Few bands wear their convictions as proudly as Rise Against. For over two decades, the Chicago rockers have been a voice of fury and hope, delivering anthem after anthem and balancing urgency with melody. Now, with their tenth studio album Ricochet, they’ve taken a huge leap forward.
Produced by Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Wolf Alice, Frank Turner), Ricochet sees the band step outside of their comfort zone for the first time in years. In a recent AU Review interview, lead singer Tim McIlrath shared: “This was a decision we made to intentionally go with somebody different who would see Rise Against for the first time when we played her a new song.” The result is a record that feels undeniably Rise Against, but with a refreshing new edge.
The album opens with “Nod”, a punchy, hook-filled opener that immediately locks you in. “I Want It All”, the lead single, is the album’s high point- a slow-burn intro of vocals and grungy guitar that explodes into a chorus reminiscent of early Foo Fighters. The titular track, “Ricochet” is one of the band’s boldest detours in years. Built on acoustic guitar, faded drums and McIlrath’s piercing delivery, it’s a striking change of pace.
Momentum surges again with “Damage Is Done”, a buzzing anthem that is certain to get stuck in your head. “Us Against The World” slows things back down, with McIlrath’s vocals leaning into early-2000s rock nostalgia. While “Black Crown” has an epic sound, it feels familiar and doesn’t stand out among the rest of the record. “Sink Like A Stone” kicks the tempo back up with fast-paces riffs that feel made for a live setting. These mid-album tracks showcase Rise Against’s knack for balancing urgency with melody, however the formula does start to blur things slightly.
The last half of the record explores a more dynamic territory. “Forty Days” kicks off quietly before bursting into a cathartic scream-along finale, while “State of Emergency” blends jolting riffs with the kind of big, soaring chorus that has long defined the band. “Gold Long Gone” is a rare acoustic cut that thrives in its rawness with the imperfect vocals revealing a more vulnerable side of the band and further adding to the sincerity of the track. “Soldier” and “Prizefighter” wrap things up with heart and fire, with the latter already being a massive fan-favourite, and one that McIlrath says he can’t wait to play live.
Ricochet is a reminder of why Rise Against continue to matter. Not every track reinvents the wheel, but the production, courtesy of Marks, adds grit and sincerity to their sound. At its best, this record captures the defiance and interconnectedness that McIlrath has previous said inspired the name. Ten albums in, Rise Against have struck a rare balance of staying true to their roots while proving that there’s still new ground to cover.
3.5 STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Rise Against’s Ricochet is out now. Grab your copy, or find it on your favourite streaming service HERE.
Header image supplied by PR.
