The Sun Sessions - The Explosion Rockets

johnaalex
Jul 31
5 min read

The Explosion Rockets

THE SUN SESSIONS https://shop.ermusicevents.nl/explosion-rockets/

Released July 2025

Reviewed 25^th June 2025 by Rockin Rebel (rockabillyman69@hotmail.com)

Members are

RUUD KUIJPERS - Lead Vocals

JOOST ROEST - Lead Guitar

MENNO KUIJPERS - Rhythm Guitar / Backing Vocals

FRANS VAN ESCH - Drums / Backing Vocals

AMSE DE JONG - Piano

TEUN DUIJGHUISEN – Bass

A lot of bands are now celebrating anniversaries of being together, 10 years here 20 years there, but this band have been together for 40 years and still going strong. They formed in 1985 and been rockin the Netherlands and surrounding areas. they perform rock n roll and rockabilly to the thousands of Dutch fans. they have a unique and rockin style and rock an audience and stage like no other artist in their country. And that’s why they remain at the top. They have a full diary of concert/event dates. November 2025 will see a show put on by the band that will rock the venue to its foundations. "DeAvenue" in Breda. See the links below for more details. So, the Album made mostly in the good old ’U.S.A in a little town called Memphis and the legendary and iconic Sun Studios. Yes, the birthplace of rock n roll.

Track by track

Side A

Breathless, (Blackwell)

u-291 released by the Pumping piano man Jerry Lee Lewis himself in 1958. The band makes a great cover version of the the song. RUUD is in excellent voice and sings it well. The boys back him with a true rendition with a modern twist, but stayin true to the original sound. Remember they are where the man himself recorded it.

Right Now, (Bradford/Lewis)

Fantastic cover version from the boys. The musicians really capture the full sound of the track. the backing vocals are well timed and give a justice to the original boys with their blue caps. Ruud’s vocals and really strong and back in the 1950s style. One of the rarer tracks being covered here by the boys, first released by Gene Vincent and his Blue Caps. But you might have guessed it was not from the sun studio vaults. It was recorded in 1957 but not released until 59 on the capitol label and was the flip side to “The Night is Lonely” Gene would have been very happy with this cover version.

Folsom Prison Blues (Cash)

No better way to sing at the greatest studio in the world than to sing one of the Hits of one of the famous Million Doller artist. of course, Mr Johnny Cash. Johnny wrote the track in 1953; well the rest is history. The Rockets give an awesome cover, the sound the style is just fantastic. they really capture the cash’ style throughout the track. the Little guitar riffs and Liks are spot on. Very well done. Sang really well, A real gem on the album.

I’ve Got My Eyes On You.(burgess)

Another unfamiliar track by the Boys, written by the guitarist of the Champs and recorded by the great Ricky Nelson. Ruuds vocal reverb is so satisfying on this track. I can imagine his legs shakin all over the place to the backing. The piano instrumental is first class. This will be a firm Disc Jockeys choice for certain.

Bull Dog,( Tomsco)

The musicians in the band show their ability to take the lead on this great instrumental. It is stunning cover version of the 1965 track from the Ventures, its note for note perfection. And hidden within the composing is the great sound of their other hit “Wipeout” this is two and a half minutes of greatness.

Know What I Mean, (Judd)

The boys rock this track from start to finish, great backin vocals behind Ruud. Vocals are very smooth and sexy during this second track by Ricky Nelson. It’s a well-covered track nowadays so if you going to cover it, you got to do it justice. Happy to say its more that the band do just that.

Side B

I Got a Feelin (Baker Knight)

Kicking off the flip side with a great classic from the Ricky Nelson song book with this 1959 smash it. Ruud rocks the microphone with his shaky and deep vocals. this sound from the boys is just awesome. It will have you bopping on the spot. Outstanding musicianship from the band. Every note is just toe tapping and finger snapping rock n roll. You can also hear the style of Ricky’s other great track “it’s Late” in the intro.

Hey Porter. (Cash)

September 1954 when this stunning track was released and the Explosion Rockets have taken us right back to the studio it was recorded in some 70 years later. And what a cracking job they have done with it.vocals are such a great tribute to the man in black. The guitar is played with so much rhythm that the hair stands up on the back of your neck. But listen deeper into the track with some stunning backing. This track is a blast through headphones or extremely loud on the record player.

Everybody is Trying to be my Baby (Griffin)

I have only ever known this by Carl Perkins and the Fab four, but research shows me it was credited to perkins after he recorded a version of Rex Grifin from 1936. And we thought rock n roll started in the fifties. The boys again give a great version. Some great guitar playing once again.

One Sided Love Affair. (Campbell)

Another sun track which was recorded in 1956 and added to the debut album of the king and released as a single in the same year. This track is just a masterpiece of the original. Sit back and take in the intricate piano playing of Ames De Jong.it is just fantastic. Ruud captures the feeling of the song with his own style of singing whilst allowing the Elvis style to come through. For me the piano is the star on this one. Brilliant.

Honky Tonk (Butler)

Quick take a break from all the boppin and jivin, get a drink and sit back and just take in the band giving us a great rendition of some classic Honky Tonk. The sub-genre of country music. And this track is played very well by the boys and produce a great tribute the great Billy Butler, it was a two part single. So who knows we might get part two on the bands next release. James brown released the two part single in 1972.

Ooby Dooby (orbison)

What a track to complete an album recorded at Sun studios. The great track by the Big O. this is a classic version from the band. Its pure rock n roll. Sang with passion Ruud lets it all go on this one. Again, the boys behind him bring it home with some fine playing. Awesome job lads.

Summary

WHAT a release by the Explosion Rockets. This is an album that has been planned and thought about long before it went to the studio. They crack out twelve stunning covers from the best of the best, every track as that 1950s style, vibe and rawness. This is ROCK N ROLL at its best. A massive congratulation on what would be a gold record if it was 1956. Today it must be in your collection.

Applause has to also go the bands musicians that give a great sound.So well done to all concerned. It will be played regularly. Stations and DJ,s will be queuing up for it. well done boys it’s a GREAT album.

Links to the band and album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=V5pBm5Hwupc

www.explosionrockets.nl

https://www.facebook.com/groups/explosionrockets

Tracks are

Breathless

Right Now

Folsom Prison Blues

I’ve Got My Eyes On You

Bulldog

You Know What I Mean

I Got A Feelin