R is for Rocket is a strong debut album by the self-produced band Rocket that creates a well curated ’90s-inspired grunge tracklist. It’s a complete and exceptional first album that features emotional depth in lyricism with a high energy, raw sound.
Rocket is a Los Angeles based four-piece band that began song writing during the pandemic in 2020. Its members were childhood friends who shared a passion for music and songwriting.
The opening track, “The Choice,” has a progressive build up of warped vocals and distorted instrumentals that leads to a powerful ending sound with loud guitar and drums.
The earlier single “One Million” builds a slower pace and serves as a sort of emotional center for the album. It features thought-provoking lyrics about patient hope and self-doubt in regards to another person.
The title track and closer “R is for Rocket” is a tribute to a song of the same name from the late ’90s alternative rock band Radio Flyers – who had titled their song in homage to the 1960 short story collection R is for Rocket by Ray Bradbury.
The song itself is anthemic and provides a good representation of the hopeful yet melancholy feeling that presents itself throughout the album as a whole.
