The Rocketz

We Are… The Rocketz by The Rocketz (Analog Arkives)

Tony Slash, frontman for LA based rock and roll band The Rocketz, has been in the local music scene for a long as Highwire Daze has been in existence. One of our first interviews was with one of his previous band Terror Train, a truly underground entity who pretty much set for the bar for what would eventually become the local rockabilly and psychobilly music scenes. Still going the DIY route and finding a good deal of success along the way, The Rocketz has just unleashed their second collection of rockin’ anthems that should continue to gain them an enthusiastic following. We Are… The Rockets is filled with 16 slammin’ tracks guaranteed to get the blood pumping and the pit in full on action.

We Are… The Rocketz launches into high gear with the victorious All My Own, a quick burst of rambunctious energy that clearly shows that the listener is in for a rollicking good time. Loser continues the action with it’s punky crust-like attitude. And if your ass doesn’t get dancing for the skankin’ sounds of Dig The Way I Roll, then nothing in this world ever will!

One of the top tracks on We Are… The Rocketz is East LA, a memorable, oddly wistful track about their hometown. Getting’ My Kix is spirited and wildly rebellious, guaranteed to heat up venues when performed live. The Rocketz also present some extremely rousing covers, including a fiery version of Holiday In Cambodia originally by the Dead Kennedys and a thunderous rendition of AFI’s I Wanna Get A Mohawk.

The album marks one of the final appearances of Andrew Martinez of the Nekromantix, who tragically died in an auto accident prior to the release of We Are…The Rocketz. Also a major participant in The Rocketz, an extensive drum solo by Martinez may be heard at the end of Accelerator, serving as a classy tribute to a tremendously missed talent.

There is something for everyone on We Are… The Rocketz, ranging from punk, rockabilly, and well beyond. While there are wide ranging influences to be heard, the sound is thoroughly original and well worth checking into. One of the most underrated bands on the local LA scene today, it’s time for all grab a beer (or other beverage of choice) and get ready to rock it with The Rocketz!!!

(Review by  Kenneth Morton)

The Rocketz on Myspace