Aclarion

TuneLab Review of Resistance

Overview: Aclarion has been making Hotlanta sweat for some years now. The band's first release arrived in the form of 2006's Corners, a 5 song EP that played an important role in spreading the good word of Aclarion to parts of the country as far away from Fulton County as Alaska. After Corners ran its course, Aclarion started sketching their first full length album. The four tabbed Sonica Recording as ground zero for the recording, enlisting the help of John Briglevich (DoubleDrive) and Shawn Grove (Sevendust) behind the boards. Ready to rock and roll up and down I-85 and beyond, Aclarion have returned with 'Resistance'. The record can be purchased at CDBaby.

The Good: 'Resistance' is an unfitting title for the second installment of Aclarion, as this is one of the most inviting, user-friendly rock LP's I've heard in recent time. Vocalist David Garcia is top notch, cushioning each song with his warm delivery. Garcia can let 'er rip too, and uses the opener "Get Inside" to state his case, sustaining notes with uncanny pitch precision. Style and sound wise, his voice is akin to that of BulletProof Messenger's mike master Marcus Klavan, with David Garcia propelling Aclarion's music to the next level the way Klavan does with BPM. Casey Prezioso's guitar work is sleek and aimed to please, but the way it dictates the flow and dynamics of each of the album's eleven songs is undeniable. Whether its the sunny cheer of "Sanity", the towering and eclectic "All On My Own", or the Troy McLawhorn-inspired salute of "Rewind", Prezioso stands an omnipotent force. Bass courtesy of Tab Brown thickens the plot, embracing Prezioso's patterns to give the disc noticeable oomph. Infact, Casey Prezioso's guitar work wouldn't strike nearly the same chord without Tab Brown's consuming basslines there for support. Take a listen to the lively bass-led "Give It Up" and you too will understand how necessary Brown's presence is, adding a completely new dimension to 'Resistance'. Ryan Landry might be one of the most promising up-and-coming drummers out there, with 'Resistance' his personal playground. Definitely not juvenile, Landry's precision, pinpoint accuracy, and attention to detail are superior, his accents and potpourri catalogue of fills hitting and making one stern statement after another. Lyrically, 'Resistance' is bursting with easy to digest rhetoric and sparkling hooks that get its story glued to your brain damn quickly.

The Bad: 'Resistance' is such a solid album, but therein lies its catch 22. Reistance is almost too stoic for its own good, taking fewer chances than Chuckie Finster from Rugrats. If only Aclarion had thrown away the playbook for just one or two tunes, 'Resistance' would be in a league of its own amongst its peers. I said 'Resistance' sports eleven songs, but in reality there are only ten, the next to penultimate "Ashes" a 31 second pile of nothing. Yeah ok, putting a cool down song called "Ashes" after a scorcher titled "Won't Burn" is witty, but it comes too late and halts the smooth sail of 'Resistance' right at last call. The only other drawback to 'Resistance' is how it mirrors the pedigrees of a litany of bands. Off the top of my head, I can safely say 'Resistance' resembles the works of DoubleDrive, Sevendust, Dark New Day, Hoobastank, Livintrust, Egypt Central, and Trapt; while this isn't necessarily a horrible thing, it makes you wonder why a band of Aclarion's caliber would grip so tightly to the coattails of others when they clearly have the talent and know-how to concoct something really memorable.

Bottomline: Referring back to that last sentence, 'Resistance' is indeed memorable, because no other unsigned band this year has turned out an offering as ready for labels to jump on as Aclarion have. If I were trying to start a label, I would without question turn to 'Resistance' as the first mercy jump to get the ball rolling. "Sanity" can almost contend with anything on rock radio right now, and Aclarion would surely fit comfortably touring alongside any given rock bill. It's up to Aclarion though to ensure 'Resistance' receives the credit it deserves, because it might be sadly swept under the rug the way both albums of band influence doubleDrive were. All low points aside, 'Resistance' is a really enjoyable album for fans of driving, catchy rock with some bite. Even if you try to pass up the uber-talented Aclarion, your resistance will sooner or later turn into a giant smile of defeat, as you crank your copy of 'Resistance' loud and proud.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Courtesy of Nick and TuneLabMusic.com - TuneLab

The debut full length CD, Resistance, from Atlanta's rock quartet, Aclarion, has something atypical of most bands these days: an entire CD full of good songs. With influences including Sevendust, Trapt, Incubus, and Nine Inch Nails, this alternative pop-rock group can appeal to a broad array of musical tastes with their familiar sound and clever instrumental arrangements. After Casey Prezioso (guitar) and Ryan Landry (drums) relocated to Atlanta from Ohio and Louisiana to join locals David Garcia (vocals) and Tab Brown (bass) Aclarion was formed and has been pushing for success in the music scene ever since. With a large fan base, a tour scheduled through the end of December, and the prestige of a Project 9-6-1 HomeGrown band, this group is going places.

The first song on the album, Get Inside, starts the album off with strong vocals from Garcia reminiscent of Trapt's Chris Brown, and a powerful guitar/ drum sequence. This song really sets the stage for the rest of the album, foreshadowing the delectable music that follows. A number of cuts off the album like Corners, All On My Own, and Rewind have positive and relatable lyrics touching on self preservation, heartache, and working through issues that cause us pain and grief. Won't Burn opens with a beautiful piano arrangement that leads into the explosion of Prezioso's heavy guitar. Garcia has beautiful vocals while Brown delivers a distinctive and playful bass line. Landry radiates talent throughout the album, especially in songs like Get Inside, Corners, and Walk Away. Most of the album is exceptional, full of gratifying music. Get Inside, Give It Up, Corners, and Won't Burn are great examples of the masterpieces this band is capable of creating. A personal favorite off the album is Sanity. Prezioso shreds the guitar, Brown adds urgency with a powerful addition on the bass, and the lyrics express in words the regret we've all felt at one time or another. All in all, a rare and exemplary album debut by Aclarion.

They have a long list of scheduled shows locally and across the southeast. Upcoming local performances include September 17th and October 1st at Diamond Daves in Kennesaw, September 20th and October 4th at Dixie Tavern in Marietta, and again October 9th at Peachtree Tavern in Atlanta. You will have plenty of opportunities to see them in action live this fall. Resistance is available for purchase now, and is sure to be on regular rotation once you do.

~Kris Melton
Rock Fist Reviews - Rock Fist Review