The restlessness of blind reverence
Punk band Rise Against recently released their studio EP Nowhere Generation II as a follow-up to their previous album Nowhere Generation released in 2021. This five-track EP is a vibrant album filled with bursting energy and hopeful vigor. It is expectedly biting and searing with its intentionally rebellious anthems.
The opening track, “The Answer,” is pure energy from start to finish. However, this track leaves a lot of room for guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe and drummer Brandon Barnes to show off in bursts of freestyle solos, which gives the song a special touch. “The Answer” gives the impression of a clever think piece. It provides hope with lyrics such as “But these roads can still be built, and these wrongs can be undone.”
The next track, “Last Man Standing,” is individualistic and interpretive with its intentions. It compares topics such as indecision versus cemented thoughts and what is familiar versus the unknown. For example, the lyrics “It hovers like a cloud, and I can’t see your eyes, your face, there’s a road that I am staring at, a foot on both the brake and gas, and I don’t know how to leave or how to stay” gives a heavy indication with additional hints about attempting to see through smoke clouds with little insight and only guesses. A consistent melody from the bass, guitar and drums are the spine of this track.
Another noteworthy track is the closer, “Pain Mgmt.” There is noticeable life on this track with eye-popping comparisons and wailing guitar riffs backed by a thunderous drum piece. There is never a dull moment as this track includes sounds of serpents, vultures and a chainsaw’s purr, which paints the image of feral survival and savage escapades.
Nowhere Generation II is an album that is untamed, resilient, defiant and fierce. Every track is deliberate as their titles speak for themselves. Rise Against takes various stances throughout their work, for example, one stance being against alienation. Nowhere Generation II provides a thorough outline to those blazing a trail in a complex world.
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