An outstanding and high-energy alt rock banger of an EP was just released from Mute Sounds, and it comes with vast guitar tones, a lively approach, and tons of character all wrapped up into one record that really gives you a certain atmosphere when it is said and done.
The Resilience Pt.1 EP comes across a certain way that really lets you feed off of what's going on in the songs because the whole thing comes through with an almost live-on-the-floor feel as if the players are just bouncing off of each other's energies the entire time.
This aspect alone is incredibly infectious and really gets your blood pumping because you can feel the energy these guys have.
This record is done with tons of heart and throughout the course of the EP you get an incredible feel for the band's influences and hard rock, grunge, metal, indie rock, and even progressive rock because it all comes through at different moments in time.
This whole thing definitely makes you want to see these guys live and, in your face, because they tear it up on the EP so well that you come out of it as if your face has just melted.
These guys have an absolute love for their craft, and you can hear that with every no played on the record they have a real knack for thrashing but also for bringing in these lush tones and soundscapes that transform the thrash into melodic and drifting undertones when you least expect it.
There are a lot of layers on this record, and it's best soaked in with a pair of headphones, to be honest.
Yes, these are fists in the air, jump around the room Rock bangers but there's so much more to it that you can pick up on with a pair of cans on your head because the way it was recorded was really a combination of a little bit of rawness but also a particular mixing fashion that makes everything full-bodied.
There are more than enough surprises around the corners of this release and it's insanely fun to go through the whole record.
Sure, there are plenty of songs that stand on their own two legs, but this is almost meant like a concept record in a strange way.
At least that's how I picked up on it.
Either way the guitar and bass work, the drumming, everything is just crazy town, and it feels awesome and gives you a breath of life to really soak this record in.
Of course, seeing that this is dubbed part one, we're hoping for part two to be released sometime soon, and in order to find out when that might be we decided to have a sit-down with Mute Sounds to talk about that along with how this album came to be.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay guys, let's start with the Resilience Pt.1 record. This EP had an amazing and powerful alt rock tonality! How did this record come about?
The reason it's part 1 is because we intend it as a full album. We developed the concept to follow the last two albums. Reborn was the beginning of Rui's musical journey after surviving cancer for the second time, while Roads was an exploration of the varying styles that influenced him as he traveled from Portugal to Canada. Resilience is meant as a reminder that the heavy weight of life that we all carry makes us stronger, but we must endure. All of us brought our intensity and diverse styles into the mix, and writing it really cemented our new direction and post-rock sound.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you musically and as a band?
- We all had a long history of music in our lives before we met, but things really started with the first show at Lee's Palace. We didn't know it at the time, but our future drummer was already at the show! A few months later, we were playing our second show with our new musical brother, and we've only picked up the pace since.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
- Our main inspiration, honestly, is each other. The main reason why we play instrumental music is because it stays open to interpretation, including to us. We all connect with each song, no matter who writes the first riff, and we talk a lot about what the songs mean to us during the writing process. It helps us lock in together and find ways to focus our energy.
Buzz Slayers: This EP has some great styles combinations on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
- Portuguese folk music is a big influence on us. Heavy rock from the 90s and 2000s from System Of A Down to Radiohead, and all kinds of metal, ranging from Dream Theatre to The Dillinger Escape Plan. Obviously, a lot of post-rock: Russian Circles, Alcest, And So I Watch You From Afar, God Is An Astronaut, Strawberry Girls.....we could do this all day!
Buzz Slayers: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music?
- Rui is a full-time musician, and he has started down the path of sound engineering with this new album. Luis works in IT, and plays in a metal band called Birdy. Ralf is a lot of things, but his favorite job is being a dad to his young daughter. Ben is a contractor, writer, and podcast host, mostly because he can't sit still for 5 minutes.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?
- Polyphia, Nightwish, Syberia, Sister Crayon.....but mostly, Mute Sounds!
Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing any live performances right now?
- As often as possible! We have ten shows already booked between now and June, including a small Ontario tour that's in the works this summer.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or did you guys hit a big studio for this?
- Best laid plans... after a few false starts, we decided to give it a try ourselves. We recorded and mixed the whole thing ourselves, the first time any of us had done it before. Luckily, 2023 is a pretty easy time to go DIY, and we're pretty satisfied with the results, but we're already talking about how we can improve on the next one.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
- Lots more shows! We're already bringing new material to the studio, and the creative wheel is turning. A new album in 2024, maybe?
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
- Your support is the fuel for our musical vehicle! We can only go as far as you take us, so please come see us at a show, grab a t-shirt, and don't hesitate to say hi to us.