Rocket Science

Rocket Science, staffed by Andy Lambert and Adam Thorn, have only been a band for six months. But that hasn’t stopped this Greensboro, NC duo from putting together an auspicious and refreshing EP.

From the beginning of the first track, we are warmly beckoned to follow Rocket Science on a dynamic and vibrant excursion, if we’re willing to keep up (spoiler alert: it’s well worth it.). The drums and guitar interlock seamlessly, and dance around one another through twists and turns that range in intensity from sweetly wilting swan song to full blown fireworks finale. Lambert’s drums tastefully but fervently charge forward into new territory, laying down an appealing rhythmic canvas, while Thorn’s guitar, often in alternate tuning, is towering and orchestral but also quite melodic. Traditional song structures are discarded, but without pretense, and traded in for something that seems to make a whole lot more sense. Surprising rhythms, startling modulations, and downright uncanny melodic contours are the norm. Yes; these are fully developed compositions, all accomplished with guitar, drums, and a home recording studio. Oh Yeah… and a whole lot of talent, energy, and creative capacity.

Here’s the best part: all of this is done without a shred of that hipper-than-thou posturing and elitism that have become a central feature of contemporary music, and which often serves to distract our attention from genuine artistic merit. Rocket Science displays a sense of humility and proportion that is rare among young musicians, an accomplishment made all the more impressive by their extraordinary capacity for innovation. And for all of their disregard of time worn musical conventions, a deep sense of gratitude for musicians past permeates the record. While breaking decisively with previous generations, they tip their cap to the masters of old. These songs are inventive yet inviting, novel yet down to earth. The vocals (often sang in unison to great effect) are charged with a youthful ardor and earnestness that is often the hallmark of truly great music. And yet again, we are reminded of the humanity of the band, in an age in which too much effort is made to obscure it.

A glance at the lyric sheet confirms the eminent relatability of the music, giving it a whole new level of depth and significance. A broad array of subject matter is covered, all in a profoundly insightful yet unpretentious manner. Once you hear the songs in the new ambience provided by the lyrics (I recommend following along on the sheet at least a few times), several things become clear. Firstly, that Rocket Science’s debut is an accessible yet exciting and nuanced work that will reward repeated careful listening. Secondly, that they are able - on every level - to bring childlike enthusiasm, keenness of observation, and freshness of perspective, to the profound and often shocking realizations of adulthood. Rocket Science seems to be in quite good psychical shape. We can only hope that they don’t wise up and get “real jobs.” It’s not Rocket Science… maybe Rock Science? Or maybe,
in an effort to forego the cheesy monikers and dime a dozen pigeonholings that are so unbecoming of a band like this, we should give credit where it’s due, and chalk this one up to an abundance of creative/expressive power and energy, and an unashamed dedication to rock music. - Daniel Koz