Positively-vibed Reading-ased outfit Rocket Kings presents their new single ‘The Yellow Bird of Fortune’, a highlight track from their uplifting 12-track ‘Paving The Way’ album, complete with a new video created by Lee Waters.

Formed in 2016, Rocket Kings is made up of Dave Stewart (ukulele, vocals), Bex Crossland (vocals, ukulele), David Heath (drums), Jess Tuthill (ukulele, vocals), and Yoshiko Nakayama (bass). United by their love of music, their positivity is infectious through the upbeat, original pop-rock songs they perform. With three ukuleles in their line-up, along with bass and drums: this is ukepop as you’ve never heard it before!  

“Dave stumbled across the phrase ‘The Yellow Bird of Fortune’ – a yellow bird is commonly believed to be a symbol of positivity and luck – and thought it would make a great song title. The song is written in a way that feels relatable and real. It’s about people and situations you are drawn to that are not good for you or that hurt you. Dave is an eternal optimist (as far as music goes anyway) and so he is always looking to find the best in different situations. He wrote this song about change, grabbing new opportunities and finding happiness,” says Bex Crossland.

“David plays some of his most inspired drumming on this track, which is not surprising as it is his favourite song to play.”

Dave Stewart adds, “Bex will tell you that this is all very well for the optimists, but whilst “the optimists will always keep on smiling, time is ticking away for the rest”. Recording the song was particularly exciting as it is one of two songs on the album that includes trumpet for the first time in the band’s history.”

Earlier, the band shared the singles ‘She’s Going To Mars’ and the title track ‘Paving The Way’. With 12 tracks on offer, this sophomore album presents a fab sound reflecting a blend of The Beautiful South, Teenage Fanclub, Belle and Sebastian and The Cranberries, complemented by a healthy dose of ukuleles, melodies and harmonies.

The new’ album was recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered by Josh McCrohan at Creative Control Studio in Bracknell. Dave Stewart produced this record together with McCrohan, who has become a really important factor in Rocket Kings’ sounds. Having provided professional sound services for Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull, Echo & The Bunnymen, Squeeze, Paul Young and Fairport Convention, among others, his input has been invaluable.

The band debuted on the music scene with ‘The Spellbound EP’ in 2018, influenced by Teenage Fanclub, Lou Reed, The Kinks, The Wedding Present, Status Quo and The La’s. Their most recent album – ‘Everyday Adventures’ – was released in 2021. The band also recently shared a series of demos (from 2016), called ‘Intense Whirlwind’.

The ‘Paving the Way’ album is out now, available digitally and also on limited edition vinyl and CD via Bandcamp. The album will also be available via other fine digital outlets, including Spotify and Apple Music.

CREDITS
All songs written by Dave Stewart except ‘Damn Tired’ and ‘Say it with a Smile’, which were written by Jess Tuthill
Recorded, engineered, mixed & mastered by Josh McCrohan at Creative Control Studio in Bracknell
Produced by Dave Stewart and Josh McCrohan  
Bex Crossland sang, played the ukulele, piano and tambourine.
Greg Forys played bass.
David Heath played the drums.
Dave Stewart sang, played the ukulele, shaker and tambourine.
Jess Tuthill sang and played the ukulele.  
Richard Vanryne played trumpet on ‘The Yellow Bird of Fortune’ and ‘Say it with a Smile’.
The choir on ‘The Time of Our Lives’: Ben Ash, Nicola Blair, Jude Brindley, Dawn Challis, Chris Clements, Anna Freshwater, James Gildersleve, Jason Helmore, Ruth Horbury, Alison Hull, Jane Jones, Stella Murphy, Barbara O’Donovan, Frances Osang, Zoe Robinson, Helen Savidge, Chris Taylor, Jayne Tricker, Alan Turner.
Front cover photo by Liz Pearmain
‘The Yellow Bird of Fortune’ video created by Lee Waters

‘The Yellow Bird of Fortune’  https://youtu.be/PwVYxT3lG5I

ALBUM TRACKLIST
01 Fading Star
02 She’s Going to Mars
03 Damn Tired
04 The Yellow Bird of Fortune
05 Far From Home
06 Dream Undream
07 Paving the Way
08 We’ve Really Got a Good Thing Going
09 Say it with a Smile
10 Tall Tale Teller
11 The Time of Our Lives
12 The Ballad of Caroline and Walter

Keep up with Rocket Kings
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Fragment Soul has embarked on an exciting journey, sealing a remarkable partnership with Wormholedeath for the reissue of their album, Galois Paradox, a masterpiece of poetic darkness and musical brilliance. The album is set to re-enter the world on February 23, 2024.

Characterized by a profoundly mysterious and dark sound that beautifully merges with the enchanting depths of progressive metal, Fragment Soul is not your everyday band.

About the EP “Galois Paradox”

Galois Paradox is more than just music; it’s an experience, a journey into the enigmatic. It explores the realms of human emotion, juxtaposing the imprisoning walls of society with the liberating power of self-expression. In the words of Fragment Soul themselves, “I sit here day and night, when I have had enough of society. The society which endlessly plunders resource and material.” Their music transcends the ordinary and takes the listener on a transcendent voyage through the human psyche.

Fragment Soul album delves into the chaos of thoughts, the quest for hope, and the pain of fractured love. Each note and lyric unfurls a profound narrative that resonates with the core of human existence.

Their music, infused with passion and introspection, showcases a depth rarely seen in today’s music scene. This is an album that will linger in your mind and heart long after the final note has faded.

The Band

Fragment Soul is a dark progressive-metal ensemble consisting of remarkable talents: Spiros Georgiou| Bass Jimmy Louvros| Guitars Marc Durkee| Vocals Tamara Filipovic| Vocals Stefanos Meletiou| Drums Achilles Adamidis| Piano/keys

Fragment Soul’s debut album, Axiom of Choice, featuring Heike Langhans of Draconian and a guest appearance by Egan O’Rourke of Daylight Dies, was released on May 7, 2021, via Sleaszy Rider SRL. The album received rave reviews, earning high ranks on various lists, including Debut Band of the Year and Album of the Year.

In 2022, the band made their debut live appearance in Athens as an opening act for Paradise Lost and performed at Arenele Romane as the opening act for Moonspell at Bucharest, with Ambre V. of Xandria joining them as a female vocalist.

As we step into 2023, Fragment Soul is poised for yet another remarkable chapter in their musical journey. The band has just wrapped up their new project, Galois Paradox, which includes not only the music album but also fresh band photos, video clips, and new artwork.

Be sure to follow them on their social media platforms: www.facebook.com/FragmentSoul www.youtube.com/c/FragmentSoul fragmentsoul.bandcamp.com Spotify: tinyurl.com/SpotifyFragmentSoul

Fusing 90s nu-metal and rock Illegal Mind release new album “From The Ashes”

Illegal Mind, already gracing the pages of Power Play Magazine, Rock Hard Italy, and Headbangersnews.com, destroys musical norms by fusing 90s nu-metal, 00s ROCK, and industrial, crafting a uniquely powerful sound. Fueled by a fervent passion for post-apocalyptic themes, their bold experimentation promises an unprecedented, genre-defying journey in the new album “From The Ashes”.

Stream the album here: https://youtu.be/18C8cWgvvnA

From Tel Aviv’s post-apocalyptic streets, Illegal Mind, born in February 2018, channels dystopian reflections into a rebellious sonic journey inspired by 20th-century post-apocalyptic literature and pop culture. Their 2020 EP, “Forbidden Conten” unveiled tracks like “Free” and “Bleeding Sky” accompanied by visually striking lyric videos. Undaunted by the pandemic, they persistently innovate, inviting listeners on a thrilling odyssey through unexplored sonic territories.

“From The Ashes” born from the transformation of a full band to a solo project, was conceived in an Ashqelon bomb shelter. Mastermind Maxx Dee, taking a DIY approach, recorded and mixed the album, skillfully blending genres like nu-metal and pop punk to align with the band’s vision. Originally penned before the current Middle East conflict (2023), the songs now carry an added dimension, offering a poignant reflection on a world gone insane.

“From The Ashes”: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/2VJ1XtlK9RR29xgLREdseG