True to its name, Rocket Club was formed based on a shared love and a common quest. Four friends and now bandmates missed hearing three-piece harmonies and the groups that melded them together perfectly. So, with frequent front-porch writing sessions that generated an abundance of hook-laden tunes, the group steadily crafted a new vessel and pointed it at the stars.
Powered by three-part vocals and guided by solid songwriting and musicianship, Rocket Club's recently launched debut album pulls from a variety of different influences, but clearly pays tribute to some of music's great storytellers. Think Del Amitri or Eagles; or - more locally - the Jayhawks and Semisonic, and you'll understand the band's audio foundation.
Rocket Club may be difficult to describe, but the songs and harmonies are steady and certain. Band members Chris Hawkey (Vocals, Guitars), Matt Kirkwold (Vocals, Guitars), Brian Kroening (Guitars) and Don Smithmier (Vocals, Keyboards) constitute an eclectic mix of sounds and musical accomplishments.
Hawkey has built a strong regional following with his two solo records, "Minutes to Memories" and "The Pursuit." Kirkwold is one of the region's top rock producers (QuietDrive, Throw the Fight, American Taxi), while Kroening and Smithmier share a long history of writing and performing together, most notably with their 90’s alt-rock band, Seventeen Rhinos. Rocket Club is filled out with live-performance members Billy Thommes (drums) and Joel Sayles (bass player). Sayles, a noted record producer, formerly played in Hindu Rodeo.
Rocket Club is an assortment of hum-worthy hooks and story-telling-through-songwriting. The band's tracks are perfectly sporadic, yet smooth and delicious. It's a twist on Americana music.
Thanks Rocket Club for letting Jay and me come and play at your show last Thursday night! We had a blast! You are truly a special band...great songs and so much talent. Plus, such a good-looking band!!! : ) Let's do it again soon! xxoo, Pamela
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