Rocket Number Nine Zoom Zoom Up are a trio from South Carolina, and they play a brand of instrumental jazz-rock that would've been referred to as "post-rock" ten years ago, but would probably just be referred to as "instrumental jazz-rock" now because everyone's realized how stupid "post-rock" sounds. Or maybe because "post-rock" nowadays largely refers to slow, melancholy Explosions In The Sky type bands, and nothing jazzy. Anyway, this album was produced by John McEntire, best known as the founder of Tortoise and Sea And Cake (among others) and producer for Stereolab, Trans Am, and many others. Given this information, it's hard not to compare the band's sound to that of Tortoise and other similar-minded bands, except that this band generally sticks to the basic guitar bass and drums and largely shuns Protools trickery. Those expecting Sun Ra level freakout insanity based on the band's name will probably be disappointed; the band's arrangements are often tricky, but never mind-melting. Still, the album's a pleasant enough listen; it won't distract your dinner guests. But don't board if Venus is your destination. 6/10 -- Paul Simpson (25 June, 2008)