Search - The Phenomenauts :: Rockets and Robots

Rock 'n Roll, now re-entering the solar system!

Dennis Muldoon | Davis, Ca | 12/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Is the independent music scene getting you down? Tired of having to choose between cynical, angst-filled adolescents screaming into microphones and I'm-hip-because-I'm sad emo kids crying on stage? Well relief has just entered this solar system in the form of the Phenomenauts' debut full-length, Rockets and Robots, released in 2003.

Formed 2000, the Phenomenauts have been rocking audiences for several years now and have built up a small army of `cadets' as they play throughout the Bay Area. With Rockets and Robots (since followed up by their sophomore album, Re-Entry), the Oakland based foursome has an opportunity to spread their vision of the future to a wider audience.

Happily living in the `50's version of the year 2000, complete with robots, space blasters and a rocket ship in every garage, the Phenomenauts' span the gap between 1950's rockabilly and modern pop-rock. While they mainly avoid political issues, focusing instead on having a good time, they do make a few statements. For example, in the opening track "The Year 2000", they express their disappointment in the apparent stagnation of our space program since the initial moon landing, saying "It's only time we wasted/ we reached the lunar surface/ its such a crime/ we gave up exploration/ we beat the soviets/ we just stopped trying." For the most part, however, they limit themselves to such important matters as partying ("Space Jamboree"), love ("Robot Love"), and the merits of living on planet Earth ("Earth is the Best"). They even follow the fifties-rock tradition of singing about their car, in "My Phenomanator" (imagine "Greased Lightnin'" about a spaceship and you've got the idea.)

Musically, this album has primarily a rockabilly sound, with the exception of a few songs. They feature clean guitar riffs with little to no use of distortion, drums accented primarily on the backbeats, and a high energy standup bass. They have been described many times as `space-abilly', and for good reason, as in addition to these standard instruments they feature many sound effects in their music. In fact, to this end, they have a fifth band-member on stage at a soundboard, nicknamed The Professor. He handles all of the effects and sound clips that are integrated into their music, as well as some of the on-stage antics that make their live show something to behold. Also, on some songs lead guitarist Corporal Joebot sings into a megaphone for a unique vocal sound.

While the entire album follows the outer space theme of the band, there is not any specific structure in how the album is laid out. It does tend to get lighter as the album moves along, beginning with some of their heavier, more serious songs such as "The Year 2000", and ending with "10,000 Light Years", a slow country-style ballad.

Don't come looking for any of the serious political commentary that seems to have taken over modern music, but if you're in the mood for some good ole' fashioned `Rocket Roll', Rockets and Robots is for you."

The Phenomenauts Rock My World!!!!

erin B.B. | Petaluma, CA United States | 02/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Phenomenauts are a killer band that'll have you skanking all day long! Once you've listened to Jamboree or 10,000 Light Years or Earth is the Best you can't stop. Their intergalactic theme is a refreshing slap in the face from all that mainstream out there. The Phenomenauts live to please and enjoi everything they do! These guys are SO AWESOME LIVE as well as on Rockets and Robots. Never miss a chance to see them because you'll miss dry ice, toilet paper, and BIG BALLS of Earth!"

Awesome debut, rockin' and catchy as h#ll!!!! Undeniable!

Schenker is God | Los Angeles, CA United States | 11/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Rockets and Robots" may be the best debut album I've heard from any band ever. The Phenomenauts create an energetic, catchy, fun brand of music that can best be described as a mix of punk,'50s rock, and new-wave, with bits of surf, swing and possibly metal thrown in, all done with a retro-'50s Sci-Fi theme. The music is so good, from songwriting to musical ability (check out Commander Angel Nova's shredding solos, and Corporal JoeBot's "Billy Idol" howls), that anyone who appreciates any of the genres of music listed above, should truly love this CD. I also just bought their newly released 2nd album 'Re-Entry', and am happy to say it did the seemingly impossible by equalling and surpassing this totally awesome debut. If you like punk, rockabilly, new-wave, or surf, you will love this CD. If you love sci-fi, you will love this CD. Best of all, even if you aren't a big fan of these things (I'm mainly a rock and metal fan), you will still love the Phenomenauts. They are just that good. The Phenomenauts are an undeniably great band."