‘It’s about our lives, and it’s about you, it’s about everybody’: Push Play with Rocket Science

In the heart of Naarm-Melbourne, a rock band that’s been igniting stages and soundscapes for a quarter-century has returned, and they’ve brought with them a tantalising treasure chest of sonic delights.

Rocket Science, known for their electrifying live performances and unparalleled artistic evolution, has unveiled their sixth album, aptly named Push Play. It’s a body of work that dares to defy expectations, sending shockwaves through the music scene.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Released in September, Rocket Science’s Push Play is not your typical album. It’s a vivid, multilayered masterpiece that blurs the lines between genres. With influences ranging from psych and pop to explosive moments, ‘Push Play’ is a 12-track tour de force of musical expression. Roman Tucker, the band’s frontman, describes it as “thematically considered, concept-driven, metaphoric, and reflective.” It’s an album where no stone is left unturned, and where each track unfurls a unique facet of the band’s musical and artistic journey.

The title track itself, ‘Push Play’, beckons us to explore its depths. What does it mean? Is it a metaphor for our instinctual, destructive human nature, or a nod to the machine that records and plays our audio experiences? The ambiguity only adds to the album’s allure, making it a thought-provoking experience for listeners.

Then there’s the single ‘Fashion Emergency’, which offers a window into a world obsessed with the superficial and self-absorption. It’s a song that invites you to a fashion shoot, giving you a glimpse into the world of fast fashion and on-set conversations. Tucker’s prose as an observer breathes life into this track, making it an integral part of Rocket Science’s repertoire and their latest album, Push Play.

Before Push Play was released, Rocket Science gave us a taste of their sonic evolution with ‘Agitation,’ their first single since 2019. ‘Agitation’ delves into post-everything nihilism, painting a picture of grievances, provocations, and desperate dreams. It’s a howl into the void, a beckoning shout that awakens you from the consumer-driven colonial dream, urging you to embrace a positive, wakeful now. It provided a glimpse into the band’s evolving sound, a foreshadowing of the musical odyssey that ‘Push Play’ unfolds.

The unique circumstances of 2020-2021 shaped Push Play in ways that no one could have foreseen. Lockdowns and a world in turmoil forced Rocket Science to adapt. Unable to physically come together, the band members turned to digital collaboration. They sent each other music files, and the creative process unfolded in a novel and inspiring way.

Each morning, Tucker would wake up to new musical elements from his bandmates, giving birth to a creative energy that seeped into every aspect of the album. It was a time of experimentation, and the initial stages of writing were marked by a distinct freedom that allowed the band to explore new horizons.

“I would wake up daily to a new middle 8, chorus line, guitar line, etc. It was inspiring, and I think because of the different circumstances, it allowed for another type of experimentation in the initial stages of the writing.”

‘Push Play’ wasn’t your run-of-the-mill album to produce either. Rocket Science crafted it meticulously, allowing each idea to breathe and evolve naturally. They recorded and wrote the album simultaneously, exploring a variety of approaches for each song.

“At some point, after recording a bunch of songs, we all agreed that something special was happening, a work that was taking on a life of its own. All we could do was let it evolve organically and go with it. We knew that we were now on our path to a new beginning. It wasn’t an easy album, especially the writing process over lockdown. But it kept us involved in what we do best: it kept me writing and kept me making music, and for that, I am grateful.”

So, what sets ‘Push Play’ apart from Rocket Science’s previous work? According to Tucker, “It just does.” It’s a culmination of their evolution as a band, a perfect blend of Rocket Science tropes, ideas, and explosive moments. It’s the kind of album you can’t help but add to your record collection, a must-have in every music lover’s library.

“Rocket Science as a band has played together, making our brand of art/rock’n’roll for 25 years,” Tucker adds. “When I listen to the album, I hear that story unfold. Our journey as music artists is in the lyrics. It’s in the music, it’s in the tone, and it’s in the production. ‘Push Play’ is about us, it’s about our lives, and it’s about you, it’s about everybody.”

 

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“The four original members still play to our strengths. Note our strengths differ dramatically for each member of Rocket Science is unique, and we seem to make a complete circle. ‘Push Play’ reflects this evolution, of course. The album sees a band at the peak of its power and confidence. We have suffered many ups and downs, but I am happy to be here with you.”

One thing that hasn’t changed is Rocket Science’s live shows, renowned for their magic – something that words can’t quite capture. There’s a connection between the four original members that creates a unique musical and lyrical communication on stage. It’s an experience that can only be truly appreciated in person. “There’s something about the four original members and how they communicate musically and lyrically that makes our live performances unique. When we are together, we create something special, indeed.”

Kicking off earlier this month, Rocket Science has embarked on a nine-date East Coast tour which will see Roman Tucker (vocals), Kit Warhurst (drums), Dave Gray (bass), and Paul Maybury (guitar) performing the tracks from Push Play live,

“It is exciting; it’s fabulous to play new material. We love playing the new album. I’m enjoying seeing how the songs work on stage, too. And I’m delighted to say we enjoy playing the new songs so much we are playing all the pieces. Not necessarily at every gig, but all tracks are up for grabs,” Tucker explains.

“Of course, we are also conducting our hits or must-play songs. Seeing how Rocket Science is a creative endeavour to have many new songs to perform to our audience excites us. I’d rather do new stuff. The old stuff is old for a reason. And, besides, before you know it, the new songs will become old stuff, and you will be concerned about the new stuff in the future.

Fans attending the album launch shows can expect high-intensity, raw rock ‘n’ roll. The band promises an unforgettable experience, with driving bass lines, harmonious grooves, soulful guitar playing, and a blend of prose, dissonance, and melodic pop dance beats.

“Expect something new—prose, dissonance, melodic pop dance beats, weird, unsettled discontent, and dreams about meaning. And, in the end, you can expect joy,” Tucker adds. 

 

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Rocket Science’s ‘Push Play’ is more than just an album; it’s a sonic expedition that transcends boundaries. With its rich themes, powerful live performances, and a band that’s been on an artistic journey for over two decades, ‘Push Play’ is a testament to the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. So, if you’re a music lover seeking something fresh and exhilarating, Push Play is your invitation to a world of explosive moments and uncharted musical territories.

Catch Rocket Science on their East Coast Album Launch tour and experience the magic for yourself. As Tucker says, “People can look forward to a night of Rock’n’roll, a night of dancing, a night soaked in new and old Rocket Science songs. There’s soundscape and prose, catchy beats, and vocals. Our adrenaline runs high, and we look forward to seeing you soon. If you are on the fence about attending, don’t be ridiculous. See you there.”

Locally, you can catch Rocket Science in Ballarat, Geelong and Castlemaine this November. Keep up with the latest here.