RISE – Without You (2024)
A labour of love several decades in the making, UK-based band RISE emerges from a 35-year break in a phoenix-type blaze of glory. I can’t tell for certain what led to the “break up”, life getting in the way probably, but I can tell you what led to the return. Sadly, co-founder Steve Kinley (vocals and bass) passed away and this untimely death triggered the reunion of RISE. Dedicated to Steve Kinley, RISE released their well-received EP Memories and Possibilities, and today I have the honour of delving into the track ‘Without You’.
Recorded and produced by Rob Whiteley at Whitewood Studios in Liverpool, Memories and Possibilities is more than just a tribute EP – it is an EP of encouragement, acceptance, love and hope. Drawing together the musical talent of Sam Kinley (vocals and bass), Phil Kinley (keyboards), Brian Petch (guitar) and Alex Mahoney (drums), Memories and Possibilities is a smorgasbord of alternative rock, indie-rock and pop. Synth-filled tunes ooze an ethereal dreaminess, while heavier rock drums and guitar slice through the fog in bold bursts of light.
Breathing life into nostalgic 80s and 90s rock, ‘Without You’ leans toward Jane’s Addiction with breaths of Led Zeppelin braided through the track. Amidst the pounding drums and soaring guitars, a link of Black Sabbath exists with whispers of Ozzy Osbourne’s bold, rich, yet still rugged flair heard in Sam Kinley’s vocals. Confident and filled with charismatic charm, the essence of a live performance echoes in the sophisticated production offering some tumultuous vulnerability in elegant maturity.
Undoubtedly a fragile single with tumultuous roots, ‘Without You’ is a desperate call of “I’m not ready to live without you” to a long-gone (but not forgotten) loved one. RISE explains that “this song deals with the difficult theme of loss…not an easy topic to write about, but it comes from the heart…” I’m unsure if grief should have an anthem, but if it does RISE’s ‘Without You’ is a testament to its intricate web of pain, turmoil, anger and yearning.
Find out more about RISE on their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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