There are very few bands that consistently remain at the top of my listening list - for whom a new album is eagerly anticipated like a present on Christmas morning (or Hannukah evening). Rise Against is one of those bands for me. Their previous two albums, "Siren Song of the Counterculture" and "The Sufferer and the Witness" are two, interchangeable records of gems. Each song is catchy, well performed and angry as hell. These are songs that haunt your dreams and move you to action. Even the record before those two, "Revolutions Per Minute" is a punk rock masterpiece featuring a great cover of "Any Way You Want It" showing that these straight edge vegan hardcore punkers DO know how to have a little bit of fun.
"Appeal to Reason" arrived in the mail and I instantly popped it in - the sound was instantly recognizable but also different. Present, as always, is the usual punk rock beats and Tim Mcilrath's unmistakeable, melodic but on the verge of cracking voice. There are, however, new sounds here and some things missing.
Rise Against has embraced some more traditional sounds and I would refer to this as a Rock record that fits in right next to the Foo Fighters as much as the band's punk roots. Also present is an even deeper influence from Bad Religion, featuring significant use of the "oozn'aahhs" three-part harmony method coined in punk by the Adolescents, but perfected by Bad Religion. This record is a step forward in maturity for Rise Against.
Moving forward, however, means losing some of the youthful energy. There are no straight ahead, traditional hardcore songs here - for an example of what I mean, listen to State of the Union on Siren Song of the Counterculture. I'm not complaining about this change, simply making an observation.
Rise Against, at their core, is a rare and unique band in that they carry a meaning and live that meaning to the fullest extent. The album arrives in a fully recycled package using all vegetable based inks. Along with the CD, we receive a sticker saying "Meat is not Green, Go Vegan." I promptly gave the sticker to our Vegan receptionist, Jasmine. Appeal to Reason is an appeal to the reason of humanity and America asking us to stand up to our government which has mislead us for so long.
There are, of course, songs of love, hope, stories, journeys and action. But at the core, this is a record about making our nation and our world a better place to live together. Highlights include the opening track "Collapse (Post Amerika)" and the excellent bass chord groove on "The Dirt Whispered." Also, Rise Against's ever-present acoustic track "Hero of War" speaks straight to the heart.
I continue to be impressed by Rise Against - whereas in my mind, "Siren Song..." and "The Sufferer..." remain so similar I'm not sure which track is on which album, "Appeal..." will always be it's own album and experience to me - one that stands alone as a work that I can set apart in my mind.
All fans of melodic rock with a slightly preachy side should please go check out Rise Against and their new record "Appeal to Reason."
www.myspace.com/riseagainst
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Rise Against - Appeal to Reason
Valencia - We All Need A Reason To Believe