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)
