To all those devoted fans and lovers of sound, we are honored to have back on our airwaves and welcome back to our show the Liverpool-based collective, Rise. At the heart of this sonic machinery is a tight-knit brotherhood of musicians, each of whom adds an essential layer to the rich tapestry of sound that the band has created. Providing the low-end foundation and melodic core of the song are Sam Kinley, aka stayMellow, in both the bass work and lead vocals. Providing the atmosphere with skill from the keyboards is Paul Kinley, who adds the complex details and backing vocals that give the music its signature layer of depth. Providing the drive with skill and passion is Alex Mahoney on the drums, while Brian Petch’s work on the guitars adds the essential grit and brilliance that defines the RISE experience. They are, in effect, one living, breathing entity, a collective that has been honed to perfection over years of musical chemistry that can be heard in every well-placed musical touch. We have had their company on our show before, and if we had your company back then, we’re quite certain that their last track, “Lost for Words,” was not just any ordinary track but a soul-shifting experience. And now, they’re back on our airwaves with their brand-new track, “Always,” and we’re ready to get down to the real business and get into the heart of this latest chapter.
The moment the silence is broken, you are greeted by the raw, rhythmic countdown of the drummer, a heartbeat before the storm that signals something special is about to unfold. As the first note is struck, there is no gradual build-up; instead, you are taken headfirst into a tidal wave of sound. It is an immediate, electric hook that grabs your attention and never lets go. This sudden burst of unbridled energy and pure sonic excitement is infectious, surging through the speakers with a vibrancy that makes it impossible to stand still.
Incorporated into Liverpool’s storied musical heritage, “Always” was born in the hallowed halls of Whitewood Studios. “Always” is yet another outstanding collaboration between Paul Kinley and producer Rob Whiteley, whose relationship has been built on years of understanding and instinctive creativity. Kinley describes Whiteley as having “a very rare ability to capture the raw kinetic energy of the band, an integral part of their sound and identity, built on their live performances.” The “RISE sound” is no accident; it is a rich, complex, and very unique sonic stamp, carved out through years of relentless gigging and fine-tuning. It is a familiar consistency that is at once nostalgic and new, a hallmark of a band that has worked tirelessly to ensure their sound is always unmistakable. In a climate where musical trends come and go, the technical skill and ambiance they bring to this track are a potent reminder of the benefits of sticking to one’s own sonic blueprint.
The soundscape of RISE is a masterclass in high-tempo rock, where the unbridled power of the genre meets the refined precision of melodic vocal hooks. There is a seamless, almost cinematic interplay between the shimmering synths and the gritty, unapologetic crunch of the guitars, a hallmark, it seems, of a band that knows precisely who they are. While their roots are firmly grounded in melodic rock, there are undeniable, flickering nods to progressive elements that add an extra layer of intellectual heft to their overall sound. “Always” is a shining exemplar of this growth, and it doesn’t take a particularly seasoned critic to realize the caliber of talent at work here. The song speaks for itself, and it is a rare and refreshing thing to hear such unapologetic confidence. The technical brilliance is obvious, but it is the way they marry such obvious talent with emotion that makes them stand out in an increasingly crowded field. As the final notes of this track fade into the ether, I find myself not only impressed but deeply impatient to hear the next chapter in the magic they are weaving.
Stream “Always” on Spotify
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