Chicago's Rise Against began in 1999 when ex-88 Fingers Louie bassist Joe Principe tapped area vocalist Tim Mcllrath for a new project rooted in the sound and social vision of traditionalist hardcore. Joined by fellow 88 Fingers vet Dan Precision on guitar and, eventually, drummer Brandon Barnes, Rise Against signed to Fat Wreck and issued The Unraveling in 2001. Extensive touring followed, leading to their sophomore outing, 2002's Revolutions Per Minute. After solid response from fans and critics alike, as well as a stint on the high-exposure Warped Tour, Rise Against left the Fat Wreck fold for DreamWorks/Geffen. By this point, guitar duties were being handled by Chris Chasse (Reach the Sky). Rise Against made their big-time debut in August 2004 with the grandiosely titled
Siren Song of the Counter Culture. (taken from MTV.com profile on Rise Against)
On
Siren Song of the Counter Culture Rise Against is:
Joe Principe - Bass/Backing Vocals
Tim McIlrath - Vocals/Backing Guitar
Branden Barnes - Drums
Chris Chasse - Guitar/Backing Vocals
1. State of the Union
Good introduction to the album, but this track led me to think that this album was heavier than it really is. Much more screaming than any other track. Anyways the song starts off punching you in the face with that killer heavy guitar riff. The high point of this track is the bridge where Tim's lyrics read "Guilty is what our graves will read, no year no family..." My only problem with this song is how short it is. The song ends after the bridge. Still a good track. 8/10
2. The First Drop
Quite the change from the first track. Chris and Brandon work well together in this one. Alto riffage layerd over quick drumming that is apparent throughout the song. The subtle guitar/bass lines during the verses compliment the vocals. The vocals kinda take over the verses, but Tim is a very good song writer so I'm not complaining. I like the chorus in that Tim's lyrics are really fast but at the same time the the backing vocals are slow, and laid back. 8/10
3. Life Less Frightening
Great intro to the song. As soon as it starts, Joe's bass really takes over the song. Great bass line. Its very simple and sounds great, it fits with the vocals very well. Both are very bright and "bouncy" one might say. The bass in the bridge is awesome too. As far as the other instruments go, they are rather similar to that of "The First Drop". I like how the bridge drills the lyrics in your mind with the apex of the song that screams "Is there a god tonight, up in the sky? or is it empty just like me?" 8.5/10
4.Paper Wings
Great introduction to the song. A speedy rhythm section under a guitar piece that sounds as if it could be a solo. The lyrics in the verses are very entertaining. They aren't political like the rest of the songs, but still meaningful. The acoustic guitar in the bridge that with the quiet vocals building up to the chorus is a nice touch. Killer guitar solo as well. 8/10
5. Blood to Bleed
Excellent bass line. It's always nice to hear bass players that play more than one string at a time. The vocals in the verses present a very sinister, almost metal feeling to the song. A very dark sounding track until the chorus comes, which then becomes more of a mellow song. Chris' Solo in this one is very interesting. It's very simple but because it is molded perfectly with the tempo and the mood of the song it makes for a great listen. 8/10
6. To Them These Streets Belong
A much more punk sounding song than any of the previous tracks. The song explodes after Tim says the track title the first time. The song has a very energetic flow throughout the entire song. The backing shouts leading to Tim's yelling in the verse make for a great buildup to the chorus, which is equally great. The harmonized backing vocals in the chorus really fill the song out and make it more memorable. 8/10
7. Tip the Scales
My favorite track off the album. The savage guitar intro soon leads to the bass, drums and guitar all just jamming, hard to explain, but sounds awesome. The angry lyrics as well as the guitar during with the verses. "Tip the Scales" presents Tim's distaste for the how the American government treats it's people; "our lives will not be lived in vain". The two seperate brakedowns (one bass, one guitar) are excellent. Both bass and a guitar solo in one song is hard to comeby nowadays. 10/10
8. Anywhere But Here
A somewhat mellow song. "Anywhere But Here" is probably the closest any of these songs get to being a filler. Drums are predominant throughout the song and are particularly great during the verses. This track offers a really catchy, singalong-type chorus. I honestly have trouble not singing along with "Destination, anywhere but here". Not much else too special with this track. 7.5/10
9. Give It All
My second favorite off the album and first single, great selection. Really fast paced verses with more of Tim's great lyrics. I like how the second half of the second verse looses the guitar and the lyrics are quieted down. It brings an unexpected silence to the song amongst the distortion and yelling. While chorus lyrics are dumbed down a little bit, it makes for one of the best and most memorable parts of
Siren Song of the Counter Culture. But if the rest of the song didn't do it for you, the last few lines of the song really sum up what the song is about. "Today I offer up myself to this..." 10/10
10. Dancing For Rain
Great intro to the song with the slow acousic guitar turning into the really fast guitar and drums. Not something one might expect from Rise Against. I like how the speed and sound of the song changes so much throughout the song, from acousitc guitar, to speed punk, to screaming at the end. Tim's use of "Dancing For Rain" to describe how desperate people are in the wold makes for a clever metaphor. 8/10
11. Swing Life Away
The second single off the album. Great performance by Tim in the song. He shows us that he doesn't need to scream to make a great song. The lyrics are really universal. Lots of the things Tim says make me think or brings back old memories. Sounds like Tim poured his heart out into this one. The lyrics are really good throughout the song. "If love is a labor I'll slave to the end." 9/10
12. Rumors of My Demise have been Greatly Exaggerated
Just hearing the opening guitar, you know this is going to be an energetic and explosive finish to the album. That same energy flows throughout the song. This song definitely has the best bridge of the album. The striking vocals ("shots fired!, into the sky") leading to the quick tempo offers one of the best moments of the album. The lyrics of the chorus really make the song a good ending to the album with "When I die." The very end of the song turns into only the vocals and the guitar which sound great. 9.5/10
Summary:
After hearing
Siren Song of the Counter Culture I was convinced Rise Against had resurrected punk. To many (including myself at one point) punk is a overly simple genre littered with power chords and less than meaningful lyrics. Thankfully Rise Against and similar bands have established hope for a genre that seems to have begun to be forgotten.
Siren Song of the Counter Culture has broken the stereotypical punk norm and moved Rise Against to the forefront of modern punk. Every song on the album is loaded with emotion, ambition, and skillful musicianship. I planned on writing a pros/cons section for this review, but I honestly can't think of any major cons. The album doesn't have one bad song. Only a few really good ones, but I can't ask for anything else. While this album would be most appreciated by political activists and those who enjoy hardcore punk, this album has something to offer listeners of all genres. Anyways I hope you all enjoy this album as much as I do.
BTW: This was my first review, I'd really appreciate if you guys let me know how I did.
