After more than two decades of embodying the rebellious spirit of punk rock, Rise Against continues to forge ahead with their latest album, Ricochet. The Chicago legends, known for their socially and politically charged anthems, demonstrate that they still have a lot to say, albeit through a different lens this time. Ricochet feels less like a spontaneous act of rebellion bursting forth from the underground and more like a meticulously crafted manifesto, a bold blueprint that aspires to chart a new direction. While this ambition is commendable, it struggles with its execution in several ways.
The lyrical content of the album is undeniably compelling; frontman Tim McIlrath shifts the focus from localised grievances, such as systemic injustices and personal struggles, to a broader, more unifying rallying cry against societal apathy. Lines filled with evocative imagery showcase the band’s enduring commitment to their political ethos, and the ambition behind this expansive call to arms is more pronounced on Ricochet than in their previous works like Siren Song of the Counter Culture and Endgame.
However, it’s in the musicality where the album starts to falter. The raw, sensory energy that defined Rise Against’s earlier classics, such as “Swing Life Away” and “Prayer of the Refugee,” seems to be a distant memory. Instead, the band has leaned heavily into a more polished, anthemic, arena-rock style. Tracks like “I Want It All” and “Prizefighter” are clearly crafted for crowd sing-alongs, brimming with infectious hooks designed to resonate in stadiums. In contrast, others, such as “Forty Days” and “Sink Like a Stone,” adopt a more subdued and introspective tone. While this new direction aims for a broader appeal, the polished sound feels somewhat incongruous for a band historically known for their raw, unfiltered aggression.
This brings us to the album’s most significant flaw: the production itself. It sounds excessively clean, as if every rough edge has been meticulously sanded down. McIlrath’s iconic vocals, once a powerful, unfiltered force that could ignite passion, sometimes get overshadowed by radio-friendly effects and an overly polished production style, which dampens their emotional impact. While a shinier mix might align better with this more restrained iteration of Rise Against, it ultimately detracts from the songs’ inherent power. Longtime fans who cherish the band’s gritty, unrefined sound may find this sterile approach to be a significant misstep, a dilution of the raw intensity that initially drew them to the band.
In the end, Ricochet is not a complete misstep; it reflects a band willing to explore new sonic territory, even if the outcome is an uneven one. The album carries a strong, timely message that resonates with contemporary issues but sacrifices much of the raw energy that initially captivated their dedicated fan base. While it marks a departure from their earlier sound, it leaves us to wonder what future offerings may hold for Rise Against as they navigate this new path.
