Nonetheless Blue_
Artist: The Resonars
URL: http://<http://www.gethip.com/>www.gethip.com
Times: 12 tracks / 29:16 minutes

The Resonars' new album, Nonetheless Blue, is all the handiwork of one Matt Rendon--and I do mean all. Everything you hear is him. Along with that astounding fact, he wrote all the songs, and produced and remixed this, his fourth CD. With Lunar Kit (2002) and Bright and Dark (2003), it was easier to give a quick listen and toss out the Hollies, '60s retro comparison, but with Nonetheless Blue, Rendon has stepped up his game.

Nonetheless exudes confidence in singing (five-part harmony at times), and his songwriting, while always interesting, is now more engaging and developed--though, as Rendon says, cryptic. "I try to write words that sound good, have rhythm and rhyme. Yes, they are disconnected and cryptic, but that's the kind of lyric writing I enjoy."

_Nonetheless Blue_ is all about tunefulness. Rendon definitely has the gift of "hook." The title track opener clearly shows the musical direction of this fete. From the count-in, it is ON! Drums (Rendon's favorite instrument) intently drive this study of various images to a wonderful fever pitch with five-part harmonies floating on top. The rhyme of plectrum with rhododendron may have never been done before. Abstract verses about a funeral, a fugitive and a raided party are connected by a unforeseen chorus of "how I'm blue."

Renton's lyrics often pit images against sound. "Your Concern," not so breakneck in speed, puts wonderful harmonies on a lyric about burying the competition. The eight-miles-high guitar freak-out against the chimey 12-string and layered vocals make for excellent tension. Renton describes "No Problem at All" as a vehicle for the dark freak-out in the middle of the song, but with its anti-suicidal message, it is one of the most lyrically profound and concise on the album.

You can't kick this feeling that surrounds
Desperation drives you to the ground
Paranoid of everyone you see
And you don't know who you can believe

"You let yourself believe in poet's lies
Not everyone will love you when you die
And that's what you want so that's what you'll do
I recall a time I bought it too.

Renton had this say about favorite "When Darkness Comes To Fast":

"If Darkness Comes Too Fast has to do with being an aging punk rocker, thus the 'we're all losing track of time.' When I was playing in the Knockout Pills, I came across a lot of 30-something punk rockers who were desperately trying to hold on to their ideals." The song is hooky, catchy and hummable, all of The Resonars' best qualities.

According to Renton, although there was actually a performing Resonars in the mid '90s, it isn't likely that the band will ever play out again.

With subjects galore like Vietnam Vets, John Glenn, nautical history and self-growth and a clear sense of musical self, this album is loaded with gems and with just a little digging, listeners will realize they are a gold mine.

Bob Felberg  December 4, 2007