The Resonance Association – ‘Clarity In Darkness’ Album Review

What does one write about the Resonance Association, a band so unique that reference points only tend to serve the track in hand? Indeed, ‘Clarity in darkness’ with it’s gorgeous, Pink Floyd-evoking cover, is an album that exists without peer in the field of alternative music with tracks at any given point offering up elements of Nine Inch Nails’ Ghosts, Pink Floyd, the Swans’ ambient/industrial grind and even elements of punk rock (just listen to clattering opener ‘Dangerous fantasist’ if you don’t believe the latter claim).

Opening with the aforementioned track, ‘Darkness…’ opens with a song that is altogether more direct than previous TRA efforts, a feral squall that aims straight for the temple and then offsets the effect with eerie atmospheric effects and noise, the effect is rather like listening to a metal band jam out instrumental tracks in a machine plant while Dr Who plays on the telly. The oddly titled ‘Medal of dishonour’ comes next, opening with an eerie rumble that would be quite happily at home on the last Eagle Twin album. It’s a dark-hearted drone, overlaid with minimalist percussive elements which ranks as one of my favourite pieces on the disc and which will undoubtedly slay if played live. ‘Magick is the science’ is up next, a complex track that seems to exist on a Pink Floyd bass line, taut percussion and howling feedback alone.

The aptly named ‘Heart of chaos’ is an unfeasibly long work that explores every element of the TRA sound from soothing, semi-audible vocals complete with jazzy guitar, to Frontline Assembly-esque industrial through Sunn o))) drone and out the other side, leaving the listener drained but exhilarated at the immensity of the track. Without doubt it is this track, more than any other that truly encapsulates the genius behind this album, and it forms an astonishing centrepiece to an already inspiring album. ‘How to recognise angels’ is the briefest of tracks which moves nicely into ‘pearlescence’ which opens with tension inducing guitar and thunderous drums. At seven minutes it is the only track that can be said to outstay its welcome, although it has a fascinating outro that retains the listener’s interest and prepares the way for the mighty title track which competes with ‘heart of chaos’ in terms of length. Emerging out of static and noise, the bass line is a monstrous thing that ebbs and flows and threatens to consume your speakers before the track strips down to elemental noise and static about five minutes in recalling the disc of ambient works put together by Aphex Twin, and the piece as a whole provides a suitably epic closing statement.

In ‘Clarity in Darkness’ The Resonance Association have surpassed their previous efforts by quite some way, creating an album that serves as a nightmarish soundtrack to the subconscious. The ideas that the duo are capable of come screaming out of each and every track as sounds and instruments collide to create  lengthy, progressive workouts that rarely seem overlong. Like Porcupine Tree’s last opus, this is an album that is designed to be consumed whole, each piece augmenting the other and although anyone of these tracks can happily stand alone, it is best heard as a complete work. The package is made all the more appealing by the fantastic artwork (Carl Glover, take a bow!) which perfectly complements the music within and which would look even more amazing if the album were to be released on vinyl. Where The Resonance Association go from here is anybody’s guess, but in ‘clarity…’ they have produced a phenomenal work of art that will satisfy fans of the band and newcomers alike for a long time to come. Outstanding.