One listen to the single "She's Getting Hysterical" from Rocket Scientists new album Refuel, and you'd almost think it was Asia finally rediscovering the roots of their debut 30 years ago. Instead, it's the full-length CD return of Rocket Scientists after seven years (though they did release the EP Supernatural Highways at the beginning of the year), with the trio of Erik Norlander (keyboards, vocals), Mark McCrite (vocals, guitars), and Don Schiff (NS Sticks, bass, cello, viola, mandolin) once again creating hook laden progressive rock that rivals some of the best in the business. Guests on the album include drummer Gregg Bissonette, vocalists Lana Lane, Kelly Keeling, Emily McCrite, trumpet players Jon Papenbrook & Rich Hofmann, and trombonist Eric Jorgensen.
McCrite's vocals have gotten stronger and richer over the years, readily apparent on the single, as well as "It's Over", the gorgeous "The World Waits for You", and the haunting "Fading Light", sounding like a meeting of Greg Lake & John Wetton. The upbeat, symphonic pop/prog rocker "Cheshire Cat Smile" sees the much travelled Kelly Keeling joining in on the fun and delivering a charming vocal, while the always stunning Lana Lane soars to the heavens on the dreamy "Lost Years". Of course, it wouldn't be a Rocket Scientists album without at least a few jaw dropping instrumentals, and here on Refuel we get the futuristic prog/fusion piece "Galileo", a real treat for Norlander fans, as the virtuoso unleashes some sensational synth, Hammond organ, and electric piano, while the lovely "Regenerate" contains plenty of Norlander's fluttering synths, lean NS Stick lines from Schiff, and some tasty guitar soloing courtesy of McCrite.
As they celebrate their 20th anniversary together, there's no better gift to the fans than the excellent Refuel and Supernatural Highways here in 2014. Here's to many more years of music from the always dependable Rocket Scientists...cheers!
Track Listing
1. Refuel (2:13)
2. She's Getting Hysterical (6:05)
3. Martial (3:41)
4. It's Over (6:25)
5. Regenerate (4:33)
6. The Fading Light (7:29)
7. The World Waits for You (4:20)
8. Reconstruct (1:29)
9. Cheshire Cat Smile (5:25)
10. Rome's About to Fall (8:15)
11. Galileo (5:05)
12. The Lost Years (5:59)
No Crossfade - Bonus Tracks
13. It's Over (6:31)
14. Regenerate (4:36)
15. Reconstruct (1:34)
16. Cheshire Cat Smile (5:27)
Total Time 79:09
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