Dominic Fike’s “Rocket” dropped on Aug. 22, marking his first-ever mixtape release and full-length solo project since his 2023 album “Sunburn.” Collaborations with rapper and singer Kevin Abstract on tracks “Geezer,” “Maroon” and “Doggy” in June and July excited fans for new Fike music. The mixtape serves as a more personal project for Fike, where he can express his creative freedom without the structure of a studio album.
“Rocket” explores Fike’s experience with fatherhood and his personal growth, as the title reflects his son’s name. During his performance at Lollapalooza 2025 on Aug. 3, Fike brought his son out onto the stage and performed “All Hands on Deck,” the opening song of “Rocket,” which concluded his set. The track is very chill with constant low bass and piano in the background, showcasing Fike’s vocals and lyricism, emphasizing his growth as he takes on the role of a father.
“All Hands on Deck,” along with “Aftermath – Edit” and “Smile,” were released earlier than the album on Aug. 15 to serve as a preview to the upcoming mixtape. The tracks introduce rhythmic drums with crisp snare that keep the songs moving while allowing experimental synths and lead guitar to add a unique sound. The tracks also include a feature that Fike incorporates into his other music where the drums cut out briefly highlighting the vocals and guitar before leading into a more musically dense part of the song.
A standout track is “Great Pretender,” which is also a personal favorite. The song contrasts with the previous tracks by focusing more on Fike’s vocals rather than his rapping, doubling his voice in different pitches to add more depth. The drums and deep piano provide a steady beat that goes along with the catchy melody of the chorus. His lyrics portray a romantic partner who puts on a kind, popular facade that masks their loneliness and desire for genuine connection. Fike expresses that he’ll support this person, be “your right hand and your provider,” even if they need space.
On “Rocket,” generally each track has a short run time; “Epilogue” holds the longest at only three minutes. The song has an almost muffled sound that dampens the background instrumentals giving the sound a dream-like feeling. The track reflects on his past mistakes and how he has grown from them, showing in lyrics like “I only learn when I crash and burn.” Although “Epilogue” uses its title as a metaphor for his self-reflection and growth, it does not signify the end of the mixtape.
“Still Feel It” is the final song on “Rocket” and is also the shortest at one minute, 19 seconds. The track immediately sets itself apart with its use of a melodica, a handheld keyboard wind instrument. Fike’s talented vocals are the most prominent feature, with the use of dynamic contrast making his voice almost explosive.
Much like previous releases of “Sunburn,” “What Could Possibly Go Wrong” and “Don’t Forget About Me, Demos,” “Rocket” carries on the summer vibe that Fike so perfectly encapsulates, which makes it a shame that it came out less than a week before the first day of school.
