You know a song is catchy when it gets stuck in your head after only one listen.  Dr. Rocket’s latest EP, Buoy (Pt2), contains three such songs, which is all the more impressive given the EP is only three songs long.  This brief ten-minute-long collection of alt-rock songs pays homage to sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s while at the same time incorporating modern flourishes.  

Dr. Rocket is the brainchild of Nick Carver, who is responsible for all the music, lyrics, production, and mixing on this EP.  While currently based in Seattle, the self-titled full-length debut album was released in 2015 when Carver was living in Eugene, Oregon.  After the debut album’s release, Carver took a break from the Dr. Rocket project and relocated to Seattle.  After a hiatus of nearly seven years, Dr. Rocket returned with singles in early 2023 leading up to the release of the Buoy (Pt1) EP that October.

The Buoy (Pt2) EP begins with Everybody Runs Away and the lo-fi production really suits this song well.  The vocals bring to mind MGMT, and this song is very well-crafted.  The pace of this song feels right – nothing is rushed here, and the song is given room to breathe.  From a musical standpoint, the drums in the chorus are what stand out.

The next song, Boat Don’t Float, is not only the highlight of the EP, but the most unique song here musically.  The country influences are apparent, but this is far from a straightforward country song.  This is a feel-good song with the biggest hook on the EP “if I wait would you come along/or am I just dead weight singing you a song?”

Only seven minutes after hitting play on the opening track, the closing track begins with memorable effects that are present throughout the song.  The repeated “haven’t I seen your face before?” lyric is simple, yet incredibly catchy and captivating.  This song climaxes with the bridge at the 1:40 mark and closes with the refrain of “maybe I saw you in my dreams” – a line that is sure to leave a lasting impression with listeners.

It is clear after listening to this EP that Nick Carver is a man of many talents.  The vocals are strong, the instruments are played well, and the production choices are smart and well-executed.  As is the case with many EPs, the chief complaint is that it would have been nice to have more songs.  Having said that, the previously mentioned self-titled debut album as well as the Buoy (Pt1) EP give interested listeners another fifteen songs to dive into prior to the release of the third (and final) Buoy EP later this year.  If Pt3 is anything like Pt2, we are in for a treat.

Rating: 7.5/10

Release Date: April 19, 2024

Tracklisting:

1) Everybody Runs Away

2) Boat Don’t Float

3) Haven’t I Seen Your Face Before?

Reviewed by Andrew Bachna