Review Summary: Pounding riffs, passionate lyrics, and outstanding vocals make Siren Song of the Counter Culture an album for the ages.
Rise Against are a diamond in the rough. They are underrated for their time and are often overlooked.
Siren Song of the Counter Culture was the album responsible for launching the mainstream career of Rise Against and bringing to light the early wave of post-hardcore. The album’s reliance on simplicity, variety, and energy curated a genre defining record. Powerful vocals, abstract lyrics, and pounding riffs await listeners of
Siren Song of the Counter Culture.
‘State of the Union’ is a good track to open the album. The song introduces the general theme of
Siren Song… which regards the 2004 political climate. “Countdown, to the very end. Equality, an invitation that we won’t accept,” belts through the chaos in a song defined by its anger towards those who deny political fairness. ‘The First Drop’ softens up by providing a more general punk song about closed-minded politics. ‘Life Less Frightening,’ among the best songs on this record, offers a yearning for a better life. The inviting riff leads into an emotional powerhouse about common problems with dissatisfaction. The bridge section immerses the listener into the weight of the song. “Is there a god tonight, up in the sky, or is it empty just like me,” drowns the listener into answerless questions and shifting perspectives about the quality of life, but begs for simplicity through the madness.
‘Paper Wings’ follows with a taste of pop-punk. Marked by a lighthearted solo, ‘Paper Wings’ tells the story about someone who has yet to reach their full potential. The song easily becomes a fan favorite by playing the strength of the band. ‘Blood to Bleed’ chugs in with a curious bassline, but an otherwise simple song about being bled dry by a relationship. ‘To Them These Streets Belong’ jerks to a more modern punk format. “My hands are soaking in the blood of angels,” moshes through your mind and inspires the masses to stand for their beliefs.
‘Tip the Scales’ continues the questions in a song about people not wanting to be different and being afraid of their mistakes. “We fell from the sky today; we melt into balls of clay. We sell ourselves every day, don’t tell me how to live this way,” discusses the simplicity of human life and how no one desires to change. “Pushed so far to the edge, we teeter just on the brink. You can lead me to a bloodbath, but you won’t make me drink,” defines the theme by outlining the importance of making our own way instead of following others.
‘Anywhere but Here’ relieves the tension through a mellow anthem about escaping. ‘Give it All,’ the albums most famous single, lives up to its name. The track explains the passion behind their songs and the reason to give it all. The controlled chaos and lively vocals are enough to appeal to casual and established fans. “Today I offer myself up to this. I’m living for my dying wish,” are lyrics that haven’t yet been forgotten. ‘Dancing for Rain’ changes pace by opening with a soft acoustic riff. Another stellar track on
Siren Song of the Counter Culture, ‘Dancing for Rain’ is known for its obscure narrative about searching for answers. “These worlds collide but the distance remains. We point the finger, never accept the blame…” also delve into more complex themes of self-criticism and doubt.
‘Swing Life Away,’ another exceptional track, gives an honest portrayal of slowing down and enjoying a relationship. The personable lyrics and simplistic instrumentals delivers a nostalgic song about living in simpler times. Longing for simplicity is an ongoing theme in
Siren Song of the Counter Culture, and ‘Swing Life Away’ defines it marvelously. ‘Rumors of My Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated’ closes the album with an energetic track about not being afraid to follow one’s dream.
Siren Song of the Counter Culture is a fantastic record. I find this album to be the personification of the early post-hardcore movement as well as one of the most important albums of the early 2000’s. The simple yet emotive lyrics are mesmerizing. The variety of styles broaden the perspectives a lot of songs deliver. ‘Paper Wings’ and ‘Swing Life Away’ are perfect examples of how style affects substance. Its easy for some to indulge in
Siren Song of the Counter Culture due to the amount of impactful songs. The album starts strongly and resolves peacefully. There aren’t many tracks I would define as weak. Some tend to label ‘Anywhere but Here’ as the weakest track, but even so, it serves its purpose of relaying a simple theme in a simple way. I enjoyed
Siren Song of the Counter Culture entirely and regard it as one of my personal favorite albums.
Siren Song… is a good representation of Rise Against in their prime. They lived up to their name and called for fans to ‘Rise Against’ whatever grief they were having. Most critics, at least upon the release of the album, cited a lack of memorable tracks and excitement to be the albums biggest flaw. I struggle to find those issues when examining
Siren Song… track-by-track. Maybe the comments will help me with this. The album has certainly aged well, and even comes back to haunt us during the past election. It’s safe to say
Siren Song of the Counter Culture is ahead of it’s time. 4.5 is justified because the album is superb. Although Rise Against may have peaked,
Siren Song of the Counter Culture is a refreshing take on a tough subject. Themes of politics, enlightenment, and fulfillment are well explored and represented. Passion is felt in this record and is often overlooked by many. All in all,
Siren Song of the Counter Culture is a great album that offered hope to a genre that would eventually collapse in on itself.
Standout Tracks:
Life Less Frightening
Dancing for Rain
Tip the Scales
Paper Wings
