I am sitting here on Sunday morning listening to music and a song by Resignation comes on, so afterward, I of course go to listen to their EP, You Are More Than Right Now. And this morning it hits differently, as it has a few times I have listened to it, but there is something about this morning. I naturally then start on this review, or I should say, I re-start this review. This is the fourth time I have restarted this review. The reason? Every time I listen to this album, I hear something new, or feel something new. And my role as a writer is to get you to listen to whatever album I am reviewing. And I like to make sure you, the reader have a good understanding of why you should.

Resignation is a 5-piece post-hardcore band from Toledo, Ohio. This is their first release on Friend Club Records, and it is a powerful one at that. A few months ago, if you had told me that the band, I only listened to because of a song title with the names of two wrestlers would become the band that I have talked the most about in 2023 so far, I would have laughed at you.

This five-song EP starts with “Apologies Necessary,” a great opening track. Right away you get a petty good idea of what this band is about and who they are. The riffs are straight out of the early 2000s, and I love it. And they do not hold back from displaying their influence either. This track would make bands like Fairweather and Northstar proud. The next track, “Eddie Kingston” which was released as a single is the song that made me pay attention to what this band was about. This title is also a reference to a wrestler. Besides being a brawler and just an in-your-face guy, Eddie Kingston is a huge advocate for mental health. In 2022 he released a PSA that hit home with me and was just what I needed that day. Resignation are also huge mental health advocates, so this track just makes sense to me. It is one that if you listen to the lyrics, is going to hit you right in the feels. I wear my heart on my sleeve and every time I hear this song, I fall apart so to speak. It is powerful. Over the years a lot of lyrics have hit home, but there is a line in this song that goes, “I’ve been hiding since I was a kid, but I knew it would catch back up, it always did.” Man, truer words have never been spoken. It is one of those songs that you can hear/feel the passion in the vocalist’s voice through your speakers. If I am going to have an anthem in 2023, it is this song. “CKA” is the fastest track on the release. It has more of a street punk feel to hit but with a better vocalist. Lol, It still fits with other songs. The meaning, the purpose is still there. “My Therapist Said I Have a Fear of Time (He’s Right) is such a banger. First, I have to say the long song title takes me back to a time when bands did that, looking at you Fall Out Boy. While Wes Allen’s vocal stylings are present all over the album, they shine on this track, and we get a really good idea of what he is capable of. Voice of an angel. Last but least we have “The Pieces,” an excellent closer. It is one of those songs that has the uncanny feel of what a last song should be. You hear it and you know it is over. The journey you just went on, is at the end. The guest vocals from Mark Gorey of Take Weight just add to an already great track.

Overall, this is an exceptionally good release. My only issue with it and honestly, it is not even that big, is it is five songs at 16 minutes. It leaves you wanting more. I feel an EP should do one of two things, hold you over between full-lengths or introduce you to an artist. This is a great introduction to Resignation. And I for one cannot wait to hear more. So, if you are a fan of Samiam, Boysetsfire, Hot Water Music, and Be Well, I would give these guys a listen.

One last thing. You are important. You are loved. You are needed. Your mental health is important. If you need to talk, please reach out to someone. You are More Than Right Now!!!!! Do not forget that!!!

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