Review: Rockett Love – Wired For Sound

Pride & Joy Music – June 26^th, 2026

Reviewer – Jason Hopper

Rockett Love’s 2023 album ‘Galactic Circus’ (review here) left me convinced that the band had a stronger record in them. With ‘Wired For Sound‘, due June 26^th on Pride & Joy Music, they have taken a meaningful step forward. The record is not consistently successful, and its weaker lyrics and vocal choices still hold it back, but the playing, arrangements, and production give this album real life. In places, Rockett Love sound better than they ever have.

I must give a nod to the production. For a self-produced release, this album has punch without feeling crowded, and it gives the instruments room to do their work. Bassist Dennis Vestman is a major presence throughout, particularly on opener ‘If You Want Love’, where his bass line propels the song rather than simply anchoring it. Guitarist Gusttaf Ecklund brings fluid, tasteful leads, while drummer Fredrik Ahlin supplies fills and dynamics that keep the best songs moving.

The first half is especially strong. ‘I Feel Alive’ is an immediate, melodic single, but ‘Into Oblivion’ is the standout with its sharp opening guitar lick, strong verses, an effective pre-chorus, and one of the album’s best hooks. It is among the strongest songs Rockett Love have released. ‘Living on the Edge’ also lands, pairing a soaring chorus with a perfectly placed ’80s-style solo break. Even ‘Stand Up’, despite a frustratingly repetitive chorus, has enough momentum in its verses and post-chorus to show what the band can do when the pieces connect.

The second half is more uneven. ‘Take It or Leave It’ has a convincing Ratt-inspired groove, and ‘I (Make It Real Tonight)’ has a fun pulse, but both would benefit from more forceful vocal performances from Daniel Samuelsson. ‘Ready to Fly’ starts promisingly before losing steam, while ‘Change’ and ‘Get Out of My Face’ are undermined by choruses that feel too generic for the music around them. Too often, the instrumental work suggests a bigger song than the lyrics or vocals ultimately delivers.

Despite all this, ‘Wired For Sound‘ grew on me with repeated listens. What initially felt like an uneven record revealed itself as perhaps Rockett Love’s most musically accomplished album to date. The band does not need an outside producer to make its records sound good; it needs a more demanding voice in the room to push the vocals and refine the choruses, so the band’s strong musical ideas reach their full potential. They are closer than ever. Album number five could be the one that puts it all together.

Track list:

1. If You Want Love
2. I Feel Alive
3. Stand Up
4. Into Oblivion
5. Living On The Edge
6. Take It Or Leave It
7. Ready To Fly
8. Change
9. I (Make It Real Tonight)
10. Get Out Of My Face

Line-up:

Daniel Samuelsson (vocals, keyboards)

Stefan Westerlund (guitar)

Dennis Westeman (bass)

Fredrik Ahlin (drums)

Gustav Eklund (guitar)

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