The Action Blast - Find Resolution Review - ROCKSPOSURE.....Be Heard

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Album Review - "Find Resolution"

Article By Chris Brach

The Summer of 2011 has been a productive one for Chicago’s The Action Blast.  Having already played in Q101’s Jamboree, Milwaukee’s Summerfest, and a show at House of Blues Chicago opening for Lucky Boys Confusion, The Action Blast have worked tirelessly to promote their upcoming EP, “Find Resolution” (Releasing August 16th).  The Summer music scene in Chicago is a hot one, and “Find Resolution” fits right into it, that’s why The Action Blast are our July Artist of the Month.

Musically The Action Blast remind of several major rock acts.  If you’re a fan of Papa Roach, 30 Seconds to Mars, or Bullet for My Valentine then “Find Resolution” is definitely for you.  The album is packed with solid drumwork, a great mix of lead and rhythm guitars, and a thumping bass line that all help compliment the multiple vocal styles that are showcased within the seven song EP.

The Action Blast reveal their identity and style quickly with the album opener which just happens to also be the title track.  Storming guitars and drums accompanied by powerful vocals and a few well placed screams set the tone for a solid rock EP. The track flys thanks to a menacing guitar riff.  This same guitar helps The Action Blast smoothly transition into “Our Messiah” as they change to a more forceful demeanor than they carried on the opening song.  

Equally aggressive are the tracks “Live Last and Conquer”, “Let This Go”, and “Only Seconds” which effectively resonate the musical attitude that is The Action Blast.  The band seems to have worked out a very effective formula to their songs.  Just about every track runs wide open, checks up for a few bars, then finishes at the blazing pace that they started.  Is it ground breaking rock song structure?  No, but it works damn well for this band and they make the most of it on every song.

If you’re a fan of the band and the seven songs from the EP aren’t enough for you, you’ll be pleased to know that along with the EP release will be an iTunes exclusive bonus song titled “Fire”.  “Fire” opens with what I can best describe as an old school guitar riff and drum beat, but it quickly shifts into what might be the most polished song in The Action Blast’s arsenal.  It’s upbeat, fast, catchy, and a great song to drop the windows down and cruise to in the hot Summer sun.  If you are debating where to grab the EP once it launches in August, consider this a vote for iTunes as this song is a nice addition to the EP.

In just a little over a year, The Action Blast have quickly amassed a strong following in Chicago.  Their skills along with the support of their dedicated fans helped them win a spot on one of the hottest Summer Festival shows, local rock station Q101’s Jamboree, back in early June via a Battle of the Bands contest.  Based on all of their success and following one thing is for certain, they are making waves in Chi-town for a reason.  The fast paced rock captured on “Find Resolution” is a notice to all that rock is alive and well in the Windy City........and it’s only a matter of time before that word starts to spread beyond the greatest city on the planet.