Take a walk down any of the streets in the Old Port and one is bound to find a flyer on a telephone pole or wall that bears the name Rocktopus. One look in Casco Bay Weekly or The Phoenix and one is sure to see when and where to go to one of their shows. Their name is all over town, but it was not until now that Rocktopus put their efforts into a studio, and released a compact disc of original music. Their debut album “Something Fierce” will be officially available April 12, kicked off with a release party at the State Theater. Led by the songwriting of former Rustic Overtones keyboardist Spencer Albee, Roctopus’s “Something Fierce” is about fun music and good times.
Rocktopus is full of a variety of influences and styles that include the likes of punk, ’70s pop, ’80s new wave, and a splash of disco. In their debut, one is likely to get a glimpse of all of these and a blend of their own brand of catchy rock. Rocktopus pulls this off by not overplaying or overproducing but by good musical ideas and strong songs. The compact disc opens up with “Vacation,” a song that will please those hungry for heavy guitar riffs. “Little Miss Used” features a funky keyboard intro and a cool Rage Against the Machine-type guitar solo. ” Saturday Night” and “Soak in the Sun” are loaded with quirky keyboards and disco-esque bass lines. If you are a fan of ’70s radio pop songs, then “Leaving Town” and “Forevermore” are sure to fill the void in your life. Other solid tracks on the record include “25,” “Suit & Tie,” and the title track, “Something Fierce.” If it sounds like there are a lot of good tunes present here, it’s because there are.
Don’t expect to hear the next biggest band in the world here, but do expect some entertaining music. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about? It goes without saying that this band is probably a heck of a good time live, and these songs will most likely win over the crowds at the local scene. Although “Something Fierce” may not sound as slick or polished as the big names in the music industry, Rocktopus’s debut is a strong one and gets better with each listen. All the tracks blend well together and are worthy of a listen. So, get out there and support your local music heroes.