Our favorite political punks in Rise Against have released their new LP Wolves today. The album continues the political themes that the band is known for. The debut single from the album, “The Violence” directly addresses the violent nature that humanity has reached while begging the question
“Are we not good enough?
Are we not brave enough?
Is the violence in our nature
Just the image of our maker?”
“Welcome to the Breakdown” is one of the heaviest songs on the album (although not as heavy as The Sufferer & The Witness’s “Ready to Fall”). It calls out Trump’s followers as sheep that have been played. The song embodies the anger towards the current political situation which is highlighted by Tim McIlrath’s angst filled screams. This isn’t the only song directly referencing Trump, “How Many Walls” attacks his plan for the wall on the Mexican border.
Another strong song off the album is “Bullshit”, an angst filled political anthem calling out those ignorant to the problems of society. The song’s message is strengthened by the chorus, a call and repeat of “this is bullshit” with a group chant along with vocals sounding as if they’re coming from a mega phone, creating the idea of people joining together to rebel. In contrast to rebeling, “Mourning in Amerika” is one of the less heavy songs on the album. This melodic song paints a picture of a dismal, sad and mislead America, begging for peace.
The album does not stray very far from Rise Against’s traditional sound; a combination of melodic vocals with punk instrumentals and McIlrath’s screams. The album is comparable to older Rise Against, such as Appeal to Reason (2008) and The Sufferer & The Witness (2006) as opposed to their previously release The Black Market in 2014. Not every song on the album is necessarily strong. As politically active that Rise Against is, I had higher expectations for this album admits the turmoil that politics has become. The band is known for expressing their frustration and anger, and I feel like this album fell just short of their potential.
Rise Against will be headlining a tour this fall with guests Pierce the Veil and White Lung. Tickets are on sale now.
* Pierce The Veil only
9/14 – Abbotsford, BC @ Abbotsford Centre
9/16 – Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Event Centre
9/18 – Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Center
9/20 – Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
9/23 – Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
9/24 – Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
9/26 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Orbit Room
9/27 – Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theatre
9/29 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
10/01 – Peoria, Illinois @ Limelight Eventplex*
10/03 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
10/04 – Baltimore, MD @ Pier Six Pavilion
10/05 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
10/06 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summerstage
