Review: Rocking In A Hurricane?
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 15, 2013
It Really Is Rocket Science by Brad H. Branham is a fascinating look at the unreal world of underground rock, taking us on the road with a grungy band pursuing their dreams of fame and fortune. The author weaves his tale against the backdrop of Portland, Oregon, home of the Grunge Revolution of the 90’s. He provides us with authentic scenarios, particularly behind the scenes where bands often live or die according to their ability to survive on the road on tour.The main themes of Branham’s story are those of defiance, friendship and duty. Disillusioned rocker Blar Umlaut joins forces with Tsika, Glycerin and Kpau, hoping to give them the extra push to make them a commercial success. Yet the spirit of rebellion that ruined his relationship with his woman and his band resurfaces in the Lost Girls, particularly in lead guitarist Glycerin whose substance abuse threatens the cohesiveness of the group. Blar is forced to establish the bonds of friendship with the girls and build upon its foundation to help weather the pressures of life on the road. Eventually the band develops a sense of duty that translates into individual responsibility. They finally realize that they must step up and know their role if their fantasies are to ever become reality.Anyone who’s ever ‘been there done that’ will appreciate the true-to-life narrative the author brings to the storyline. The reader will fully sympathize with Blar’s helplessness in watching someone self-destruct with liquor and drugs, just as the claustrophobic feeling of confinement in small vans, small clubs and small dressing rooms are realistically conveyed. We watch the girls try to alleviate the boredom with their board games, hoping to do whatever they can before turning to the bottle as a last resort.This is a compelling read for rock fans as well as YA and new adult audiences, or anyone who’s ever wondered what life behind the smoke and mirrors of the hard rock spectacles is really like. Just as the title suggests, It Really Is Rocket Science by Brad H. Branham shows us that it’s not as simple as wowing Simon Cowell on American Idol.