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Resin – The Cycle of Need
Attic Records
Release Date: 13/07/2018
Running Time: 47:52
Review by Rick Tilley
10/10
Right, before I get started on this review, it’s fair to say I haven’t been writing so much recently. Actually running a website/page gives you very little time to do anything else and, on top of that, I’ve found out I’m tremendously OCD about everything that I do so it all probably takes twice as long as it should do! I love what I’m now doing but sometimes you want to get back to just listening to some fantastic music and writing about how it makes you feel so I’m going to do that more often from now on!
Coming to that decision has been made so much easier thanks to Leicestershire Grunge/Hard Rock band Resin, whose latest album “The Cycle Of Need” has punched a huge emotional hole inside of me. I’ve known these ‘guys’ for a few years now and have interviewed them on more than one occasion. They know that when I first heard them, I wasn’t at all sure about whether I actually liked them or not, if you want to use sub-genres then Grunge isn’t my favourite word, but I’ve stuck with them and watched them grow. In 2015 there were a few line-up changes and they released their “Persecution Complex” EP which was a big step forward in quality and now we have the new album!
“The Cycle Of Need” sees the introduction of violinist Emma Bennett (Cadence Noir) as a sixth member and I’d like to shake the hand of the person that decided they needed to add strings of a different kind because her inclusion in the band is an absolute masterstroke! If you add that this collection of songs are, far and away, easily the best thing that Resin have ever recorded then things are looking more than good. Resin have found their complete sound and I absolutely adore it. Their mix of Grunge, Metal, Hard Rock and Folk is a joy to listen to, in fact it’s haunting and the more I listen to this album the more it moves me. Yes, they have revisited a couple of songs from their first album but these recordings do them so much more justice they may as well be completely new compositions!
Dave Gandon’s vocals are superb and the lyrics are sung with such feeling that it’s difficult not to wipe away a tear when listening to them, whether that’s tears of sadness or anger! Resin can be very hard hitting one minute, some of the riffs here are huge, and then completely floor you with something so gentle and beautiful the next but nothing sounds disjointed or out of place. It’s not just Dave or Emma that excel though, every member has stepped up to the plate and delivered huge performances and the production, handled by Neil Hudson at Initiate Audio, has given Resin the massive sound they have always deserved.
I’ve listened to thousands of bands over the years and whilst it’s lovely to feel safe with the Classic, Power and Thrash Metal bands that I love so much, sometimes it’s amazing to hear something different and that challenges me on multiple levels. Arguably, Resin have come up with a sound that I personally don’t think sounds like anyone else and that’s not an easy thing to say in 2018!
“The Cycle Of Need” is a breath-taking achievement and one which Resin should be hugely proud of. When music can speak to the listener like this album has done to me and then I get to write about it, well it just proves I’ve got nearly the best job in the world. I say nearly because the only way it could be better is if I had written the tracks myself.
I urge everyone that reads this to buy or stream “The Cycle Of Need” and really digest what’s on offer. It deserves that level of commitment because the music has been written and performed with such passion. Awarding full marks to an album is not something I often do but never have I found it as easy as I have done here!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Never Learn
02. Monster
03. Shitstorm
04. Clouds
05. Angel
06. Burn
07. Poison
08. Open Heart Trauma
09. Blood Of Angels (Bonus Track)
LINE-UP:
Dave Gandon – Vocals/Guitar
Mark ‘Chez’ Roseby – Guitar/Vocals
Simon Yarwood – Guitar
Drask George: – Bass/Vocals
Ryan ‘Sticks’ Hextall – Drums/Percussion
Emma Bennett – Violin
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Richard Tilley and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to do adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of [user_login] and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.