Tag: Rocket Bureau

Rocket Bureau and The Dials

powerpopaholic
Steve Robinson

Rocket Bureau “Middle Angst”

A concept album born out of frustration, don’t let the quick punk opener “Disconnected” throw you off too much. Wisconsin’s Kyle Urban describes middle-age blues perfectly on several short bursts of power-pop energy. “Not You” and “Lipstick Queens” express the raw emotion, like “you’re no fun anymore.” The guitar acrobatics are quite impressive, but it gets better on “Summertime Crime,” a look back at those “wasted” years of youth and how it’s over. The tunes blend together seamlessly, fans of Cockeyed Ghost will really enjoy this album, especially “Something Wrong” which goes for the full Robert Pollard, loaded with layered riffs and an anthemic chorus.

“Bummer” continues our protagonist journey “what if you dropped everything, and let it shatter?” And the next several songs deal with a “sort of introspective hell” and it keeps the pedal to the floor on tone and tempo. Each short musical theme resonates, with “One For The Angels” and “Starlit Hotline” as standouts. While I enjoyed this album, it seemed a bit too long. Despite this pet peeve, it’s a very worthy musical ride that deserves to be heard.

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The Dials

The Dials “And Another Thing .​.​. b​-​sides and asides”

The Dials are a British band that formed in 2002 whose music is a mixture of psychedelia, country, and rock. These are “B-sides” that never made previous albums, but the quality is really high. It starts with an excellent psychedelic groove “A Jigsaw Mind” and it seamlessly goes into “C.S.N.” which name drops legendary band’s Deja Vu, with an organ and acoustic guitar tribute. “Watch Her Walk Away” is another Byrdsian composition similar to “Eight Miles High.”

The songs then shift to a more folky direction with “Ford In The Road” and “Little Voices.” These mellow compositions give way to “Deep Blue Sea” a surf guitar lead gem that would make Dick Dale proud. A standout here is the music hall piano selection “The Station” with a terrific melody and middle eight. Then the band lets loose on the title track “And Another Thing,” and it rocks! The talent here is undeniable. Overall an enjoyable listen and should encourage you to invest in the band’s past “A” material.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Rocket Bureau and Co-Pilgrim

powerpopaholic
Rocket Bureau

Rocket Bureau “Phantoms Ringing 67-73”

Is it possible to be so good at recreating an era’s sound you fool even veteran audiophiles?  Contrary to what the title of the album suggest – that these are not tracks from the late 60’s/early 70’s, but a new release by musician Kyle Urban on his 8-track reel-to-reel.

The energetic guitars start with “Silhouette” and it brings to mind bands of the past (20/20, The Plimsouls, Rubinoos) along with touch of the modern (The Well Wishers.) The song “Go Away Girl” has such classic beats and chord changes you’d swear it was a undiscovered hit single.  “Night Time” has a 50’s vibe similar to Sam Cooke, and “She Dreams In Colors” is a trip “Rain” styled jam. “Choozy Suzy” is another potential sure-fire hit and “Along Comes Sam” has a roots rock vibe with its layered guitars. Other songs have a similar Allman Bros. vibe like “Tuscaloosa Woman.” This is a “greatest hits” of sorts for Rocket Bureau and its diversity of style just proves Kyle is versatile as hell here. Not a single note of filler, and proof that DIY analog artists can rock it old school. Super Highly Reccomended.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon


Co-Pilgrim

Co-Pilgrim “Slows To Go”

I missed this one late last year: Oxford band Co-Pilgrim has a distinct folk Americana influence, with California styled harmonies and slow tempo melodies. Fans of The Byrds, CSNY, and Teenage Fanclub are sure to enjoy this. “Slows To Go” swells into dreamy pop land right from the title track.

Lead vocalist Mike Gale glides through each track, “You Come Over, You Go” is a great example of crisp singing and the harmonies are especially good on “Flood Of Tears.” Some songs have a county feel, “Its A Blue Moon” makes use of lap guitar and gentle acoustic strumming. The style here is very consistent and lack of variety may seem frustrating to some listeners, but the vocal arrangements are so lush they are worth revisiting. Highly recommended.

Amazon