Band: Rocket Scientists

CD Title: “Looking Backward” Box Set

Band/Label Website: www.thetank.com/rocketscientists.htm

Label: Think Tank Media (distributed by ProgRock Records)

Release Date: 2007

 

There are surprises and then there are SURPRISES. I came home the other day to find a big fat package from the Serge Entertainment Group on my desk. Wondering what it could be I tore into the package to discover the latest offering from the Rocket Scientists. The aptly titled Looking Backward box set contains their first three releases all superbly remastered, along with a fourth disc entitled The 2007 Sessions where the band have taken tracks from each of their earlier releases and re-worked them in some fashion either extending the track, or whatever. Then to cap it off the set includes a DVD which features most of the 2007 session tracks performed “live” in the studio along with an extended interview where the members talk about the band’s history going so far as to explain how many of their compositions actually came together. It’s an insightful and enjoyable viewing experience. There are also two shorter films, one entitled “An Afternoon with Emmett Chapman” where we find out how the “Stick” works and another film that’s a collection of studio home movies showing the band in various stages from 1993 to 2007.

 

Just in case you’ve been living under a rock or perhaps are new to the progressive rock genre, let me fill you in. The Rocket Scientists hail out of California and consist of Erik Norlander (keyboards), Mark McCrite (guitars, vocals) and Don Schiff (NS/Stick, Chapman Stick). The trio is supplemented by Greg Ellis (drums, percussion) and Tommy Amato (drums). Musically the Rocket Scientists symphonic style doesn’t really sound like anybody else, although there are times where the keyboards do have a Keith Emerson ring, and that’s a good thing. Their compositions run the gamut from short atmospheric pieces to longer 10-minute songs. If there is anything that makes their style unique it’s the band’s ability to craft a powerful melody into all their music, long or short. Add to this McCrite’s amazing vocals and every track is quite amazing. There is a nice blend of acoustic and electric guitars, fat sounding analog synths and incredible bass textures from the stick. This is music that sticks with you a long time, and yet for all it’s accessibility the music contains a fair bit of complex musicianship with the band changing instruments and structures throughout a piece.

 

Now as if that wasn’t enough the set comes with an amazing 64 page full colour booklet featuring all the original CD images, liner notes and lyrics. These are complemented by a host of new photos and band information. Here’s a breakdown of the remastered discs included in Looking Backward:

 

Earthbound (1993) – This disc has a running time of 57:46 and includes one bonus track.

Brutal Architecture (1995) – This disc has a running time of 69:50 and includes a bonus track from the 1996 Japanese reissue.

Oblivion Days (1999) – This disc has a running time of 67:43 and includes two bonus tracks from previous reissues.

The 2007 Sessions (2007) – This disc has a running time of 76:23 and includes 10 new studio versions and 3 remixed versions of compositions from the band’s past catalog.

Looking Backward DVD (2007) – This disc’s main feature runs 102 minutes with two shorter videos, one 25-minutes and the other 21-minutes.

 

As one who only had the Rocket Scientists second disc Brutal Architecture in the collection the Looking Backward box set is a real eye-opener to the talent that exists in this band. I mean we’ve all heard about either the band or their solo efforts, but having the opportunity to hear each of these releases remastered and in some cases re-done is quite amazing. Having the DVD is just the icing on the cake. This is a no-brainer to add to the collection. Looking Backward is an amazing set that has been spending a lot of time on my player and will for the foreseeable future. If you’re into symphonic prog this set is Highly Recommended.