Album Review: Res by Res – A Journey Through Acoustic Experimentation and Progressive Punk
Released in 2016, Res by Res is an intriguing rock album that blends acoustic tones with experimental edges, punk energy, and progressive rock complexity. Hailing from Europe (Spain), this record feels like a patchwork of influences stitched together by Dani Frutos and Mar Estrama, who crafted the music with clear passion. Released via Not On Label and Discos Enfermos, it's not your run-of-the-mill rock release—it’s more of a sonic experiment dressed up as a cohesive project.
The lineup here deserves mention. Vocals come courtesy of Nathalie Lorichs, whose voice adds texture to the tracks without overshadowing their instrumental depth. Meanwhile, Martin Mendez on bass and Martin Axenrot on drums bring a tight rhythm section that anchors even the most chaotic moments. Janne Hansson handles both mixing and mastering duties, ensuring clarity despite the genre-hopping chaos.
Now let’s dive into two standout tracks that stick with you long after listening. First off, there’s “Forats.” This track opens with haunting guitar work before diving headfirst into a punchy yet reflective vibe. The interplay between acoustic strumming and heavier riffs keeps things unpredictable—like walking through fog only to stumble upon sunlight. It’s one of those songs where every listen reveals something new, whether it’s a subtle drum fill or a whispered lyric buried beneath layers of sound.
Then we’ve got “Equilibri,” which balances delicacy and aggression perfectly. If “Forats” is the storm, “Equilibri” is the calm before—and after. Its melody lingers because it doesn’t try too hard; instead, it lets its natural flow take center stage. There’s a raw honesty here that resonates, especially when paired with Lorichs’ emotive delivery. You can almost picture Mar Estrama sketching out these ideas late at night, scribbling notes while trying to capture lightning in a bottle.
Artwork-wise, Mar Estrama also contributes visually, giving the album cover a striking aesthetic that mirrors its eclectic sound. It’s moody but inviting—a perfect visual representation of what lies within.
What makes Res memorable isn’t just its technical prowess or stylistic range—it’s how unapologetically human it feels. Sure, some transitions feel rough around the edges, but maybe that’s the point. It’s not polished to perfection, and thank goodness for that. In fact, if anything, the imperfections are what make it relatable.
In a world full of cookie-cutter releases, Res dares to be different. And honestly? That’s refreshing. Listening to it feels like flipping through someone’s personal journal—messy, heartfelt, and utterly unique. So give it a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself humming “Forats” days later, wondering why no one else has made music quite like this since. Or maybe you’ll decide it’s all a bit much. Either way, it sticks with you. Like gum on your shoe. But good gum.
