No Resolve on the Rise

Detroit's own alternative rock band No Resolve is back and ready to prove that they have what it takes to rise to the top.

The band originally formed back in 2005 when vocalist Oscar Pegorraro set out to find band mates who shared his vision and interests.

No Resolve's original lineup made a definite impact on the local music scene performing at some of the area's biggest venues from the Crofoot and the Hayloft to Clutch Cargos and The Machine Shop.

The band has played with some of rock's biggest names like Theory of A Deadman, Bret Michaels, Fuel and Saliva as well as many of the area's best local bands like Pop Evil, Critical Bill and Frequency 54.

Unfortunately, due to a number of lineup changes, plans for recording and touring stalled for awhile as the band reworked itself.

On Thanksgiving night No Resolve opened Critical Bill's annual free show at Mount Clemens' Emerald Theatre and since then they have been checking out labels and producers to finally record their long promised EP.

A couple of weeks ago, their bassist left so they are also looking around for a permanent replacement.

Currently, the band consists of Pegorraro, rhythm guitarist Jason Hatmaker, lead guitarist Johnny Luv and drummer Derek Bjornson.

On Friday night, the band was chosen to open Finger Eleven's Live Nation show at Saint Andrews Hall.

After their sound check I spoke to the band, including Andrew Martone, who was sitting in as bassist for the night for his first live show with them.

"The first show he gets is opening for Finger Eleven!", laughed Pegorraro.

Martone commented that it was "not too bad" and said that playing with the band has been a lot of fun.

The evening's show is the only one they booked for awhile due to the fact that they are planning to take some time to get into the studio to work on their EP, "We've got to get in the studio and work on touring afterwards. We're gonna do an album release party somewhere in Pontiac or Detroit," explained Pegorraro.

No Resolve has not recorded anything yet but they are currently working with producer Shane Grush and hope to get the EP out by springtime.

At the moment, the band is shooting for a decently sized EP as they already have around 15-19 songs to work with.

As far as a album concept Pegorraro says that they are just looking to "write good songs".

When asked about a song that stands out, the band agreed that "She Trusts Me Not" and "Screaming In Stereo" are great live songs.

For the evening's show the band put together a 30 minute set featuring eight of their own songs; something that they are proud of since most local bands without a album feature mostly covers, "It's just that our songs are better than any covers!" shared Bjornson.

The band got on the billing due to the fact that they had played a Live Nation show before and done well so their name immediately came to mind but Pegorraro also had another theory, "Derek did a couple of favors!"

When asked to describe their alternative rock music, Pegorraro threw out a number of adjectives including "melodic", both "fast and slow-paced", "enjoyable" and "rocking".

The band cites a wide range of influences from Incubus, Papa Roach and Motley Crue to Led Zeppelin and 311.

No Resolve is in talks to share the stage with Chevelle and Hinder in the future but the band also spoke about some other people they would like to tour with including Papa Roach.

When asked about whether they thought their friendships with other local bands helped them to increase their recognition, the band agreed that it really doesn't since everyone is trying to do their own thing in a competitive sort of way. They are all fighting for the same spots.

Pegorraro went on to say that he felt the best way to get your name is out there is through, "Going on the radio and on the road. You have to keep doing what we're doing: keep writing new songs and appeal to everybody I suppose."

The interview drew to a close as Hail the Villain's crew took to the stage to start their sound check.

No Resolve went on to play a solid set that came close to overshadowing the evening's other bands and proved they have what it takes to make that leap into the national spotlight.