Formed in
1999, it is safe to stay that Rise Against have firmly stamped their mark on
the modern punk rock scene. Fast forward fourteen years and the Chicago
four-piece is back with ‘Long Forgotten Songs’, a compilation of B-sides and
covers 2000-2013.
Click below
to read what we thought of the album…
Boasting
an impressive 26 tracks, ‘Long Forgotten Songs’ is an eclectic mix of older and
newer songs now allowed to be given the credit they deserve. Neatly packaged together,
the album is a slick affair bringing together punkier anthems, infectious tunes
and numerous cover versions. ‘Historia Calamitatum’ it is a fast, furious
opener with a soaring chorus truly kicking off the album in style. ‘Death
Blossoms’, made famous via the Guitar Hero game, is a percussive, stirring anthem
filled with catchy hooks and an impressive instrumental. Equal in rise and
fall, heavy and melodic it is somewhat of a masterclass on how to write a punk
rock song.
Don’t
be fooled into thinking that ‘Long Forgotten Songs’ is purely angry punk hardcore
tunes, because it includes much more. ‘Everchanging’ is effortless with Tim
Mcllrath’s raspy vocals perfectly gliding over the acoustic track. Here Rise Against show
another string to their bow and the track is truly enchanting. Impressive
throughout, the entire album flits from upbeat anthems to slower melodies and
everything inbetween. ‘But Tonight We Dance’ is dynamic and eclectic and the
stand out track on the entire record. Its slower musing opening makes way for a
soaring, powerful chorus. Dynamic vocals are also shown off on cover versions
of tracks such as Nirvana’s ‘Silver’ and ‘Making Christmas’. The album is passionate
and well refined and closes out in style with a live, gritty cover of Bruce
Springsteen’s ‘Ghost of Tom Joad’.
This
isn’t a compilation of songs that weren’t good enough to make the album cut
first time around. ‘Long Forgotten Songs’ is a well rounded compilation filled
with infectious, re-freshed tunes. Nor is this purely for long standing Rise Against
fans. Sure fans will love it, but if you’re new to Rise Against, firstly- where
have you been? And secondly, it’s not too late as ‘Long Forgotten Songs’ is the
perfect introduction to the band. 8/10
http://www.riseagainst.com/
