Every generation comes with hardships, each different from the last. Whatever your opinion on millennials and generations thereafter, it hasn’t exactly been easy. Wage inequality, environmental decline, job barriers, the list continues. Chicago rock heavyweights Rise Against seek to connect with those feeling the brunt of it all with recent single ‘Nowhere Generation’. In preparation for their ninth studio album of the same title releasing on June 4th, ‘Nowhere Generation’ has been given the live treatment during the band’s Nowhere Sessions.
Shot in monochrome, Rise Against give ‘Nowhere Generation’ the no frills performance it deserves, drawing attention to the song’s message instead of the visual. Tim McIlrath’s voice fills the room over muted guitar as he takes on the role of “the kids that no one wants”. Raw, punk infused instrumentals blare out with the crash of drums and a round toned guitar chord. The power of Brandon Barnes’ emphatic drumming shakes the camera, prompting an inaudible laugh from lead guitarist Zach Blair, breaking the angst facade for a moment.
There’s something intimate to this performance as we’re only shown a small glimpse of the crew behind the cameras who stand back and take it all in. The simplicity of four men in a room surrounded by television screens emitting a brilliant white light juxtaposes the smoke and mirrors agenda of those who promised a “land of milk and honey” that’s “not that far away”.
As Blair’s lead guitar dances through Rise Against’s characteristic call to arms, ‘Nowhere Generation’ sees the band returning to their confrontational brand of rock we are in desperate need of.
‘Nowhere Generation’ is available now across all major streaming platforms. Their album of the same name releases on June 4th via Loma Vista Recordings. To celebrate the album’s release, Rough Trade will be hosting a Q&A session and acoustic performance from Mcilrath via Zoom on July 9 from 7pm BST. This event will be exclusively for UK residents only. For more information on the event, click here.
For the latest news from the Rise Against camp, including new releases and tour dates, you can either visit their website, or follow their social media linked below.
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