RISE dropped their frantic single, “Always,” marking an intensely energized, fiercely passionate turn for the Liverpool quartet. Known for splicing high-tempo melodic rock with sharp pop-punk and progressive rock flourishes, the dynamic four-piece construct a heavy, wildly distorted, and relentlessly rhythmic foundation here.
Sam Kinley (aka stayMellow) holds it down on bass and lead vocals, locked in step with Alex Mahoney’s furious drumming. Around them, Paul Kinley stacks intricate keyboards and backing vocals while Brian Petch drives the momentum forcefully forward on guitar.
Lyrically, the track wades straight into the concept of unwavering loyalty. Rather than wallowing in the gloom of a difficult time, it extends an unconditionally protective hand. The melody leaps from its rhythmic grit into soaring, anthemic high notes across the main hooks. Before you know it, a blisteringly rapid sequence of cascading, high-pitched notes carries the structure toward a resounding climax. It is a massive rush of adrenaline, designed to be an emotional lifeline for someone overwhelmed by circumstances.
We spend so much effort romanticizing isolation, pretending we don’t need anyone in our corner. RISE entirely tears up that tired script. What happens when a rock band decides that furiously optimistic, unwavering support is the heaviest statement they can make?
