From Collective Zine
http://www.collective-zine.co.uk
By Andy Malcolm

This 10” has been one of my most anticipated records for quite a while. I had read descriptions which raised my eyebrows, I had heard MP3’s which perked my ears, and now I get to hold a 10” which has captured my heart.

Rockets and Bluelights tamper with a style of music that is horribly out of fashion, and I am indebted to them for it. Intricate 1996 style Midwest Emo. When did you last hear a band playing that, eh? The last I can think of is Spy vs. Spy, who RaBL bear more than a passing resemblance to with their hoarse, boyish vocals, and the winding guitars that build up to crescendos and play off each other quite elegantly. Of course, any band playing this sort of thing worth their salt is also the master of the beautiful twinkle breakdown, and RaBL just cut me up bad with the one they pull off on the first track. Delightful. They hit the spot repeatedly, be it with the wandering bass that pulls the songs along or the Braid style guitar clashes that rampage around in a hyper melodic fashion. I love that feature—two intertwining guitars chiming away relentlessly, competing for your attention, yet weaving their tuneful beauty. It’s such an awesome sound that they pull off here, and one that I have missed for a long time.

If you long for passionate, melodic Midwest Emo made by the likes of bands mentioned above, Cap’n Jazz, 30 degrees era Promise Ring, the Kossabone Red, Bells on Trike (I could go on) then you simply must get this record because it’ll make your bloody day. My only quibble here is that I WANT TO HEAR MORE. AND NOW. Rockets and Bluelights, you made my entire autumn.

…dissonant guitars with random screams and expansive, tense interplay…