Rocket Queen (Spain) - Back To The 80's (EP)

The brainchild of guitarist Gabi Bultaco, Rocket Queen hail from Zaragoza, Spain and play melodic hard rock with some sleaze.

Written by: DaveT

ARTIST: Rocket Queen (Spain)
ALBUM: Back To The 80’s
LABEL: Self-released
SERIAL: NA. Digital release.
YEAR: 2020
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Spain

LINEUP: Judy Blumen – vocals * Gabi Bultaco – guitar * Gaby Rocketz – guitar, bass * Carmelo Echarri – drums

TRACK LISTING: 01 Back To The 80’s * 02 Little Treasure * 03 Broken Heart * 04 Feel The Night

RATING: 85/100

WEBLINKS: FB Link | Band Blog

Table of Contents

Background

The brainchild of guitarist Gabi Bultaco, Rocket Queen was born in late 2013 after the demise of Miss Diciembre, a band that had opened for renowned acts the likes of New York Dolls, L.A. Guns, Pretty Boy Floyd, House of Lords, and Dynazty. From Zaragoza, the band plays melodic hard rock with some sleaze elements.

They’ve been supporting acts for the likes of Crazy Lixx and Casablanca. Female-fronted and with English lyrics since their very inception, Rocket Queen went through several lineup changes that included two other singers before settling on the mighty Judy Blumen. They recorded a 4-song EP, 2015’s ‘First Round’, and this is their second release on that format.

The Songs

With their new frontwoman and without keyboards, this is clearly a step forward in comparison to their first EP, and a good collection itself. The last two cuts are new versions of songs that had already been included in the band’s previous EP.

The sound is crisp with the hot, swinging crunchy guitars and the vocals upfront. Blumen’s performance bears comparison with the more rocking moments of Lita Ford and Vixen, yet keeping a unique flavor and power all her own.

The title track, brought by the singer, is a punchy slab of Hard Rock with Sleaze bits a la vintage Guns N’ Roses thrown in for good measure. The traded, classic screaming guitar solos are remarkable here.

‘Little Treasure’ is a torrid rocker whereas ‘Broken Heart’ incorporates the AOR hook in a fantastic chorus with nice harmonies that includes an enticing modulation near the end of the song, while the guitars retain the edge. ‘Feel The Night’ rounds out the 15-minute EP with one more melodic uptempo piece that features another tasty, headbanging chorus and biting guitars.

In Summary

A vibrant, short and sweet effort that proudly raises the flag of melodic hard rock in times when few other bands dare. It’s a true achievement to release a self-financed and self-produced work right in the middle of these troubled pandemic times, let alone one of this quality and sound. Their previous ‘First Round’ EP is also more than worth a listen as well.

A full album is in the plans of the band. Hopefully, it’ll be out soon. In the meanwhile, support the band buying their music. Thanks to Gabi Bultaco for the band’s dossier.