Calling all rockers, nostalgia hounds, and anyone who’s ever dreamt of blasting off to heaven on a spaceship! Buckle up, because Roman Candles, our favorite Charlotte-based foursome, is back with a new single that’s as electrifying as a bolt of lightning and about as clear-eyed as a cynical oracle. “Jesus Was An Astronaut,” their single released on February 2, isn’t your typical rock anthem; it’s a sardonic joyride through the tangled wires of religion, celebrity worship, and the ever-present yearning for meaning in a world that sometimes feels like it’s spinning out of control. Now, let’s take a trip to space and find out how “Jesus Was an Astronaut. Buckle up!
We take off with a bang—literally, thanks to the pounding drums laid down by Daniel Jackson. Grey Revell’s vocals, alongside Justin Kent’s and Daniel’s smooth harmonies, immediately draw us in with the opening lines: “You wanna ride the rails up to heaven, but you love Janet, hail the Madonna.” This witty juxtaposition sets the tone for the entire song—a playful blend of the spiritual and the superficial, the holy and Hollywood. But the song isn’t just about this. Roman Candles, the rock band we’ve come to know and love from “Radium Girl” and “Purple Nights,” delivers a masterclass in musicianship. Justin Kent’s guitar riffs are electrifying, weaving through the song with a raw energy that perfectly complements Grey Revell’s soaring keyboard melodies. Rodney Wallin’s bass line provides the steady heartbeat that keeps the whole thing grounded, a testament to the band’s tight rhythm section.
Now, let’s talk about the theme. On the surface, “Jesus Was An Astronaut” seems like a lighthearted romp through pop culture and religious iconography. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a song grappling with the very human desire for connection and purpose. The protagonist, referencing the Heaven’s Gate cult and its infamous mass suicide, wrestles with the idea of finding meaning in grand ideologies or celebrity worship. Lines like “All you heroes, they got old and fat, Nirvana ain’t ever coming back” capture the disillusionment with traditional sources of meaning-making. However, the song doesn’t wallow in despair. Instead, it celebrates the small victories, the “kinda cool” act of rejecting societal pressures and forging your path. The final lines, with their one-handed applause and the image of Jesus flying through space on “applesauce and goofballs,” are a testament to the band’s ability to find humor and hope even in the face of absurdity.
The accompanying video is just as much of a treat as the song itself. We see Roman Candles rocking out on different stages, each member bringing their unique magic to the performance. But the real star of the show is the visual interplay with the lyrics. As we hear about “Diamond Dave” saving the day and “Baywatch Babes” holding the night at bay, the video throws up images that perfectly capture these pop culture references. It’s a witty and playful touch that adds another layer of depth to the song’s already rich tapestry.
So, there you have it, folks. Roman Candles returns with a song that’s both thought-provoking and undeniably fun. “Jesus Was An Astronaut” is a rock and roll rollercoaster ride, taking us on a journey through the cosmos of human experience. It’s a perfect addition to their already impressive repertoire, and we can’t wait to see what musical odyssey they take us on next. So get your dancing shoes, let loose, and remember—sometimes the coolest thing you can do is just “ditch the posers” and celebrate the quirky, imperfect beauty of your existence. After all, “what you did was kinda cool.”
Listen to “Jesus Was An Astronaut” by Roman Candles on Spotify, watch the video with the above link, and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Roman Candles here for more information.
