Photo: Press

Just as the days start geting longer and the sun is beginnig to shine, Weezer have released the aptly titled 'Feels Like Summer' with a cool new video, and if that wasn't enough they've showered us with tour dates.

The track has a summery feel and the sound nods incorporates production tricks you'd expect from Miike Snow rather than a 'rock' band like Weezer. A lot of fans have come out and been upset by their embrace of wonky pop and the neglect of a typical Weezer sound.

One of the top comments on Youtube is: "This sounds like a shitty 21 Pilots song, NOT Weezer :(" and another states: "I will always love Weezer and continue to love them, but in my honest opinion, this new song just sounds like the typical pop/alternative music that we normally get today."

The latter comment is an understandable gripe to have. It's all good seeing bands change direction and leave a sound from 20 years ago behind but if there's a sense of homogeneity between bands, it is a frustrating thing. Linkin Park have suffered the same criticism lately for their new single. But the camp is divided and many fans are fully supportive of Weezer's new direction - and it's with those in favour of the new sound that we side.

The great thing about this tune is the deceptive nature of it; it's bold, bright and happy on first listen, but a closer analysis shows a tortured soul trying to reach out from behind the showy exteior as it speaks of loneliness and depression. Being able to engage people's upbeat side whilst continuing to use their art as catharsis for the more troubled emotions is a remarkable thing to pull off and one they've nailed.

Weezer will be embarking on a full European tour this Autumn, their first since 2005. The UK dates are as such:

23 October – Leeds, O2 Academy
24 October – Glasgow O2 Academy
25 October – Manchester O2 Apollo
27 October – Birmingham O2 Academy
28 October – London SSE Arena, Wembley