Jason Harwell - Founder of Rebuilt Records (Athens, GA) In general, I like things that are real and authentic. Of course, it's hard to know these days what's real or not or even what those words mean. After all, reality television is supposed to be real, I guess, but, um, it's not. I recently watched a demo of the new Photoshop on YouTube, and now I'll never trust a photograph again. You're wondering why the heck I'm beginning this review with a tangent, and you're losing your patience. I know, I know... get to the point already. And here it is - now, more than ever, it's hard to judge a book by its cover. So we're left to look at what's below the surface, at its heart, to see what's true and what's not. And that's what I love about Rocketships & Tangerines' new EP, Anchors Aweigh. I believe it. When Brooke Buffington sings about things like pain, loss, addiction, and ultimately, hope, I believe her. Truth be told, I know and respect Brooke and the other 'Ships and Tangerines - husband/guitar player Brian Buffington and percussionist Rusty Townsen - so I'm sure that helps. On the other hand, this project is unlike any of the gang's previous works (especially the "Soulpatches" recordings). While Rocketships & Tangerines naturally incorporate some of the intelligent humor that made Brian's Soulpatches albums so much fun (particularly the biting "Sellout"), Anchors Aweigh paints a much broader portrait of someone's life, with all the humor, joy, heartbreak, and ups and downs that most of us know so well. And that's why I believe it; it's a lot like my own life, particularly in my own journey to know Jesus. Anchored (sorry, had to do it) overwhelmingly by Brooke's incredible, soaring vocals (perhaps best exemplified by bridge on the single "Dear Darla"), R&T make the most out of a little - some acoustic guitar here, some cajon and percussion there, a little piano on "Summer," and a smidge of ocean ripple on "Oh Captain, My Captain". And while most artists are not so confident as to hold themselves to such "minimal" instrumentation (especially in the "just add more stuff because we can" digital recording world), absolutely nothing is missing. It's all there, and they only needed five songs to boot. One would certainly imagine that what you hear on the EP is what you'd hear at an R&T show, and that's a real good thing, with the obvious emphasis on real. And if you're wondering where the heck the name Rocketships & Tangerines came from, fear not, for they have graciously given you the answer in the form of the the appropriately titled track, "Rocketships & Tangerines." Comparing the love of Christ to all kinds of things (including, obviously, rocketships and tangerines) reminded me that though I take music seriously, I needn't take myself so seriously. It also reminds me that my concert tees or favorite pair of jeans can serve as reminders of the most important things. It also reminds me of citrus fruit. To sum it all up, if you think Lady Gaga songs should be the template for everything musical, you will not like this record. But if you like to connect with music in a way that transcends little ones and zeros - music that is written from and full of heart - then you will do well to give it a spin. For real.