Open Seas by The Resolectrics (2018, Self Released)
By Phil Favorite
That Much Further West Podcast
It seems unlikely that a rock band with such a distinct vocal sound could survive the loss of their main singer, much less carry on and thrive.
But The Resolectrics have slimmed down and muscled up.
Their new album Open Seas picks up where its predecessor High Water left off but adds some classic British Invasion sunshine and guitar-driven fireworks to the Southern Delta R&B sound that helped the band stand out in Portland’s crowded indie rock scene.
Known originally for a three-part vocal attack and a musical sound that centered on keyboards, The Resolectrics now perform as a trio with original guitarist Tate Peterson and drummer John Becher sharing the vocal spotlight once commanded by departed keyboardist Ben Morse.
The personnel change hasn’t seemed to change the band’s philosophy — blended vocals remain at the center of the musical strategy. You hear it right off the top of Open Seas, with Peterson and Becher launching into the wild and rowdy “Elevator Blues,” a song that captures and raucous spirit of the band’s live shows and will be instantly recognizable to fans of the band’s debut.
But things start to shift from there. Layered guitar parts vary not just in sound but also in style on “Only Blind,” where a watery slide guitar hints at the psychedelic explorations that unfold as the album progresses.
On “In My Garden,” the band invokes The Beatles at their experimental best with soaring harmonies set against a mix of bouncy piano, fuzzy guitars and a lead vocal melody pulled right out of the Summer of ’67.
A few other tracks on Open Seas show the band taking a big leap forward.
On the record’s instrumental title cut, Peterson demonstrates a controlled excellence that speaks to his remarkable abilities as a guitarist and arranger. For the album’s final cut, “Cosmic Embrace,” the band cooks up a tune that is equal parts Beach Boys, The Band and Led Zeppelin.
Despite exploring these varied and classic sounds, The Resolectrics never stray too far from their American R&B roots. “No Reservations,” “Charlene” and “Got Your Letter” will have you tapping your feet with that instant familiarity that has been the hallmark of the band’s sound.
The mix of styles all comes together on the ambitious and triumphant “I Love You,” a standout track destined to be among the best songs you’ll hear all year.
Mixtape Trio Bravo:
Listen to “Elevator Blues”: Elevator Blues
Listen to “Only Blind”: Only Blind
Listen to “I Love You”: I Love You