I was reached out by the rhythm guitarist Mark McKellar to review the sampler, and of course we were obliged to! Out of Haverhill, Massachusetts is a band called Resonate, and on April of last year they released their two-song “Discourse” EP.
A bit of a backstory on Resonate, Resonate is composed of Jake Packard on vocals, Matt White on lead guitars, Mark McKellar on rhythm guitar, Matt Sheehan on bass, and Alex Wagner on drums. They have taken their hard rock sound and are ready to take it to the next level!
Throughout this two-song EP, I can tell that there are several influences that are incorporated throughout this band. For example, when they play a slowed down progression in the song “Shadowtrap”, I really appreciate how the guitars between Matt and Mark are intertwined and how the rhythm section between Matt and Alex are the driving force, and there are seamless transitions. It feels like the influences are a mix of Tool meets a Breaking Benjamin type of vibe in the music. Jake sings with a lot of emotion and he displays an impressive range in his vocals, which fits for this brand of hard rock that Resonate is creating. The guitar intro in “Open Your Eyes” where it seamlessly crashes into a quality midtempo number is definitely showcasing Resonate as a band that is chocked full of potential.
In this, Resonate did what should be done for a band that is cutting their teeth with a two-song EP, and that is whetting the appetite for the listener to crave more in terms of hearing more from Resonate. I see this band doing very well for themselves in the future, and I’m also excited to see what the future has in store for this band! 9 out of 10 stars for this EP!
Track listing:
- Open Your Eyes
- Shadowtrap
Resonate does have some shows coming up, here are the tour dates listed below!
Saturday, March 10th- The Crow’s Nest Pub and Grill in Plaistow, New Hampshire(w/Tester)
Friday, March 23rd- PA’s Lounge in Somerville, Massachusetts(w/Sonic Red, Large Bodies, and Captn Martini & The Keystoners)
Thursday, March 29th- The Midday Social: Networking Event for Musicians & Artists at Alchemy in Providence, Rhode Island
Saturday, April 7th- Diamond Lil’s Cafe in Waterbury, Connecticut(w/Soldiers Of Solace)
Friday, April 13th- Once Somerville in Somerville, Massachusetts(w/Silent Season, Take Us Alive, and Act Of Arson)
Sunday, April 22nd- The 420Fest After & Still Partyin’ at Bungalow Bar & Grill in Manchester, New Hampshire
Saturday, May 19th- Live at 212 in Westbrook, Maine (w/Ascent To Power, Arta’sin, TSW, and Project 246)
Thursday, May 31st- The Shaskeen Pub & Restaurant in Manchester, New Hampshire
Saturday, June 2nd- The Cage in Lewiston, Maine (w/13 High)
Friday, June 15th- Strange Brew Pub in Norwich, Connecticut(w/Scarlet Canary and Casting Shadows)
For tickets and further information for any of the shows listed above, click here!
Find Resonate at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/Resonatewithus
www.instagram.com/resonatewithus
www.twitter.com/resonatewithus
Check out the promo single to “Open Your Eyes” below!
