CD Review: Rise Against's "Appeal To Reason"
Dale Johnson
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Reviews
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Combining the punk street cred of bands like Bad Religion with the hardcore elements of older bands like Minor Threat and Black Flag, Rise Against creates a sound that is not only enjoyable, but intelligent and engaging. It's this second factor that sets Rise Against apart from so many punk bands and their radio counterparts - the ability to create music that is both sonically pleasing and socially conscious.
"Appeal To Reason" is a natural progression for a band that has been straying from its heavier roots for a few albums. Instead of focusing on fast-paced songs and angst, Rise Against often turns to mid-paced songs to flesh out "Appeal," and while these songs are not bad, they leave something to be desired at some points.
The album kicks off with the biting, punk-beat backed "Collapse (Post-Amerika)." A ringing, distorted guitar leads to a quick spun opening riff and brief guitar solo by new lead guitarist Zach Blair before blasting in to the full song. Lead singer/ guitarist Tim McIlrath keeps pace with the fast drumbeat before slowing down a bit for the infectious chorus singing, "This is not a test/ Oh no, this is cardiac arrest." The opener is very similar to Rise Against's punk-inspired past work and sets the album off on a strong point.
Much in the same vein of the first single from "The Sufferer And The Witness," "Ready To Fall," comes the third track, "Re-Education (Through Labor)," the lead single of this album. A slow, driving verse leads to a chorus backed by excellent riffs and a simple drumbeat. The song climaxes with a powerful bridge that couples McIlrath's rough vocals with a subtle building drum and guitar combination until it blasts into its roaring conclusion.
"The Dirt Whispered" does the best job showing that Rise Against is OK with letting the faster riffs and screamed vocals of its past take a back seat in favor of simpler song arrangements that do not sacrifice any of the sophistication that the band is known for.
Despite this, at times it does seem like Rise Against holds back a bit of its aggression that helped to create the unique sound that the band is known for. In particular, the middle section of "Appeal" drags on a bit too long, muddled with slower paced songs that begin to blend in to one another. Tracks like "From Heads Unworthy," "The Strength To Go On," and "Audience Of One" all leave something to be desired after completion.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 14
Yeater
posted 10/07/08 @ 7:10 PM PST
Couldn't have said it better myself. Almost perfectly matches my own thoughts.
Tim
posted 10/07/08 @ 8:19 PM PST
Ya I'm disappointed that they have deviated so far from the punkyness of RPM. I agree that these songs are more mainstream and "trendy" to suit the radio audience. (Continued…)
Laur
posted 10/07/08 @ 8:40 PM PST
yes, i agree as well. I love their entire range, from hardcore to less-than-mainstream punk, and I do miss the fast-paced, pounding themes of songs such as Bricks and Drones in Sufferer, and especially Give it All in Siren Song. (Continued…)
tim
posted 10/08/08 @ 8:40 PM PST
i feel the album is amazing... hero of war is the new roadside from the last album. overall a well created cd
JAKE
posted 10/10/08 @ 11:29 AM PST
If you are new to Rise Against, or weren't a big fan of their older stuff, you will probably like this album.
However, if you yearn for the days of The Unraveling and RPM's, you will be majorly disappointed. (Continued…)
Jesse Krzenski
posted 10/11/08 @ 6:32 PM PST
You can clearly tell that Rise Against is really trying to become more "radio" on this album. I am a huge fan so I still like it but I could really go for some more heavy stuff than what they offer on this album. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 10/12/08 @ 12:06 AM PST
Good beats definitely lacking the intensity and speed of their other albums. Most of their songs are a little to mainstream but Entertainment and Savior are really good if you like their older side. (Continued…)
cf
posted 10/18/08 @ 3:18 PM PST
I LOVEEEE THIS ALBUM.
its perfect
people are saying omg its more softer but who cares. its still great
fraser
posted 10/20/08 @ 6:56 AM PST
A tad disappointed to be honest. The album had some strong points, but I miss stuff like Black Masks and Gasoline, Halfway There, State of the Union, Life Less Frightening. (Continued…)
Russell
posted 10/24/08 @ 12:39 PM PST
I personally enjoyed this album. Although, I do put The Unraveling and RPM as my two favorite albums. I can see the band going towards a more poppy sound, but it's still not to the point of *shudders* the Jonas Brothers. (Continued…)
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