NEW SAINTS / RESONATE EP  –  9/2/24  

A four track EP hails the return of this much loved Black Country band. RESONATE sees founder members Connor Emms on vocals/guitar and drummer Des Wootton joined by Jon Hayward on bass and Rob Grosvenor on lead guitar. They are taking it a bit easy for a while as Des is recovering from an operation, however, the band will be hitting the stage soon to promote this new masterpiece. Last year saw the beginning of the restructuring, with the EP being recorded and produced by Andy Mills. Then a sold out support show with Geoff Tate, saw the guys applauded by the audience who chanted their name out loud. After a hiatus of 12 years, following the sad passing of bassist Andy ‘Spon’ Spencer, NEW SAINTS are back. 

The title track ‘Resonate’ ignites and fires on all cylinders. Along with the heavy riff, which gets underway from the start, there’s a chunk of menacing vocals that run parallel, to completely submerge you in this bombardment of superb noise. It also has moments that throw you off balance, when they pull up on the rhythm and break for sojourn guitar strings. ’Saviour’ hums into being, then descends into another weighty message. Connor holds his lyrics with the utmost care, allowing the boisterous chords to surround your ears. There’s a lot happening here, smooth tones at times, then that change of attitude as the power of Rob’s fret working takes precedence. 

The third track ‘Down The Line’ is faster and angrier. It starts off rather peaceably, with a slightly commercial sounding bounce to it, but the screams intensify and the pressure gets heavier by the midway point. Such trickery soon wins you over, it’s a really creative way of writing and something this band achieve without breaking sweat. ‘Last Men Standing’ the final song, has firmer roots. Boots are placed solidly on the ground as it chugs along, then it reaches overdrive with some finesse by Dez and a dynamic solo from Rob. It rounds up the EP perfectly. There’s contrast and differences throughout, that keep you in the loop, without venturing too far off the grid. It’s often difficult to get the balance just right, especially with only 4 tracks, but RESONATE has been a pleasurable ride.    

I asked Connor for this pre-release, as I really wanted to review it, we go back a long way and I’ve always appreciated his dedication to music. He and Dez found it impossible to continue in 2012, after the passing of Andy, only playing the Annual ‘Rock For Spon’ event, for Connors late cousin and a few select gigs. So I for one can’t wait to see them on stage again and this EP is evidence that they’ve always had something special. Please like the Facebook page, there’s news of an Album release later this year.  

‘It’s often difficult to get the balance just right, especially with only 4 tracks, but RESONATE has been a pleasurable ride’  

Out on Friday 9th February RESONATE can be pre-ordered from the band, a limited CD is available for only £7 inc P&P. 

Message NEW SAINTS for a copy HERE 

There is also a pile of merchandise on offer, again MESSAGE the band for the PayPal details on Facebook HERE 

As these are currently made to order the turn around is about 2 weeks . 

All made from the highest quality. All sizes but if you go over XXL it’s an extra £5 

T-shirts £15 . Zipped Hoodies £35 . Standard Hoodie £30 

Plus P&P .. or they can arrange collection from their local !

You can witness NEW SAINTS live at this years ANNUAL MAYORS FEST in Wolverhampton and at The Robin Bilston  for ROCK FOR SPON , see posters below …