polaroids of androids

Survival. Few other Australian bands seem to embody that word as much as Melbourne's Rocket Science. Whether in the most literal sense (singer Roman Tucker suffered an aneurysm and spent time in a coma) or through their career 'mishaps' (the whole Modular thing) the group seem to have been continually smashed in the face with potentially career ending setbacks. Not unlike the time that Fabio got hit by a pigeon while riding a rollercoaster.

But Rocket Science keep on truckin'. On this - the group's fourth lap around the 'album circuit' - there are few signs of apprehension as once again they thrust forward their signature pop rock sound with the same large amounts of gusto found on their previous efforts. The problem is however, as has always been the case with their style of raaaawwk, that they are very much hit or miss.

When at their best the group stumble onto the perfect balance between unashamed catchiness and confident rock swagger. They also have a fantastic ability to build songs up from solid pop-based rhythmic lines into climatic outbursts. But when things don't quite 'click' their music sounds incredibly forced and predictable. Different Like You is about a 50/50 split between the two sides of their musical persona with very little in between. While some tracks (such as the incredibly infectious Talking To Machines) will run laps in your head for days, far too many will immediately force you to reach for the 'next song' button.

Rocket Science are the kind of local act that are destined to have a fantastic singles collection in the not too distant future. For those that aren't die hard fans of their sound I think it's best to just wait until then.