immediately and without hesitation

 

rocket rules

immediately and without hesitation

(self-released)

One of the joys I get from music is that I never know what might come along and sweep me off my feet.  Sometimes it’s a long time favorite releasing new music that rivals their previous best going back decades, yet sometimes those don’t always pan out.  Sometimes it’s an artist that never clicked with me suddenly becoming a new obsession.  Most often, it’s a new artist that comes along and re-ignites the ole’ pilot light.  Melbourne’s two piece, rocket rules, have released their second EP, only six months after their debut self-titled EP, and they have me typing up a bunch of nonsensical words urging a non-existent audience to check out this music!

“add up all the chances” opens these three songs and immediately whooshes in with the effervescence of Spain’s Linda Guilala with the catchy pop tunes of Sacramento’s Soft Science.  It’s seriously addictive.  I cannot stop repeating “add up” every time I listen.  It’s that unholy merging of chiming guitars and keyboards that heavy hands its way to the front of the song giving it a rushing momentum that breathes new life into these old lungs.  The sing-along words too hit in the right place.  “Everything has changed but feels the same” feels especially poignant as this song reminds us that our time is limited and to make the most of it and to protect our sanity.   The chorus asks us “Will you know, the day you break?”  Good question right?  The likelihood seems like ‘no,’ because we’re broken, which may be the point.  Stay vigilant!

That electric thrust of sound energy pulsates through the heavy “the weight.”  In this case it provides the song with a certain gravitas and drama, foreshadowing dark clouds brewing on the horizon.  But you know what?  That dominating sound never fails to catch my attention.  The song could last forever and it would never get old.  The thumping slow beat of “draynor village” provides a reflective mix of conflicting emotions.  The crashing cymbals during the chorus are perfectly placed as the narration debates their level of trust in this situation. It’s surprisingly brief close to a great short player.

It’s difficult to believe these songs are ‘bedroom’ recordings, because this EP sounds live and alive in every way.  Rach and Bax have definitely stepped up their musical game from their solid debut. 

(https://rocketrules.bandcamp.com/album/immediately-and-without-hesitation)

rocket rules "add up all the chances"

And Finally . . . In This Space and Time

 

Sophie and Me

And Finally . . . In This Space and Time

(Self – Released digital)

Wowza!  This three song single kicked off 2025 in spectacular fashion and it’s a soothing balm in the face of 2025 otherwise starting off like a tragic nightmare.  These songs have created a melancholy orchestral drama to help guide us through these rough times. 

I became aware of Sophie and Me late last summer via a four song B-side collection named Who Cares B-Sides, which is so great that it amazed me that these dream poppers would share them almost as an afterthought.  These are fully developed excellent songs.  They’ve released a few more singles since, and the quality remains high.  They are quickly becoming a favorite!  This newest release, the digital single on Bandcamp And finally…In This Space and Time, is described as forgotten unfinished tracks.  However these three songs are all epic emotional vistas.   

The nearly seven minute “We Are One (Part I & II)” opens this with an incredibly dramatic journey that takes us through lows and highs of a relationship as the music swells and builds into buzzing guitars and crashing drums, while a comforting keyboard hook soothes us back into a quiet reflective finale, where Sophie Brightman’s sweet voice finds solacby assessing the situation through a lens of being in the moment, and realizing that those highs and lows all can balance out.  It’s a remarkable journey and a brilliant timeless song.

“Change the World” is the pop song of these three with its piano led breaks between choruses.  It’s a hopeful and positive message and a fun listen.

Lastly, “When I Go Back” is another quiet drama whose instrumental buildup (with keyboards that remind of Pink Floyd’s keyboardist Richard Wright on Dark Side of the Moon) pays off with a meandering beat and a restless reflection of the inherent conflicts with returning to a former home.  Javier Manriquedelara’s instrumentation is a revelation, as everything is in its right place.

When I purchased this, I did so unheard.  The quality of the previous release earned them that, so when I first listened, I was floored by its excellence.  The emotional depth of the songs here is achingly beautiful.  Once you hear them, you’ll know what I mean.  My silly words do not do these songs any justice.  This has to be listened to. 

(https://sophieandme.bandcamp.com/album/and-finally-in-this-space-and-time)

Sophie and Me "We Are One (Parts I & II"

This Wreckage Top 10 Most Listened to Releases

Unlike those words that I have heard from so many people over the years: "they don't make music like they used to," I find the opposite is true.  Yes, technically music making has evolved over the years.  Increased access to equipment, recording, and ways to find an audience has changed drastically.  The spirit hasn't though.  There is incredible music being made all around us all of the time.  More than ever.  It's difficult to keep up!  My problem as an older person who has yet to fully adjust to the idea that music doesn't have to be physically possessed is that I get overwhelmed.  I am fully aware that I have missed a lot of great music this year, because I get overwhelmed by it.  There's too much!  I do not make enough time available to hear more music.  I cannot afford it.  I can't keep up!  These selections are ten of many releases I enjoyed this year.  I share them only hoping to present my thoughts in a vague way to show appreciation to these great artists and inspire an individual to look into these artists further.  There's always been good music and likely always will be.  Happy New Year!!

Write ups can be accessed via the band/album names below

 1.

The Cure Songs of a Lost World

2.

Attic Ocean Retriever

3.

Torrey Torrey

4.

Humdrum Every Heaven

5.

The Blue Herons Go On

6.

Agent blå Stab!

7.

SPECTRES Presence

8.

The Black Watch the morning papers have given us the vapours

9. 

Mammoth Penguins Here

10.

J. Robbins Basilisk