated for it's maturity and cohesion, often cited by fans as the band's most emotionally resonant work. It stands as a pivotal moment in The Dangerous Summer's discography, proving they were capable of writing darker, more serious rock anthems that have aged gracefully over the last decade.

For Fans Of: The Maine, Taking Back Sunday, The Summer Set, Greyscale

Vinyl Color: Electric Blue