If Lagwagon weren't known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves, they will be now. 'Resolve' is written about, and solely dedicated to, the memory of former drummer Derrick Plourde who tragically committed suicide earlier this year. Apparently this album was put together in a short space of time following Derrick's death and the darker undertones are certainly more apparent than ever before on a Lagwagon record. The band have always been known as being pretty light-hearted, but this is anything but. Heavier in tone, it's also heavier lyrically. If you thought (like me) that the recent Lagwagon releases were a disappointment, this will re-affirm your faith the band haven't lost their midas touch.
Don't get me wrong, 'Resolve' isn't perfect, but bear in mind the trying times and the emotions running through the songwriting and you'll certainly appreciate how hard it must have been to write many of these songs. 'Heartbreaking Music' starts things off in fine fashion, but lyrically hints at Joey Cape's torment towards his friend - "But I wish I were as smart as you, I could have changed your mind," he sings at one point. 'Runs In The Family' is a really solid effort, while 'The Contortionist' is fast and furious and like the 'Wagon of old.
But if you thought the lyrics were wrought with pain at this point, just wait until you get to 'Sad Astronaut', which is absolutely gut-wrenching. "As you sat on the bed, moments from your end, inconceivable dread inches from your head, I can't bear to imagine you in that horror scene," Joey Cape sings to a tortuous acoustic guitar. When the song kicks in, it's actually one of the better musically too. 'Rager' is as aggressive as the band have ever been, while 'Creepy' tends to focus on the reasons why Derrick may have taken his own life. It may be apt that the final song, 'Days of New', is almost an open letter to Derrick saying goodbye.
'Resolve' must have been an extremely difficult album to write and record bearing in mind the subject matter, but Lagwagon pass the test. It's not their best album by any means, but it's still up their as one of their better ones. Fans of the band will certainly enjoy this, but it's perhaps the first album where the band outdo themselves with their songwriting abilities, rather than just on how catchy the songs really are. A fitting tribute to their former sticksman.
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Fat Wreck
Paul
