Back in 2012 Resonators released their debut LP The Constant, a perfect five-star album of dub reggae stamping both the roots of Jamaica with the best additives of England, with even Sir David Rodigan proudly boasting about its authenticity of sound. With four years having past, the big question was, how would Resonators’ sophomore attempt pair up with the first? The answer…very well. Imaginary People is a proper continuation from where they left off years back, with an even bolder confidence reflecting that they are indeed one of the best bands of today recording dub reggae.
The vocal dynamics of Faye Houston and Kassia Zermon have always been one of the highlights of Resonators with their contrast of tone and delivery taking the music to various heights. With the LP’s opening tune ‘All The Paths’, their two voices gel together like notes of finely tuned instruments, both with a sensual overture, floating with the band’s mellow yet militant instrumentation. With the title track ‘Imaginary People’, the group taps into a more classic pattern of 70s dub, a backdrop of their upfront messaging like prophets sent to deliver words of truth. The Resonators delve into the UK’s heritage of lover’s rock with the track ‘Right Time’, which gives the listener a nice changeup before getting back to bass-heavy business with the punchy ‘Come Through’, a slow roller that deals with finding light and love in a time when the climate is apathetic. Kassia Zermon delivers her signature ultra-cool swagger on ‘Gonna Change’, sailing with the subtlety of echoing keys and blazing horns. Faye Houston follows by flexing her vocal muscle on ‘Trees’, boasting her mastery of melodies like a simple stroll through the park on a Sunday. The album closer ‘Swing Easy’ is just that, a laid back bit with Zermon almost humbly reminding you that she is well-studied as a reggae singer, up to the levels of many Jamaican greats of the past and present. Whilst only nine songs in total on the album, it almost feels like it’s the right amount, preventing any sense of overkill.
If there were any doubts on whether Resonators could indeed step up with another classic record, then Imaginary People seals the deal and then some. With Houston and Zermon operating at optimal performance and the musicians all as sharp as ever, the album shouldn’t be compared to their debut but rather treated like the next important chapter of their sonic book of dub reggae enlightenment.
Resonators’ Imaginary People is out September 30th on Wah Wah 45.
Preorder:
Itunes
Amazon
Bandcamp
Download on Kudos Records