Rise Against isn’t the first punk band to embrace arena rock’s grand scale, but few have bridged these two worlds as seamlessly as they do here. After two decades of refining their sound—blending the breakneck energy of early melodic hardcore with massive hooks and polished production—the Chicago band’s 10th album is a powerhouse. Frontman Tim McIlrath fuels its bold sound and fiery message, striking an unlikely balance between Strike Anywhere’s intensity and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s grit.
Teaming up with Grammy-winning producer Catherine Marks (known for her work on Boygenius’ The Record) and legendary mixer Alan Moulder, the band masterfully balances raw emotion with studio precision. McIlrath’s politically charged lyrics find the perfect match in the crushing sound of tracks like Sink Like a Stone and Nod, the latter channeling the urgency of their 2006 hit Prayer of the Refugee.
That said, there’s a fine line between ambition and excess, and Rise Against occasionally crosses it. I Want It All leans too heavily into garage-rock clichés, while the power ballad Gold Long Gone feels overly polished. But they redeem themselves with tracks like Black Crown, a collaboration with Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull. It’s a haunting anthem about fighting apathy in a world on fire—and it sounds absolutely massive.
FAQS
### **FAQs About Rise Against: Ricochet Review – Polished Sound Keeps the Fiery Passion Intact**
#### **General Questions**
**Q: Who is Rise Against?**
A: Rise Against is a punk rock band known for their politically charged lyrics and energetic sound, formed in 1999.
**Q: What is “Ricochet”?**
A: “Ricochet” is a song by Rise Against, featured on their 2011 album *Endgame*.
**Q: What does the review mean by “polished sound”?**
A: It refers to the high-quality production of the song, making it clean and well-balanced while still keeping their raw energy.
#### **About the Review**
**Q: Does “Ricochet” still sound like classic Rise Against?**
A: Yes, the review notes that despite the polished production, the song retains their signature passion and intensity.
**Q: What makes this song different from their earlier work?**
A: The production is more refined, but the lyrics and energy stay true to their punk roots.
**Q: Is this song political like their others?**
A: Yes, Rise Against often addresses social and political issues, and “Ricochet” follows that tradition.
#### **For Fans & New Listeners**
**Q: Would a new listener enjoy “Ricochet”?**
A: Absolutely—it’s a great introduction to Rise Against’s sound, blending melody with powerful lyrics.
**Q: Is this song good for live performances?**
A: Yes, Rise Against is known for high-energy live shows, and “Ricochet” fits well in their setlist.
**Q: What other songs by Rise Against are similar to “Ricochet”?**
A: Fans of “Ricochet” might also like “Savior,” “Prayer of the Refugee,” or “Re-Education.”
#### **Technical & Critical Aspects**
**Q: How does the production on “Ricochet” compare to older albums?**
A: It’s more polished than their early raw punk sound but still keeps their emotional and rebellious spirit.
**Q: Are there any criticisms of the song?**
A: Some longtime fans might prefer their grittier early work, but most praise its balance of melody and intensity
