ALBUM REVIEW: Ricochet – Rise Against
Punk rock legends, RISE AGAINST, are back with their newest record Ricochet. One thing to know about the Chicago quartet is that they are never one to keep quiet on the important issues of the world and always encourage action, rather than a reaction, in the face of adversity and division. The band actively hold a mirror to this, one that is now so commonplace in the world we live in, especially in the last few months following last year’s US election.
Little time is wasted in kicking off into loud and powerful punk-rock territory with opening track Nod that blends the genre with classic rock riffs, creating something of the anthemic variety where you become pumped in record time. Paired with an incredible bouncy chorus, we know that this record is going to be signature RISE AGAINST in the best way possible. That energy continues into the next track, I Want It All, where things start out with guitar riffs reminiscent of THE KINKS‘ You Really Got Me. In the background we can hear the drums doing a countdown for when the full band comes in, and when they do, we’re once again in anthemic rock territory, only this time it’s more on happier topics with the lyrics pertaining to love. It just goes to show the versatility of their lyrical content.
Of course, when you hear the name RISE AGAINST, what one immediately expects is punk rock songs unafraid to call out the state of the world with every song, outside of I Want It All, appearing to fulfil those expectations. From the title track, opening up with moody acoustic guitar with industrial sound effects blended in the background alongside low electric guitar riffs, everything explodes on the brutally loud chorus where we know we’re in their signature angry territory, and we love every second as one cannot ignore the urge to pump their fist in their air.
Elsewhere, the more melancholic Gold Long Gone allows for a more serious tone with a slower composition that gradually builds in intensity as frontman, Tim McIlrath, sings about the negative changes we’re seeing in the world and how things seem to progressing backwards rather than forwards.
Another thing of note is how powerful most songs make you feel regardless of pace or intensity. For example, Damage Is Done is a fast anthemic track with some grit, confirming that we’re back in angry territory, that leaves you both empowered and in awe, and then in the same category we have Soldier that is powerful in the sense of how emotional it makes you feel thanks to the low, darker guitar notes setting the scene that then builds to an incredible payoff during the bridge.
Ricochet is stunning record that the world sorely needs in such a tumultuous time. RISE AGAINST have done it again in creating something that, not only, captures the reality we’re in but also firmly reminds us that as long as we stay united, we will get through this together.
Rating: 8/10
Ricochet is set for release on August 15th via Loma Vista Recordings.
Like RISE AGAINST on Facebook.