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Review of Open Seas by The Resolectrics

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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

TMFWP Exclusive: Elevator Blues from The Resolectrics’ new album ‘Open Seas’

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The Resolectrics (l to r): John Becher, Tate Peterson and Bob Dunham. Photo courtesy of The Resolectrics © Tim LaBarge 2018

Stream “Elevator Blues” by The Resolectrics: Elevator Blues

The Resolectrics —Portland’s singular roots rock and soul power trio — are ready to release their long-awaited sophomore album, Open Seas, due to hit record store shelves and internet streaming on Sept. 21. But they’re making the album available in CD form at select shows as the summer winds down.

The lads were kind enough to share the album’s opening track, “Elevator Blues,” as an exclusive stream for listeners of That Much Further West Podcast in conjunction with Vortex Music Magazine. With Bob Dunham’s bouncy bass line and a radio-ready vibe, “Elevator Blues” is a solid introduction to The Resolectrics’ ever-evolving sound, where twin vocals and hot guitar licks blend seamlessly with a deep, commanding groove.

The song also makes a clear connection to the Memphis-style soul sound that marked the band’s debut record, High Water. Featuring the vocals of guitarist Tate Peterson and drummer John Becher, it’s a rowdy rave-up that gets down and dirty with the help of guest David Lipkind on harmonica.

But folks should expect a few more twists and turns on Open Seas, as the band adds a dose of melodic, classic rock, pop and psychedelia to the mix.

Having built a solid following around the Northwest thanks in part to a heavy schedule of regular gigging from Central Oregon to the Oregon Coast and up into Washington, The Resolectrics appear poised to make a case as the party band of choice as the college rock radio season kicks in this fall.

The band will celebrate the arrival of Open Seas at a record-release party on Oct. 13 at Secret Society in Portland.