With influences such as Seether, A Perfect Circle and Alice In Chains, UK based alternative rockers Resin are described as ‘packing a formidable punch’ and being ‘blessed with thoughtful song –writing abilities and a range of musicianship and diversity that is rarely seen amongst today’s current glut of metal/metalcore bands’ – which is a fairly brazen statement! Due to release their new album, Embrace The Fall, on August 5th, Garry from SAN PR sent us through a copy to check out, so we figured that since these guys sound like an act to check out – who were we to refuse?
Kicking off with Entropy we’re led slowly into the beginning of the album, an acoustic guitar line leading the way whilst managing to build a sense of anticipation, combining the soft and melodic sound with a sense that what is to follow is not going to be this laid back. Soon kicking into things fully, the soft and smooth opening moments of the track soon give way to an Alice In Chains style track, the melodic vocals soaring over a chunky riff backing and forming into a sound that’s raw, heavy, groove orientated and the sort of thing that’s sure to get live crowds begging for more. Funky as well as heavy, there’s something about this track which makes you move, getting you involved with what you’re hearing and setting the album up very nicely indeed. This is an approach which continues into Carpe Diem, once again offering us a track which eases into being in an almost Alter Bridge style, before kicking in with that soaring guitar tone once again. Using all of the elements to bolster the sound into something deep and powerful, this is a track which continues the groove orientated approach of the album, showing once again why we should all be paying attention to Resin, and suggesting that there’s a seriously bright future laid out in front of these guys.
Continuing the progression of the album into Fallen, once again it’s clear how able a band we’re dealing with from the word go, using the intricate guitar work to lead the way into things whilst demonstrating their understanding of music through the addition of the cello work, a combination which, on paper, doesn’t necessarily sound like it should work, but does. Dark and haunting, this is a track which uses the softness of the elements to fully accentuate what’s going on, sounding like a hybrid of Stone Temple Pilots and Alice In Chains, and working to lure you in, keep you listening, and keep you begging for more. Pushing all thoughts of chilled out and acoustic style stuff to one side for Fake, we’re soon returned to the more ‘in your face’ and full on approach that got things going, this time leaning on the heavy riffery on offer from the guitars whilst allowing the bass and drums to build on the sound, strengthening it as it goes. Powerful, packed with hooks and the sort of track you find yourself singing along to after only a couple of listens, this is a serious high point on the record for sure, and a moment to make sure you check out.
Working through Instinct and Beskadig, the band continue to demonstrate their prowess at song writing as well as their understanding f their instruments, offering up tracks which are raw, heavy, soft and emotional, both seeming to ooze out of the speakers as they progress and showcasing what the band are capable of doing. It’s when Clouds is unleashed upon us through that a slightly different side is revealed, presenting us with a track that’s groove orientated once again, yet somehow manages to sound ‘off piste’, refusing to follow the conventions laid out by their peers and instead, offering up a style that from hence forth can be known as Resin. Powerful throughout, the raw edge to this track is what stands it out, presenting a track that packs a punch whilst still managing to throw hook after hook out for consideration, a track which holds single potential for sure.
Once again reaching another high for penultimate track Poison, the band have saved one last moment of pure genius for consideration, presenting the listener with a track that’s dark and haunting, yet emotional and catchy at the same time, demonstrating further their guile when it comes to song writing, as well as their ability to play their various instruments. It’s only then left for Clouds (acoustic) to finish the album, closing with a demonstration of how well their tracks work on different levels, and leaving you safe in the knowledge that what you’ve just heard has been something special.
I’ve been impressed by what Resin have put together here as it’s not straight forward, it doesn’t follow convention, and instead, offers up a unique take on post grunge mixed with alternative approaches from start to finish. The band clearly understand their instruments and songwriting, and the tracks on offer here demonstrate this throughout, constantly pushing the boundaries of their style and encouraging the listener to crank the volume, sit back and simply enjoy what they’re hearing – one to watch..
Dave Nicholls – Loud Stuff
Resin might just be revolutionizing the way we see Metal /Grunge. Silver- tongued mixed with metal gloom is one way to describe this impressive 5 Piece band from Hinckley, Leicestershire. Formed in 2006, members James Botha, Mark “Chez” Roseby and Simon Yarwood decided to combine their musical genius with their true love for grunge. Armed with acoustics and an arson of Alicein chains songs, James and Chez set out to concur the open mic circuit. Perfecting their vocal harmonies whilst at the same time the guitars found their own partnership and Resin was born. But with every new beginning comes another beginnings end. Saying farewell to the old they made room for the new and through trial and error they formed a concrete impeccable group of quality musicians, adding Mark Abott on drums and David “Sev” Seville long-time bassist to the line-up. Moving there status from an acoustic three piece band to a complete an unshakable force. Hence bringing to life a collection of long awaited songs that have been lingering in the dark crevasses of their minds, releasing their debut album “EMBRACE THE FALL”.
EMBRACE THE FALL - This album, instrumentally and vocally can only be described in one word utopian. They have honed their craft and developed in my opinion a new breed of grunge a hybrid of 90′s nostalgia. Songs like “Entropy“ and “Carpe Diem’ are like an endless flows of energy rushing like a wave of ecstasy & melancholy .The guitar technique is precise with solid bass ,while the vocals are bursting with raw emotion. His screams are piercing but painless almost numbing to a senses. “Fake” offers a heavier side border lining on a “disturbed” vibe. The drums blast in first followed by chugging guitar mixed with sequel riffs and in your face distorted lyrical choruses. “Beskadig” is an acoustic escape. The change ups in the vocals are refreshing. “Poison” is heartache that lingers, branded in to your soul. The drums are soft with vibrations of cymbal taps while finger picking soft chords lead you to the painful chorus. Representing the evil you have encountered the hate and pain sang not in anger but in truth understanding and Hines sight.
Like a smoggy cloud Resin shades you from the spot light of imperfection and judgement. It embraces your flaws it entertains your thoughts, fear and fantasies. It lets you project your anger while offers you realism and substance. Something the world has forgotten about. Grunge isn’t dead this is proof it has been transformed re born in to an era that desperately needs it most. Taking a page of wisdom from the veterans of grunge like Alicein Chains, Sound garden, Pearl Jam and Audio slave. It speaks of the darker side of life. The longing for the unattainable, the fear of never truly finding happiness. The swampy dark ocean of secrets we keep like waves of horror smashing us into suffocation. The dependency on other people, alcohol, drugs, sex and the need to achieve a level of acceptance in society. I suggest you go and purchase this album it’s an experience.
Reagen Violet V – Global Onslaught
