Los Angeles Pop-Punk Act Rocket Announces Debut Album ‘R Is For Rocket’, Shares New Single “Wide Awake”

Los Angeles Pop Punk Act Rocket Announces Debut Album 'R Is For Rocket', Shares New Single "Wide Awake"

Los Angeles, CA – Rising pop-punk outfit Rocket has formally announced their highly anticipated debut studio album, titled ‘R Is For Rocket’. The full-length effort is scheduled for release on October 3rd, arriving via a joint venture between independent labels Transgressive Records and Canvasback.

The announcement, made today, July 9, 2025, coincides with the release of a new single from the band, the vibrant track titled “Wide Awake”. The song is now available for streaming across major digital platforms, offering listeners a first substantial preview of the forthcoming album’s sound and direction.

Album Details: ‘R Is For Rocket’

‘R Is For Rocket’ marks a significant milestone for the Los Angeles-based quartet, crystallizing their energetic sound cultivated over recent years. The album comprises ten tracks, including the previously released and well-received singles “Crossing Fingers” and “One Million”.

The record was primarily produced by the band’s own guitarist, Desi Scaglione, a decision that allowed the group close creative control over the project’s sonic identity. Scaglione indicated that three songs featured on the album are newly re-recorded versions, suggesting a meticulous approach to perfecting material developed earlier in their career.

Creative Process and Touring Influence

Lead vocalist Alithea Tuttle shed light on the album’s development, highlighting the positive impact of extensive touring on their songwriting process. “Being on the road really sharpened our focus and injected a new kind of energy into the songs,” Tuttle commented, suggesting that live performances played a crucial role in shaping the final versions heard on ‘R Is For Rocket’. This perspective underscores the band’s evolution as a live act translating directly into their studio output.

Scaglione elaborated on the production choices, noting, “We felt it was important to revisit a few tracks that fans might recognize and give them the full studio treatment they deserved within the context of this debut. Re-recording three of them allowed us to ensure the album felt cohesive and represented where we are now as musicians.”

“Wide Awake”: A First Glimpse

The lead single, “Wide Awake,” serves as the initial taste of the ten-track album. Its release today provides fans with an immediate connection to the new material while building anticipation for the full record in October. The track showcases the band’s signature blend of melodic hooks, driving rhythms, and introspective yet relatable lyrics, characteristic of their emerging pop-punk style.

The decision to release “Wide Awake” as the immediate preview signals the band’s confidence in the song’s ability to represent the overall tone and quality of ‘R Is For Rocket’. Music critics and fans are expected to analyze the track for clues about the album’s broader themes and musical progression.

Contextualizing the Release

Rocket’s announcement arrives on a busy day for new music releases, underscoring the vibrant state of the global music scene. Also debuting new material today, July 9, 2025, are several established artists across different genres.

Synth-pop veterans Hot Chip have released their “Joy In Repetition Best Of Album” alongside a new track titled “Devotion”. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Neko Case offers her new album “Neon Grey Midnight Green,” featuring the song “Wreck”. Meanwhile, experimental artist Fever Ray presents “The Year of Radical Romantics Live to Tape Album and Zine”. The simultaneous release of material from artists spanning pop, indie rock, and electronic underscores the competitive yet dynamic environment Rocket enters with their debut.

The Road Ahead

The release of ‘R Is For Rocket’ on October 3rd is poised to position Rocket as a significant new voice in the contemporary pop-punk landscape. Following the positive reception of their earlier singles and the buzz generated by their live performances, the debut album is expected to solidify their standing.

The partnership with Transgressive Records and Canvasback, labels known for fostering diverse and impactful artists, suggests a strategic push behind the band. As “Wide Awake” begins circulating and the October release date approaches, attention will focus on how Rocket’s debut album is received by a wider audience and its potential impact on their trajectory within the competitive music industry.

Fans can stream “Wide Awake” now and look forward to the full release of ‘R Is For Rocket’ later this year.

Author

  • Ben Hardy

    Hello, I'm Ben Hardy, a dedicated journalist for Willamette Weekly in Portland, Oregon. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a Master's degree from Stanford University, where I specialized in multimedia storytelling and data journalism. At 28, I'm passionate about uncovering stories that matter to our community, from investigative pieces to features on Portland's unique culture. In my free time, I love exploring the city, attending local music events, and enjoying a good book at a cozy coffee shop. Thank you for reading my work and engaging with the stories that shape our vibrant community.

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