| The Deluxtone Rockets | |
| Background: | group_or_band |
| Origin: | Muskegon, Michigan, United States |
| Years Active: | 1996 - 2001 2008–present |
| Label: | Tooth & Nail |
The Deluxtone Rockets is an American band from Muskegon, Michigan. It began as a punk band, but by the time of signing to Tooth & Nail Records it had evolved into a swing revival outfit.[1]
Their first album, which was self-titled, was produced by Gene Eugene and Dennis Danell of Social Distortion. They wrote their own songs, and their musical style and lyrics were often compared to The W's,[2] but John Brown's lead vocals were likened to The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' Dicky Barrett or The Reverend Horton Heat.[3]
In their second album, Green Room Blues, the group dropped the horn section entirely and shifted to a rockabilly sound. The album's title reflects the fact that both Eugene and Danell died in early 2000, during production of the album.[3] Though Danell had not been involved in the production, Eugene had been, and was replaced by Chris Colbert. The album has a darker mood than their debut effort, though its lyrics still reflect the faith of John Brown.[4] The album also contained a cover of The Cure's "Lovesong".
2000 was generally reported as a bad year for the band; they were unable to play shows regularly because in addition to recording difficulties, their drummer left, after wanting to move to a different style musically. They were able to get Rodney from the Calicoes to fill in occasionally, and thus played at Cornerstone and other festivals.[5] Also, one night their van caught fire and was totaled, though they still managed to play that night.[5]