Back with their trademark brand of punchy political punk, Rise Against have once again taken the gloves off as they tackle a whole host of problems on new album, Nowhere Generation.
Sonically, it isn’t too different from the rest of their discography, they continue on with fast-paced, energetic punk rock with that soaring sensibility that makes even the most dire of situations inspirational. Lyrically though, plenty has transpired since 2017’s Wolves and the Chicago rockers have a lot to say about it.
The 2020s alone have been marked by many pivotal points that’ll undoubtedly make it into history, including global movements and protests in an effort to bring justice and humility. It makes Nowhere Generation a fitting soundtrack because it enforces the idea that change will only come when we use our voices.
And ‘Broken Dreams’ is the perfect example of using your voice, as Tim McIlrath channels the normalised hopelessness and misery of modern-day life for younger generations to an onslaught of quick doubles on the snare drum and infectious riffs. The chanting of “Broken Dreams Incorporated” towards the end is especially fitting and encapsulates the overall theme of the album whilst simultaneously fuelling the fire of rebellion. It, like the title track, highlights the flawed capitalist system that has ruled over the United States for many years and that even when we’re broken down with a bleak future and burned dreams, someone will profit and it’ll never be the little guys. With this album, Rise Against are saying that’s never okay, it should never happen, and that we need to work together to ensure it doesn’t keep happening.
There’s a reason Rise Against have become iconic. With Nowhere Generation the band again produce an album that holds a magnifying glass to the ugly truths of this world, but also delivers a message of hope. We might be the Nowhere Generation, but we all have voices and with this rallying cry, we can choose to stand together and initiate change.
