Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Rocket From the Crypt
Rocket from the Crypt is a band from San Diego, California.
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Biography
Formed after the breakup of local band Pitchfork by frontman and lead singer John Reis (Speedo) in 1990. Named after 1970s underground punk band Rocket from the Tombs, they were originally conceived as a back-to-basics rock and roll band and produced their debut, Paint as a Fragrance in 1991.
The departure of two founding members soon after nearly led to the band's demise, but instead they become reinvented as a punk-inspired rock'n'roll band with a horn section with the arrival of saxophone player Apollo 9 . The band released many seven inch vinyl singles around this time and began to attract a dedicated underground following. Their second album, was released in 1992, and was re-released with four extra tracks in 2004.
The band signed to a major label, Interscope, in late 1992 and added a new member to the brass section, JC 2000 . Following a hiatus while Speedo worked with his other band, Drive Like Jehu, 1995 saw a flurry of activity with the release of several seven-inches, the EP The State of Art is on Fire , and the critically acclaimed album Hot Charity . This album was accompanied by a free tour around the U.S. They also released the Tattoo seven-inch, which was given to any fan with a RFTC tattoo anywhere on their body. In addition, anyone with a Rocket tattoo can get in free to any of their shows.
In 1995 the band released the excellent Scream, Dracula, Scream , named after a Wesley Willis song. Containing the hit single On A Rope, as well as other singles Born in '69 and Young Livers, the album began to get the band recognised on a wider stage. The following year saw a large headlining tour, supporting tours with Rancid and Soundgarden, and increased airplay.
Their fourth full length, RFTC , was released in 1998, and featured more of a 50's Greaser style than previous efforts. This was followed in 2001 by Group Sounds and the studio album Live from Camp X-Ray in 2002.
Discography
Albums and EPs
| Year | Title | Label |
| 1991 | Paint as a Fragrance | Headhunter |
| 1991 | Headhunter | |
| 1993 | All Systems Go | Headhunter |
| 1995 | The State of Art is on Fire | Sympathy for the Record Industry |
| 1995 | Hot Charity | Perfect Sound |
| 1996 | Scream, Dracula, Scream! | Interscope |
| 1998 | RFTC | Interscope |
| 1999 | All Systems Go II | Swami |
| 1999 | Cut Carefully and Play Loud | Flapping Jet |
| 2001 | Group Sounds | Vagrant |
| 2002 | Live from Camp X-Ray | Vagrant |
External links
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