REVOLUTION ROAD

Rocket Scientists Revolution Road is their fourth album and proved once and for all they are one of the most talented american bands to appear in the 1990´s. Their mix of symphonic prog with classic rock is quite unique and original. That could translate to a rather chaotic or boring music, but thanks to the songwriting talents of keyboards maestro Erik Norlander that never happens. Every song is different and holds on his own. Norlander pretty much is the main man here: plays great keys in the same fashion as Rick Wakeman, writes music and lyrics, produces, arranges and even does the engineering. Still the album is a team efford. And, up till now, their best. It´s melodic, varied and creative.

The songs go from hard edge prog rockers (Sky is Falling, with a fantastic synth solo), to acoustic guitar pieces (Better View) to 13 minute Pink Floydish instrumental (After The Revolution). They even manage to dive into jazz rock (Hold That Thought). No track is too similar to the other (some are very different), and yet they all bear the RS trademark, what a feat! And I loved the way iErik Norlander uses his vast array of analog keyboards to enhance the songs (Hammond Organ, Grand Piano, Mellotrons, Mini Moog, etc)

Also included are two covers: The Moody Blues Gypsy (Of A Strange And Distant Time) gets a respectful arrangement and the 70´s UFO sci fi TV series theme is another interesting choice. This time the band features two singers: Mark McCrite as ever and the great Dave McBee. In other words, they are good not only instrumentally but also in the singing department (wish all prog bands did the same).

Conclusion: finest Rocket Scientists album so far. Highly recommended.