ROCKET SCIENTISTS – Refuel (2014)
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Californian Neo Proggers ROCKET SCIENTISTS return with their first full length record in six years, the astonishing “Refuel“.
Taking a break from his solo career, talented keyboardist Erik Norlander regrouped the band – which is completed by Mark McCrite (guitarist / vocalist) and Don Schiff (bass, Chapman Stick) – the genesis of “Refuel” started in 2012 with the idea of marking the band’s 20th anniversary of their 1993 debut release.
But the trio glued so well again that a lot of material emerged and they decided to go fo more than a celebration, and record a new CD at full force and tour for its presentation.
If you never heard Rocket Scientists you are missing something good, really good. Their music is a fabulous blend of hard progressive rock with some pop and symphonic touches throughout.
Apart from long time collaborator, exquisite drummer Gregg Bissonette (Steve Lukather, Joe Satriani, David Lee Roth), “Refuel” also features stellar performances by vocalists Lana Lane, Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge, Michael Schenker Group) and Emily McCrite along with other talented musicians.
Despite the brain on Rocket Scientists is Norlander, guitarist / vocalist Mark McCrite takes his craft to new heights on the Refuel album. McCrite is really ‘musical’ with the six-strings, and his way of singing truly personal. He was the man behind Lana Lane’s many albums, and that’s say something.
But Erik Norlander (also producer here) is a never-ending source of master keyboard wizardry. His tones are the best, and his choice of harmony is flawless. As for his keyboard technique, it’s the stuff of the timeless legends that we know and love. Norlander’s keyboard work especially shines on the instrumental “Galileo” keeping alive the Rocket Scientists tradition of naming an instrumental track after a famous scientist.
Besides, Norlander was even persuaded to step out with more vocals to the “Refuel” effort.
On the other hand, Don Schiff performs his usual Stick and bass guitar magic in addition to penning 2 of the album tracks, “Regenerate” and “Reconstruct”. He is the foundation, the deep end of Rocket Scientists’ sound.
Guest vocalists on Refuel include Prog rock chanteuse Lana Lane (with a stirring delivery of the symphonic gem, “The Lost Years”), and long-time Norlander collaborator, hard rock icon Kelly Keeling.
Both add class and variation to the album, especially Keeling on the great “Cheshire Cat Smile”, where his vocals embody all the characteristics of legendary vocalists in style, power and control.
Rocket Scientists always pleases with spectacular music played with grace and style. “Refuel” is a great piece of progressive rock, melodic and varied.
As said, the band may have got their inspiration from classic prog rock, but they also run a personal music road which includes poppy melodies, some rocking passages, imaginative arrangements, etc. A lot to discover.
One thing I like about Rocket Scientists, is they believe the music comes first and never over indulge in needless solos nor do they stretch out songs for the sake of being prog.
Norlander, behind the desk, has delivered another production full of depth and color, where all the players have room to display their excellent musicianship.
Very Recommended.
01 – Refuel
02 – She’s Getting Hysterical
03 – Martial
04 – It’s Over
05 – Regenerate
06 – The Fading Light
07 – The World Waits for You
08 – Reconstruct
09 – Cheshire Cat Smile (feat. Kelly Keeling)
10 – Rome’s About to Fall
11 – Galileo
12 – The Lost Years (feat. Lana Lane)
Mark McCrite – vocals, guitars
Erik Norlander – keyboards, vocals
Don Schiff – NS/Sticks, bass, cello, viola, mandolin
with
Gregg Bissonette – drums
Lana Lane – vocals
Kelly Keeling – vocals
Emily McCrite – vocals
Jon Papenbrook, Rich Hofmann, Eric Jorgensen – horns
BUY IT !
itunes.apple.com/us/album/refuel/id943815703
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