A READING band is celebrating the release of their new album with a launch party gig this weekend.
Uke-pop quintet Rocket Kings is set to release their third album, Paving The Way, on Friday, September 15, and is marking the event with a live set.
The band is coming to The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside, on Saturday, September 16, where they will play fan favourites as well as songs from the new album.
While it is the third full-length batch of original songs from the outfit, it is only the second album released officially, following 2021’s Everyday Adventures.
Rocket Kings also produced a 12-song debut album, Intense Whirlwind, in 2016, which is available on their BandCamp page.
The band was formed in 2016, with Dave Stewart, Bex Crossland, and Jess Tuthill performing on ukeleles and vocals, with Yoshika Nakayama on bass and David Heath on drums.
With a strong ukelele representation, the band’s music is splashed with sunshine and steeped in sweet, indie cheer.
The title track, Paving the Way, is a testament to the band’s growth, not only exemplifiying the music development their sound has undergone, but also seems to directly address the journey the group themselves has been on.
This is especially clear in the introspective, often wistful detours the song’s lyrics take, before falling back into step with their hooky, folk-infused choruses and building to an ebullient crescendo.
The new album follows recent appearances at Are You Listening? Festival, Wokingham Festival, and BunkFest, as well as features on BBC Berkshire and BBC Introducing’s Upload.
Paving The Way is due for release on Friday, September 15, available on streaming platforms as well as on CD and limited vinyl editions.
Rocket Kings are playing at The Fisherman’s Cottage from 8pm on Saturday, September 16.
More information about the band is available at their Facebook page: facebook.com/rocketkings
