Rise Against
Appeal To Reason
DGC/Interscope Records
8/10
Oh, my. It seems Rise Against has fallen into a rut. A sonically delicious rut, but a rut none the less. It’s my same complaint as I have for Bad Religion: everything sounds the same. It doesn’t sound bad, it just sounds the same. Appeal to Reason has the same globally conscious lyrics and thrashing guitars as Sufferer and the Witness, complete with recycled CD packaging and biodegradable veggie inks. It doesn’t exhibit any growth, though.
Tim McIlrath’s voice is just as piercing, Zach Blair’s guitars are just as cutting, Joe Principe’s bass is just as solid and Brandon Barnes’ drums are just as steady. I don’t know if there is any real difference between ATR and SATW. Now, a lot of people get upset when a band’s sound changes, so the people who liked Sufferer will want to bed Appeal To Reason like it’s nobody’s business. But, for those who look for a solid and established band like Rise Against to grow and evolve, they may be disappointed.
Now, my criticisms may sound harsh, but it’s all out of love. The album has some killer tracks, “The Dirt Whispered” has the sing-along backing vocals that have the crowds singing along at shows, “Audience of One” has an amazing contrast in lead vs. rhythm guitars and “Hero Of War”, the album’s only ballad, reveals Timmy’s softer side as he describes a far more accurate portrayal of a soldier in war than anything I’ve yet to see in recent years.
Oh, and inside was a sticker saying that “Meat’s not Green,” if anyone can explain to me how it’s not, lemme know. I highly doubt that this sticker is green, either. Let’s discuss this like grown ups, though, if you give me bumper sticker politics, I’ll just think you have no unique views on anything and will ignore you. Otherwise, send all opening dialogues to Jonathan@racketmag.com.
-Jonathan Yost