Rise Against
Revolutions Per Minute

THE REVIEW

Is there absolute truth, undisputed objectivity proven with facts, or are we individual small drops that go on to form a varied and multifaceted ocean made of subjective visions? Are we the children and descendants of Darwinian theories on the evolution of species or a gift of grace and mercy from Jesus Christ's creationism? It's difficult to answer these questions, just as it's hard to get everyone to agree when talking about punk rock music and Rise Against.

Loved by a good portion of critics and hordes of fans and seen as the next big thing in the hardcore scene, and not viewed too favorably by a minority of the audience who label them as a banal, clichéd example of hardcore. We spoke at the beginning of individual subjects and conglomerates, of the 'self' and the 'others,' of drops and ocean stretches; here is my drop then:

"Revolutions Per Minute" is the second album from the Chicagoans, once again under Fat Wreck records, following "Unraveling" and preceding the major label release "Siren Song Of A Counter Culture." However, recent news is that the band is back again under the supervision of Fat Mike's label.

A compilation of pure adrenaline and emotions in a new school hardcore style (with 'old' hints), sing-along episodes, power, melody, and speed are the moods and key elements of the platter. The band with which the most points of contact can be found is without a doubt Good Riddance from Russ Runkin.

This is the classic album that presents itself to the ears just as you'd want it to be even before placing it in the stereo. It's tough to choose a standout track, as none pales compared to the others, but the first three episodes already clarify the album's coordinates. It's impossible not to be captivated by the great guitar lines and super refrains of "Black masks & gasoline" and "Heaven knows" and the devastating and shouted "Dead ringer" that brings Sick Of It All to mind, with a claustrophobic bass line at the halfway point. However, the most peculiar track on the CD turns out to be the mix of slowness/heaviness of "Halfway there," which structurally recalls a bit of their "Ready to fall," although the latter is better.

Mid-tempo punk rock and melody on the splendid pearl of "Like the angel" adorned with an excellent solo, cheerfulness, and catchy anthems like "Voices off camera," still classic pieces that many bands envy, see the choruses and high notes of "Blood red, blue & white" and "Last chance blueprint" opened by a small dialogue and where the drummer's touch on the bridge is to be appreciated. There is also room for an Offspring-esque refrain that peeks through on "Broken english"

Still typically old school anger on the very angry "To the core," "Torches" which starts slow and gains aggression along the way, the rhythmic fluctuations of "Amber changing," and the final tribute to Journey with the excellent punk reinterpretation of their "Anyway you want it" that marks the end of the work.

As if that were not enough, Rise Against boasts none other than Tim Mcilrath, the best voice of modern punk, among its ranks. Capable of varying between different stylistic registers in a spectacular way, from warm and clean parts to hoarse parts and screaming highs that make the hairs on my stomach stand up. All of it is complemented by excellent choruses, solos, granite riffs, and a rhythm section pushed to the max.

The lyrics address social and protest themes not far from various Anti-Flag and associates, with particular attention also to environmental protection and animal respect.

I had been looking for an album that would surprise me like this for some time now, interesting and immediate but not simplistic on the first listen; this album deserves that place that not even acclaimed albums like "Punk in drublic" can occupy. A masterpiece in its genre, from the great punk reality of the new millennium.