Resistor: “Illuminator” (2023) – Album Review

Summary

“Illuminator”, the seventh album from Rhode Island’s Resistor, skillfully blends hard rock, progressive rock, and folk into a singular sound, backed by the cohesive energy of live band recording and a unique musicality that tests the boundaries of both classic rock and heavy prog. While drawing inspiration from iconic bands, Resistor crafts a distinctive musical experience, resulting in an album that’s both accessibly familiar yet refreshingly innovative, adeptly scratching a sonic itch you may not even know you had.

Album Info

Introduction

Illuminator is the seventh and latest album from Resistor, a crossover prog quartet known for fusing classic hard rock, progressive rock, and folk into a wholly unique sound. This Providence-based group, comprised of prog/folk multi-instrumentalist Steve Unruh on vocals, guitars, and violins, Rob Winslow on bass, Barry Farrands on drums and vocals, and Fran Turner on guitars and vocals, have referred to themselves as “three electronic engineers and an electrician”. You just don’t get much proggier than that, folks. Or classic hard rock either; Tom Scholz is Exhibit A on that theory.

(As an aside, I wish I still had my Rockman from the ’80s…)

Illuminator embodies that prog/classic rock ethos. This is an album full of thick riffs, catchy melodies, and fist-pumping power, but also time-signature variations, quirky musicality and experimentation, and evocative folk passages. Their approach of live recording as a cohesive band unit infuses the music with added energy and sonic cohesion. Resistor is really locked together on this album.

Certainly, one can draw comparisons between Resistor and classic or prog-rock bands like Yes, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and Queen. But there are also touches of UFO, Zebra, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon, and other late-70s to mid-80s hard rock and metal bands as well. It’s a heady mixture, and the influences/homages are there, but Resistor succeeds at making the entire stew a homogenously tasty and unique one instead of simply just bits and pieces of leftovers from other bowls.

Analysis

The opening track “Bonfire” sets the tone with its thick riffs, howling guitar licks, playful tempo changes, and engaging violin solos. It also boasts a clever fake-out ending, transitioning to an atmospheric mid-section marked by sweeping melodic vocalizations and mounting musical anticipation. This culminates with a final recapitulation of earlier melodies leading into an epic finish.

“The Illuminator” is reminiscent of “Achilles’ Last Stand” with its galloping central riff and Robert Plant-like wails, tinged with a touch of Rob Halford. Some of the vocal delivery goes a bit over-the-top, but the song’s infectious rhythm makes it easily forgivable. The overlapping vocal lines on the chorus and extended mid-song soloing, plus that sick riff, all contribute to a killer track.

“Serendipity” and “The Great Deep” introduce more pronounced prog elements, the former an unabashed prog rocker indulging with time signature shifts and moody atmospherics, the latter a quieter instrumental piece driven by violin and a more symphonic structure. After the Two-For-Tuesday rock intensity of the opening two numbers, both of these tunes swirl the waters and lead listeners into deeper areas of the pool.

We’re treated to another instrumental track in “Shelter Pelter”, a jazzy rock breeze that, while not an album standout, acquits itself well as an agreeable mid-album tonic. Which most likely is what we need right about now, as the two album closing tracks take up as much time as the first five, so we’re heading into pure epic territory.

“Kaleidoscopic” channels a late 70s Rush vibe, with its opening 3 minutes featuring layers of acoustic and electric guitars, howling vocal melodies, and powerful riffs. This segment highlights some of Unruh’s most memorable violin sequences. The track transitions into a varied soundscape in the following segment, which introduces Beatlesque melodies alongside Power Pop jangle and crunch. The subsequent segment channels a 70s hard rock ambiance, exuding a sinewy, ominous tone, indulging playful iterations of a repeated triplet motif. There’s a brief return to the power-pop before the galloping hard rock takes us to the finish.

And speaking of late 70s Rush, “The Illusion of Understanding” pays direct homage to Xanadu in its opening minute, before transitioning into a 7/4 Morse Code-like riff. Barry Farrands delivers exceptional drum work here, with the entire band locked into a funky, groovy vibe that meshes well its heavier rock elements. Notably, there’s an impressive violin solo over a languid 7/4 tempo. This segment adopts a reflective tone, with the music suggesting contemplative emotions. Rounding out the song is two minutes of the percussive code riff, with familiar melodic heavy prog closing the loop, concluding the album on a potent prog rock note.

And In Closing…

By no means does Illuminator play it safe. That said, Resistor has carved out their own lane on this record and gleefully sticks to it. The album stands out as captivating and distinctive right from the start, while still being recognizable and accessible, testing the boundaries of both classic and progressive rock while staying loyal to both genres. With its robust melodies, commanding rock crunch, intricate progressive elements, and catchy hooks, Illuminator adeptly scratches an itch you may not know you even had.

What similar albums does ChatGPT recommend?

While it behooves me to remind my readers that every word you just read is 100% Mills, let’s ask our friendly neighborhood AI for some similar album recommendations.

Clockwork Angels – Rush (2012) Continuing their legacy of blending hard rock with progressive intricacies, Rush’s “Clockwork Angels” stands as a testament to the band’s unwavering musical prowess. From driving riffs to narrative-driven lyrics, this album is a modern prog-rock masterpiece and an essential listen for any fan of Resistor’s genre-blending style.

Terraformer – Thank You Scientist (2019) Fusing elements of jazz, funk, and progressive rock, Thank You Scientist’s “Terraformer” offers a horn-infused brand of rock that’s both adventurous and grounded. With intricate instrumental work and compelling songwriting, it’s a vibrant journey that aligns with the genre-blending tendencies Resistor champions.

M E M O R I A S – VOLA (2022) The Danish band VOLA perfectly bridges the gap between progressive rock and classic hard rock. Their album “M E M O R I A S” is an electrifying blend of synthesizers, powerful riffs, and soaring melodies, offering listeners a modern take on the traditional sounds Resistor has come to embody.

The Further Side – Nova Collective (2017) Comprising members from established acts like Between the Buried and Me and Haken, Nova Collective’s “The Further Side” explores the realms of instrumental prog-rock. While devoid of vocals, its infectious grooves and intricate rhythms offer a fresh perspective on the marriage between classic rock foundations and progressive experimentation.

Desolation Rose – The Flower Kings (2013) A stalwart of modern progressive rock, The Flower Kings’ “Desolation Rose” delivers a sprawling sonic tapestry that touches on sociopolitical themes. From lush ballads to rock anthems, it’s a musical journey that seamlessly melds the power of classic rock with the intricacies of progressive arrangements, making it an album Resistor enthusiasts would find rewarding.

Output from ChatGPT, OpenAI to Mills on 21 August 2023.