When Andrew Cook left post-hardcore band The Receiving End of Sirens to drum for A Rocket to the Moon, he left many in shock. The transition to the alternative pop-punk melodies of A Rocket to the Moon might have been unexpected to some, but Cook said he was happy about the change.
“It was fun to get into a realm of playing a song for the song and being less busy behind the kit,” he said.
Packaging junior Alyssa Schaefer said she discovered the band in 2008 when they toured with other popular alternative pop-rock bands, such as Mayday Parade and All Time Low.
Since then, the band has toured in cities across the world, including Lansing this past Saturday.
The concert, held at The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., in Lansing, was Cook’s first time performing in the area After the success of the show, however, he said it wouldn’t be his last.
“The room was pretty full — we were happy about that,” he said. “We weren’t sure what to expect.”
Since Cook joined A Rocket to the Moon in 2009, the band has recorded two full-length albums. “On Your Side” was released in 2009, and “Wild & Free” can be expected near the end of January 2013.
Cook said the album deviates from its typical sound, offering a fresh experience for listeners.
“This last record was influenced by some Americana-type stuff,” he said.
Although the variation might leave some fans disappointed, Cook said he’s more concerned with staying true to his music.
“All you can do is make music for yourselves and hope people grow with you,” he said.
No-preference freshman Max Harder said although he doesn’t listen to A Rocket to the Moon frequently, he has noticed the band’s changed style.
“Their early stuff doesn’t sound so contemporary … it sounds like (the music is) what they want to do, instead of just (selling) it,” he said. “I’d say they adapted to make more people listen to them, but I wouldn’t say (they) sold out.”
Despite the band’s perceived stray from its roots, Schaefer said it’s their ability to juggle influences that keeps it relevant.
“(A Rocket to the Moon) takes the best of all genres — pop on the radio, country flair from producer Mark Bright and original alternative sound they started out with,” she said.
Schaefer said the band’s new music is more radio friendly.
“They definitely changed their sound, but I understand wanting to be played on the radio and making it big,” she said. “They’re still touring with the same people and staying on that (alternative) side of the industry.”
Cook said the band plans on additional touring, eventually making its way back to Lansing.
“We definitely will (perform in Lansing) at some point,”
he said.
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