Counterculture is a term used to describe a cultural group whose values and norms are at odds with those of the social mainstream, a cultural equivalent of a political opposition.
(wikipedia.org)
I remember when I first heard a Rise Against song; I was at a friend’s place, playing the Ps2 and on comes
Paper Wings . I was amazed; little did I know how much that song’s lyrics would stay in my head. (If anyone wishes further info on why, just ask)
I remember thinking how different Tim Mcllrath’s vocals were, how simple the guitar riff sounded. 1 year later, I decided to pick this up instead of their previous album. How glad I am that I picked this, if I hadn’t I’d have never discovered, what are now some of my absolute favorite songs
general thoughts
Lyrics are their strong point , but that’s not to say that they’re bad musicians, in fact, for punkesque music, they’re some of the best. Catchy riffs, good use of powerchords yeah, ok not full chords but come on, it’s ########, you’re not expecting virtuoso-like guitar and bass.
What is Rise against’s party piece? His name’s Tim Mcllrath, his vocals throughout the album go between various songs, from Alexisonfire style screaming to Dashboard Confessional, ballad like vocals and every thing in between. This man has a unique voice as well. His voice isn’t like many others; it has this, scratched quality to it, like every syllable has been scraped with sandpaper.
While Tim’s vocals add to the song by no end, the lyrical brilliance throughout the album, is amazing. It is of a continuously high standard, seen by looking at the lyrics
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let's take this one day at a time, i'll hold your hand if you hold mine (romantic)
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hands over my ears, i've been screaming all these years (confusion)
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when i die will they remember not what i did but what i haven't done? (regret)
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This just shows Rise against’s lyrical dexterity, as those 3 themes are all in one song, they are, truly, every punk/######## fans band, there’s just so much to like. And this, as I said, is throughout the whole album.
Chris Chasse’s guitar playing in this is very good for a punk guitarist, with some rather good riffs and the occasional solo sneaking into some of the songs. Another quite nice and rather different thing is that Rise Against aren’t afraid to use an acoustic guitar or, indeed, to switch between styles. Whether it be a politically charged, anti-bush rant-song or a peaceful acoustic song, it’s all there. That’s what makes this album so varied, the changing of styles throughout each song.
The bass and the drums, I have to say, are actually very good for a punk band. The bass stands out instead of being left out and the drums sound rather good as well, not to overpowering but just enough to make you want more of it. The typical theme of “ there’s no bass” is abandoned. Thank god as Joe Principe is to talented to just sit in the background, instead, he becomes a vital, vital cog in the Rise Against machine.
Highlight tracks
The album is amazing all round, however, it has 3 exemplary tracks, that everyone needs to hear.
1. Paper wings:- anyone who’s played Burnout 3 will know this song like no other. The song that got me into Rise Against, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Nice, simple and effective intro riff, great lyrics, good bass and a solo, IN A PUNK SONG! And it’s an amazing solo as well, not some half assed crappy solo. Just a great song in all ways that man has managed to put names for so far
2. Rumors of my Demise… :- All that can be said about this track really is WOW! The lyrical themes in this are so varied you couldn’t believe it unless you listened to it. The guitar is so high energy, you can tell that the song is going to be a powerful one. The lyrics are the best on the album
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when i die will they remember not what i did but what i haven't done?
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, Along with the bass and the drums. Tim goes into full scream mode while keeping his good voice as well
3. Blood to Bleed:- Definitely one of the darker songs, not to mention a song that a Certain mod seems to like or did like, and it’s not hard to see why, cool lyrics nice guitar and very good bass and drums, a difficult one to describe, but it is an amazing song
+Pros+
Guitar solos
Use of acoustic
Changing between styles
Good bass
Amazing lyrics
-Cons-
Tim’s vocals are love or hate
That’s it
so how do i rate this? 4.5/5 not because it isn't perfect but it's not classic. the songs all work really well and Tim shows how good rise against are.
4.5/5
9/10
90%
i'd recommend this to people who like politically charged Punk and/or Rage against the machiine on lyrical content alone
