Rocket Scientists - Earthbound Reviews

EARTHBOUND REVIEWS

According to the information, this started as a project between Erik Norlander (key) and Mark McCrite (vo, g). It was released in '93, but including all the pre-production, it took more than three years to complete. It is a mellow and orthodox rock album but it is not catchy like it has been painted, it is more like an impression of a craftsman's work made by studio musicians. In the middle, Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine" is casually covered, if you listen to this, you will appreciate the degree of craftsmanship in the music. Track 8 was inspired by Michael Moorcock's "Behold the Man" ... The arrangements are like a mixture of recent Rush and Pink Floyd and making it (or it naturally happened that way) more commercial. Lana [Lane] participated on seven songs as a backing vocalist. The pleasantness of music by itself is mature, suited for the adult. [Burrn! (Japan) February 1996]

This is the band's first album which was released in '93. This band backed the Lana Lane (beautiful!) album which we reviewed in November '95. The band's main member is Erik Norlander, who had written most of the songs for Lana-chan's1 album, so I was looking forward to listening to this album. It is a little bit pop/rock with a progressive style and compared to Lana's album this album is not as dynamic. The whole album is united with a quiet tone, for example it is like a collection of Magnum's atmospheric and sober style. To a certain extent, it is hard to believe that they are actually from Hollywood because of their rich English style, but the melody is weak. Only track 13 melodically strikes me as a great song. Lane Lane participates on seven of the songs, and track seven is a Pink Floyd cover. [Fujiki, Marquee (Japan) February 1996]

This is the band's first project that came out in '93. It was formed mainly by Erik Norlander who has composed, produced and played keyboards for Lana Lane's solo debut album last year. It is ecstasy to my ears and songs that remind me of recent Rush or Pink Floyd are unexpectedly catchy and orthodox. However, it is very appreciable to enjoy their musical craftsmanship even in the catchy songs, including track 7, Pink Floyd's cover ["Welcome to the Machine"]. It is a relaxing piece. [Stereo Review (Japan) February 1996]

A very popular Lana Lane's producer, keyboard player and composer of the most of songs Erik Norlander leads Rocket Scientists' debut album. Feel the remarkable talent among the gentle music, total of 13 songs. Lana Lane participates as a guest. [From an advertisement by Belle Antique (Japan) 1996]

A female singer from LA, Lana Lane's solo debut album "Love Is An Illusion" was a masterpiece. This album, that came out in the fall '95, was filled with carefully calculated arrangements and lyrical style. The songs are colored by Lana's very pure but strong vocals and are indeed high quality. It begins with the structure, opening with "LIAA Prelude" and closing with "LIAA Postlude", the carefully thought out "flow" of the songs, natural but exquisitely connected, a concept-style type of album with exceedingly superb results. I personally liked the ballad "Can't Find My Way Home" that is dramatically mixed with the crying guitar and Lana's vocals, but needless to say, I was equally moved by the other songs. There are a variety of songs, the music by itself can be categorized as Hard Rock, but for those who listen to other styles can also enjoy the elements that appeal to them. I highly recommend it for those who haven't already heard this album. At least for myself, this album could be ranked in the top class of all the music I listened to within the past year.

According to the information given, Lana Lane has spent many years as a backing vocalist for a variety of musicians up to her solo debut. Perhaps her vocals have strengthened through those experiences or it is just by her nature, her vocal style is indescribably remarkable. It can be said that she is a proficient singer. It is not an overstatement to say that the highest percentage of charm on the album "Love Is An Illusion" comes from her songs. Of course as I mentioned before, carefully calculated and superb arrangements and structure, and beautiful melodies are also tremendous elements for this solo album, in addition, these elements bring the best of Lana's ability and character to this album, but still, what a waste to see this great and talented vocalist not get discovered for so long, buried under the scene.

Nevertheless, there is a man who has recognized her talent, understood her character and pulled out her full potential. This is the man who has participated in most of the writing and composing for "Love Is An Illusion", and also produced and played keyboards. He is the man who produced the album that you have in your hands- --that is, I am introducing now, the American band that released "Earthbound", ROCKET SCIENTISTS' main member, Erik Norlander.

Erik Norlander is from Hollywood, California. He has been into music since his boyhood, EL&P, ELO, YES, e.t.c. especially triggered his interest in synthesizer and technological sound production. However, His primary influence came from Alan Parsons and Jeff Lynn, others noted are JETHRO TULL, RUSH, UK, SUPER TRAMP, PROCOL HARUM and KING CRIMSON as his favorite bands. Erik is also fond of Sci-fi novels, his lyrics are influenced by Robert A. Heinlein, Michael Moorcock, Issac Asimof, e.t.c. Later, Erik was involved in making movie and TV sound tracks, on the other hand, he has also worked with artists such as Hard Rock guitarist Joshua and the authority Keith Emerson. Meanwhile, he had written many songs for himself but those pieces did not get exposed. This seems to be the reason he realized he needed a place of his own to release these songs. The exact details are unknown, but Erik formed ROCKET SCIENTISTS with Mark McCrite who has composed with and lived as Erik's roommate when Erik was attending UCLA.

This album "Earthbound" was released in '93 as their commemorative debut album. Recording members other than Erik (key), Mark(vo g) are Tommy Amato(ds), Curtis Balmer (g), Tim Gehrt (ds), Don Schiff (B) AND Lana Lane is also credited as a backing vocalist. (As far as I can tell, it seems Erik was already aware of Lana's talent then, that's why he requested that she participate on this album and with the band, then two years later, he generously supported her in creating her solo album.) Most of the songs are written by Erik and Mark. They seem to have refined their ideas since the college years up to this point (however, Welcome To The Machine is a PINK FLOYD cover). They spent numerous hours composing until they were satisfied. Including recording and all other production, it actually took more than three years to complete the album. With this kind of schedule, naturally there were member changes. It is assumed that these are the reasons for two different drummers.

Because they spent numerous hours, this wonderful work was born. The result is befitting to adorn their debut. Their music style is similar to "Love Is An illusion", comparatively gentle and suitable- to-ears type of hard rock. Erik shows his superb talent. It is packed with high quality songs as much as Lana's album, and it is understood that he already had a style of his own since the time he debuted.

Notice most of the members had participated in Lana's album. It is not far-fetched to say "Love Is An Illusion" could be the ROCKET SCIENTISTS album with Lana as the band's lead singer. From this point of view, it might be interesting to compare this album with Lana's, for instance, how much the expression of an album changes depending on the lead singer. From my point of view, there are differences that begin with the voice differences between a man and woman, nevertheless both of them are jammed with so many mesmerizing masterpieces. Indeed, I recommend both albums be relished thoroughly. Moreover, the band has already completed their second album, so look forward to it. (Liner notes to the Japanese pressing by Hasegawa, November, 1995)