Dr. Rocket, the Seattle-based solo project of Nick Carver, impresses with two new singles in “Running in Circles” and “I Can’t Seem To Win.” The former builds from synths and acoustics into a spirited hook, while the latter enamors with more buzzing rock-forward eruptions — the pair combining to showcase the project’s melodic versatility.
Carver describes “Running in Circles” as “a playful take on depression and the routines that contribute to it. Retro synths, melancholy lyrics, and up beat drums build into an infectiously “happy” chorus, leaving the listener unclear of how to feel.” The track enamors in its “same old story,” bridge especially, with the ensuing vocal rise enjoining into a bouncy, blissful hook.
“I Can’t Seem To Win” is a further display of the project’s strong songwriting. The “I clung to you like a persistent cough,” line plays effectively into the title-touting ardency of the chorus, with an intriguing, brassy feeling component around the one-minute turn adding nicely to the momentum. The title-touting refrain closes the track with an infectious vigor.
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Both tracks can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of February 2023’ Spotify playlist.
