In the Artist's Words

Veteran SF indie rock outfit returns with a sumptuous set of spiritual pop hymnals, in the tradition of George Harrison, Richard Hawley, Spiritualized, and Gene Clark. Painstakingly assembled from over two years’ worth of recording sessions and augmented by a heavenly host of horns, strings, analog keys, chiming guitars and a makeshift choir. Recorded and mixed in the historic Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco. Mixed by hand (no automation) on a vintage Neve 8038, while utilizing vintage outboard gear, an echo chamber, plate reverbs, and tape delays for processing. The 10 songs on Tough Trip Through Paradise explore hope for the future, lessons learned in the past, the importance of relationships, and well, humanity as a whole.

This edition includes the original master files for vinyl, directly from mastering engineer, Gary Hobish. (https://www.discogs.com/artist/330016-Gary-Hobish). Presented as sides "a" and "b" without interruption as this is how we intended the music to be listened to.

Added bonuses include:
•Original album jacket art designed by band leader Joshua Babcock
•Fliers designed by band leader Joshua Babcock for the LP's release show at the historic 4 Star theater in San Francisco
•Spotify Canvases that were produced by band member and Lucasfilm Chief VFX Editor Lorelei David (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0202981/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1)
•Instrumental mixes
•Original digital release of the full LP

Press for Tough Trip Through Paradise

Uncut - The Society of Rockets have undergone a number of stylistic makeovers since, assimilating psychedelia, garage-rock, Tropicália and more. At heart they’re an unfailing melodic pop band

I Don't Hear A Single - This is great Pop Rock that crosses genres with big hints of Jangle Pop and Psych Pop all wrapped up in great choruses and big riffs. They also do gentle just as effectively. This is probably my favourite album of the year thus far.

Americana Highways - The 10 disciplined pieces that makeup Tough Trip Through Paradise (Drops March 29/Underpop Records/39:00) are more like new songs with nostalgic ingredients. The performances are all commendable. The Society has been banging about for over 20 years & this 8th studio album shows their experience clearly.

Past press

Pitchfork - Babcock’s best compositions blur the lines between many strains of 1960s and 70s pop and exotica, coming together on albums that sound like either an alternate version of the past, or an older version of the future.

Shindig - Unearthed is the seventh Rockets album, a sonic continuation of 2016’s Family Ways, for the most part mixing city-centric country-rock with Pavement-esque indie.

Americana UK - For over twenty years, San Francisco’s Society of Rockets have been on a musical journey through a range of genres, exploring an eclectic mix of styles and proving themselves to be incredibly adaptable. Their songs may be varied but they have in common catchy hooks and absorbing, shimmering melodies.