Labels: Redder Records
Review by: Andy Malcolm
This 10″ has been one of my most anticipated records for quite a while. I had read
descriptions which raised my eyebrows, I had heard MP3’s which perked my ears, and now
I get to hold a 10″ which has captured my heart.
Rockets and Blue Lights tamper with a style of music that is horribly out of fashion, and I am indebted to them for it. Intricate 1996 style midwest emo. When did you last hear a band
playing that eh? The last I can think of is Spy vs Spy, who RaBL bear more than a
passing resemblance to with their hoarse, boyish vocals, and the winding guitars that
build up to crescendo’s and play off each other quite elegantly. Of course, any band
playing this sort of thing worth their salt is also the master of the beautiful
twinkle breakdown, and RaBL just cut me up bad with the one they pull off on the first
track. Delightful. They hit the spot repeatedly, be it with the wandering bass that
pulls the songs along or the Braid style guitar clashes that rampage around in a hyper
melodic fashion. I love that feature – two intertwining guitars chiming away
relentlessly, competing for your attention, yet weaving their tuneful beauty. It’s
such an awesome sound that they pull off here, and one that I have missed for a long
time.
If you long for passionate, melodic midwest emo made by the likes of bands mentioned
above, Cap’n Jazz, 30 degrees era Promise Ring, the Kossabone Red, Bells on Trike (I could go
on) then you simply must get this record because it’ll make your bloody day. My only
quibble here is that I WANT TO HEAR MORE. AND NOW. Rockets and Blue Lights, you made
my entire Autumn.