Rise Against: Ricochet
Ever since I saw Rise Against for the first time almost 2 decades ago they had me, I was in, I became a fan. So a new album is always welcome! The band has just released ‘Ricochet’, the follow up of 2021’s ‘Nowhere Generation’ and it got me very excited.
The album starts promising, the first song and also the first single ‘Nod’ is really, really good. As close to a classic Rise Against song you can get.
The second track and third single ‘I Want It All’ is one of the experimental songs on this album, and I’m here for it. It reminds me of a mix between The Hives, The Vines, and quite a bit of Foo Fighters. I know that’s quite a blend, but it works and it’s angry. This might just be my favourite song on the album.
The album title track ‘Ricochet’ is another experimental one. Co-written by producer/songwriter Jennifer Decilveo (as is ‘I Want It All’), it feels a little dated and Tim’s voice seems slightly washed out at times. I actually would’ve loved it if this song would sound just a little darker but clearer.
The production of this album unfortunately starts to crack at ‘Damage is Done’. Something that doesn’t go unnoticed by fans and critics. Tim McIlrath’s voice, for example, sounds drowned out while the instruments seem off balance and distant. Which is a shame because the song is very strong lyrically. It speaks of hope and despair, but it also takes away that hope at the same time. It’s emotional but not the happy kind, which seems to be the album’s general theme.
Rise Against have always been an outspoken band, not shying away from political views or societal problems. Although in songwriting the lyrics are more open and may have been left a bit more vague on this album intentionally. ‘Us Against The World’ feels personal, but it also seems to highlight a growing sense of individualism causing stress in today’s society.
‘Black Crown’ features Andy Hull (from Manchester Orchestra) and Jennifer Decilveo. Definitely one of the most unique songs on the album, if not the whole Rise Against catalogue. Feeling timeless like a classic rock song. It gets better and better as the song progresses and for a change the production actually fits this track very well.
‘Sink Like A Stone’ (the longest track on the album), ‘Forty Days’ and ‘State Of Emergency’ sound like they were written to be played in big stadiums. With a full and powerful sound, good breakdowns (especially in ‘Forty Days’) and echoing vocals it will deliver enough power to keep you there, but leave you with enough energy for the guaranteed moshpits to follow.
The semi-acoustic ‘Gold Long Gone’ sounds like the most vulnerable song on the album. Rise Against aren’t new to writing acoustic music and Tim’s voice is definitely fit for that.
Depending on your interpretation, ‘Soldier’ is an anti-war song or a song about self-liberation. It actually does feel hopeful, and as Tim sings the final “I’m not your soldier anymore” it’s as if you feel like the person he’s singing about is finally free.
The closing track and the second single ‘Prizefighter’ sparks some more positive strong thoughts and leaves you with a sense of self-worth. Listening to it boosts your self-esteem which is definitely needed after the dark themes this album touches.
It’s fair to say this album didn’t instantly blow me away like I hoped it might, but it’s definitely an enjoyable listen. I think it’s the kind of record that will grow on me the longer I spend with it. I’ve been lucky enough to see Rise Against live around 20 times by now, and they’ve never once disappointed. I’m certain I’ll keep going to their shows, where I expect these songs will shine even brighter, because the material itself is strong and full of potential.
