For a variety of reasons, it’s taken a long time since 1999’s Oblivion
Days for a new Rocket Scientists album. But to compensate for the long wait, Revolution Road
(2006) is a double-CD, and the best thing they’ve done. Founding
members Mark McCrite (guitar, vocals), Erik Norlander (keyboards) and Don Schiff
(NS/Stick) are joined by two new musicians. Drummer Gregg Bissonette, who
previously played on Norlander’s Music Machine and Lana Lane’s Covers
Collection and Winter Sessions CDs, brings his dynamic versatility
and technical excellence to the band. South Carolina’s David McBee has also been
brought in as the second lead vocalist. McBee’s powerful hard rock vocal ethic
is used to contrast McCrite’s smooth and warm vocal stylings. While Oblivion
Days verged on prog-metal at times, Revolution Road’s heaviness is
more of the hard rock variety as opposed to today’s metal. So the music blends
progressive hard rock with the Beatles and pop influences that have always been present in
Rocket Scientists’ music, with Norlander’s symphonic keyboards at the center.
Norlander does it all, from fast Wakeman-esque leads to early-70’s prog organ to Mellotron pads
to his own signature lead lines. Rocket Scientists
have really polished the pop aspect of their songwriting, within
arrangements that are always proggy. The many standout tracks include a cover of The
Moody Blues’ Gypsy (of a Strange and Distant Time).