The Honeybee Rocket Scientists are an alternative surf rock indie punk grunge band from Auckland, New Zealand.
Formed in July 2018 by friends Joey Vallis and Jimmy Bonar, the band have recorded three albums: Check Yourself (2021), Vita est Circo (2023) and Surf Green (2025).
With a shared love of classic rock and a genuine artistic collaboration, the band are constantly evolving musically and sonically – sometimes even surprising themselves!
Influences are as varied as their music – Tom Petty, The Cars, Alice in Chains, The Beatles, Ryan Adams, Sheryl Crow, Paul Weller, John Denver, Joni Mitchell, Alice Cooper, Sonic Youth…to name but a few.
The Honeybee Rocket Scientists are also unique in that both Joey and Jimmy alternate on drums and guitar. You can hear the differing styles in their music and this is what makes this band unique. Joey’s hard out guitar playing and mellow drum style is forged together with emotion, passion and intensity. This is countered by Jimmy’s heart ‘n soul approach with a no frills guitar sound and a wayward but solid backbeat. Beatlesque harmonies are also one of his passions.
They’re unashamedly old school when it comes to recording – it’s all done garage style and moulded together at Jimmy’s flat in Auckland which is lovingly known as ‘Pacific Ocean Recorders’.
All songs are credited to Joey Vallis and Jimmy Bonar – to date 41 original songs have been written and recorded by the band.
The Honeybee Rocket Scientists music is available on CD (via the band), and also on Bandcamp, CD Baby, Apple Music, Amazon and all major streaming services including Spotify.
The Honeybee Rocket Scientists are:
Joey Vallis (guitar, drums, vocals)
Jimmy Bonar (drums, guitar, vocals)
