Rocket Scientists - Earth Below and Sky Above Reviews

EARTH BELOW AND SKY ABOVE REVIEWS

The video was recorded at the German Progressive Rock Festival last year, while the CD is taken from that performance and another in America. I have played the video so much that it is surprising that it hasn't worn out. While I was working from home following the accident, I used to sit with my laptop and have the video playing in the background, watching when I was waiting for the computer to actually do something.

Only one song appears on the CD which isn't on the video, and vice versa. I must just point out that Lana Lane guests with the band for a few songs and the song which is on the video and not the CD is her brilliant "Symphony of Angels". Get the vid for this song alone!!!!! Seriously for a minute, the video is of superb quality, matching the IQ "Forever Live" set.

Rockets Scientists are Mark McCrite (vocals, guitar), Erik Norlander (keys, vocals), Tommy Amato (drums), and Don Schiff (Stick), and are one of the truly exciting progressive rock bands to be coming out of America. The music is incredibly complex and technical, but never so much that it loses the musical thread. This is amazing stuff, what a lot of progressive music aims to achieve but never reaches. I played the video to some friends and they couldn't believe what they were seeing or hearing. I know the CD is available through GFT but I think that the video is only available in this country through the Classic Rock Society. This is progressive rock at it's very best. Visit their website at http://www.thetank.com
[Kev Rowland, Feedback Magazine, UK, January 1999]

"This is a solid live set by an up-and-coming American band that combines symphonically embellished, anthemic AOR with some seriously gymnastic, proggy instrumentals. Most of this album was recorded during a 1997 German prog-rock festival, the rest during a club date in the band's native California.

Rocket Scientists favors a song-oriented, romantic, Moody Blues-ish approach to prog-rock bolstered by the flashy chops of keyboardist Erik Norlander. Adding further dimension is the intricate if understated Chapman Stick work of Don Schiff. Vocals and guitar are provided by Mark McCrite, and drums by Tommy Amato. Joining them on this set for vocals on three tracks is rocker / label mate Lana Lane.

"Wake Me Up", "Stardust", "Mariner" and "Picture Show" typify the band's knack for accessible melodicism, while the 11-minute, four-part "Prog Medley" leads them through more adventurous paces. Norlander ventures into Keith Emerson / Rick Wakeman realms on the two-movement "Threshold Medley" at just over six minutes.

McCrite has a warm voice and earnest delivery; Lane belts it out without posturing or pretense. As noted above, a solid overall presentation that bodes well for American progdom. (A full-length live video also is available with a slightly altered track listing.)"
[John Collinge, Progression, Issue 29, Fall/Winter 1998-99]

"After two studio CDs, Earthbound in 1993 and Brutal Architecture in 1995, the time has come for Americans ROCKET SCIENTISTS to offer a record of their touring efforts to us in the form of a CD and video cassette. Excerpts from concerts in Germany and in the United States make up the CD, and broad excerpts from the German concert make up the video cassette. Their last opus of 3 years ago had frankly filled us with enthusiasm and it is thus with a real pleasure that it is listed here. The majority of the repertoire is extracted from Brutal Architecture with some incursions into the first album, a treacherous and winding medley of extracts from THRESHOLD, the solo album of the leader of the group (keyboardist ERIK NORLANDER) and an appearance of singer LANA LANE (see the following article) on two pieces. ROCKET SCIENTISTS skillfully mixes symphonism, virtuosity of the keyboards and melody line (the first opus of the group leaned more toward FM radio than the following album). But the live performances of these songs are a little more muscular than in the studio. There is a drummer leading the way accompanied by a bass player with CHAPMAN STICK, but it is undoubtedly the keyboards which create the framework of the music. The virtuosity of NORLANDER makes one undoubtably think of EMERSON, WAKEMAN and their consorts. And the guitar? Playing lead or in support, it mixes subtly into the duel: the epic combat finds its apogee in the PROG MEDLEY, which is an instrumental collection from Brutal Architecture. On the THRESHOLD MEDLEY NORLANDER reminds us that he has (at least) ten fingers and that he intends to make use of them. With singer LANA LANE, the music takes on a sophistication mixed with melodic rock, which then sets out again towards the usual symphonic regions. Another good disc I recommend, which makes it possible to discover the multiple facets of the group, even if to the neophytes, is Brutal Architecture."
[Dr. Prog, Prog-résiste magazine (Belgium) No. 15, 1st Trimester 1999 -- translated from French]

"Well, you know how it is: we receive so many albums at Acid Dragon that I can't listen to everything. Thus, we have reviewed some Rocket Scientists albums (Roland did it, anyway) , but for myself I've never heard them before this live album arrived in my mail box. I was aware that they were supposed to be quite good, perhaps even one of the best recent bands of prog. But you know how it stands: before you've heard a band yourself, you can't be certain ... Oh, boy! Thierry, Roland, you'll have to lend me their studio albums quick! This is ... splendid! Real prog, with long, very long tracks, full of furious guitars and enchanting keyboards, well, you see the kind: Yes, UK, this sort of prog! Oh boy..."
[Acid Dragon #22, AFR, France]

"Live hard symphonic party"
"There has been a shortage of star keyboard players in the rock industry these days, but Erik Norlander of Rocket Scientists might just be the person to fill that vacancy. Recently his work has been more recognized as a back up of his wife, Lana Lane. As a fan it is a joyous event when a new Rocket Scientists album is released. This live album is based on their European tour in '97, songs were selected from their past 2 albums, Erik's solo album, and Lana Lane participated on 2 songs as a guest.

Although the well constructed and delicate detail of their studio recorded album could not be expected, instead they let us hear the lively drive and strain. The keyboard solos are definitely worth a listen."
[Takayama, Euro Rock Press Volume One -- translated from Japanese by Toni Rampley]

"They were already the winners of last year's German Progressive Rock Festival. And in such a way it is not a surprise that the available live CD contains to a large extent material of the Bruchsal appearance, combined with some titles which were recorded live in Los Angeles. Rocket Scientists succeeds in combining brilliantly unusual, ear-friendly melodies with progressive arrangements. In addition, there are the four excellent musicians order at keyboards, guitar, Chapman Stick and drums over a responding technical potential, with which they merge skillfully AOR and progressive rock of American coinage into a very homogeneous unit. Beside selections from their two studio albums "Earthbound" and "Brutal Architecture", Lana Lane has two guest appearances with the songs "Avalon" and "Stardust". These titles are however more straight-ahead and more striaghtly played. Then there is yet another small trip to keyboardist Erik Norlander's solo album of last year "Threshold". In summary, it is the perfect mixture of moderate complexity, bombastic and symphonic moments and fantastically beautiful melodies. The balance between progressive material and solid rock structures succeeded absolutely and makes Rocket Scientists suitable for the broad masses (if one with the Prog world can speak to a mass at all!) and surely worth being listened to."
[Kristian Selm, Progressive Newsletter, Germany, December 1998 -- translated from German]

"The American quartet Rocket Scientists lead by the magnificent keyboardist and occasional vocalist Erik Norlander, Chapman Stick player Don Schiff, the guitarist and singer Mark McCrite, and drummer Tommy Amato present its best eleven pieces to us (from their only two albums, Earthbound and Brutal Architecture, and two cuts from the acclaimed Threshold -- the solo album of Norlander) interpreted in different concerts from their European and American tour. Its style already you know: direct and vibrant neo-progressive music that contains stimulating moments and acrobatic phrases of complexity and rhythmic changes reminiscent of the classic sounds of the 70's, with a clear Emerson influnce in the keyboards of Norlander and some sonorities of Genesis and King Crimson distributed here and there. Without going too far, the "Prog Medley" is fast and it shows us an expeditious and dominating Norlander -- you certainly do not lose him either in the "Prog Medley " or in the "Threshold Medley". But sometimes he goes more to the background like in "Mariner". One of the great progressive bands of the present time that we have perhaps underestimated in the past."
[Rafa Dorado, Margen Magazine, January 1999 -- translated from Spanish]

"Rocket Scientists are one of the prog bands of the 1990's that keep the flame of symphonic prog (a la Yes or ELP) alive, while giving a definitive 90's touch to their songs ... an accessible brand of prog, with lots of twists and turns and some Beatlesque references where well-thought lyrics accompany rich melodies, all this delivered with great musicianship. Here we must note the strenght of the rhythm section. Tommy Amato on drums and Don Schiff on the Chapman stick play like a two-headed, four-handed monster with dangerous technical abilities. We must also point out the work of keyboardist Erik Norlander, a synth wizard, a true son of Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman. Mark McCrite's vocals and guitar complete the quartet. This CD showcases 75 minutes of the best Rocket Scientists material. There are relectures of " Earthbound ", " Calm Before the Storm " and " Picture Show " from their first CD. Their second [album] is represented by the beautiful " Mariner ", " The Fall Of Icarus ", " Millenium 3 " and by a demented interpretation of " Wake Me Up ". The band added an instrumental medley of tracks from both records, plus a medley of tracks from Norlander's solo effort Threshold (very well rendered as a group effort). Fans of well done and strongly felt symphonic prog will be happy with this one. The Rocket Scientists offer a lot more than most so-called neo-prog bands of the 90's." [Francois Couture, The Delire Musical Monthly Report, Quebec, Canada]

"A terrific live set from Germany and L.A. California, recorded September of 1997. A good cross-selection of tunes from both studio albums are presented, although stuff from Brutal Architecture (the more progressive of the two) is slightly favored... Another pleasant suprise was the inclusion of labelmate Lana Lane on a couple tracks... Her voice is in perfect form. In fact all the vocals (mostly Mark McCrite's) on these performances sound great. Although Erik Norlander's keyboard playing is amazing and all over this disc, the other band members hold their own and they pull off really outstanding performances. This is all the more impressive when you consider that this was the first time the Rocket Scientists had ever played live! Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable 73+ minutes. Recommended as a good introduction to RS for newcomers. Essential for established RS fans!" [Joe Carrozzi, Prog-Net]

"Among several new live albums, we find another American group: Rocket Scientists, with a 74-minute long CD. The opening of the album starts with a solo keyboard ("Dark Water Part One") which makes you think of "To The Unknown Man" of Vangelis, and then introduces the singer and other musicians. Progressive pieces very such as "Wake Me Up" (6:11) and "Mariner" (10:52) awake the Moogs and the keyboards (which remain omnipresent throughout the album). Moreover, this live recording gives us two short medley! (and yes, in the progressive world, we normally make them the opposite -- long!!), the "Prog Medley" lasts only 5:16 and the "Threshold Medley" just 4:24. A guest on the songs "Avalon" and "Stardust" in the person of Lana Lane, who serenades us with her soft voice on these beautiful ballads. I think this group can mix styles while preserving a cohesiveness and maintaining our attention. Moreover, Erik Norlander shows a true virtuosity on the keyboards. The studio version of the "Brutal Architecture" album is really great, and this live CD gives you the desire to see them in concert." [Jean-Louis Lafiteau, Harmonie Magazine, France, 1999 -- translated from French]

"This is a live album from Rocket Scientists recorded September 1997. The amazing keyboard player Erik Norlander and the guitarist Mark McCrite are the brightest shining stars in the band. They are also responsible for the songwriting of all the songs in this live set. I'm also happy to hear that Lana Lane is singing on two of the albums eleven tracks, "Avalon" and "Stardust". Her singing is, as always, very good, and so are Mark McCrite's vocals. The main part of Rocket Scientists is playing on Lana Lane's albums, so they're trading favors with each other. They are also label mates, and Erik Norlander is responsible for a big part of the songwriting on Lana's albums.

The album contains many memorable songs:

- "Wake Me Up" with a great Moog solo

- the outstanding and most progressive track: "Prog Medley"

- the sad and beautiful "Mariner" with great Mellotron strings- Next up is the wet dream for every lover of keyboard based progressive rock ala Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Rick Wakeman:

- "Threshold Medley" (i. Neurosaur, ii. Critical Mass)

- Halfway through the next track, "The Fall Of Icarus", the virtuouso Erik Norlander is once again showing his skills, when he's galloping away on the keys in an amazingly tempo.

- The Queen of Symphonic Rock, Lana Lane, is showing up for the next track, which is "Avalon". Lana's voice is sending shivers down your spines on this track, as well as in the next track "Stardust".

- The last track "Calm Before The Storm" with its thunderous Hammond solo. The complex music of Rocket Scientists is a mix between The Beatles, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Genesis, King Crimson, Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, UK and Yes. AOR combined with symphonic and neo-progressive rock with good memorable melodies. As summary you get a lot for the money. This is 74 minutes of high quality progressive rock. I only wished that I were there. Recommended!"

Rating: * * * * 1/2 (out of 5)

[Greger Rönnqvist, published in Midwestern Skies, Zeitgeist, Through Different Eyes and Sonitus, Norway / Sweden]