May 26, 2021

RISE AGAINST - 'The Numbers' | Single Review

“There are no supreme saviours/ Neither God, nor Caesar, nor tribune/ Producers save ourselves” chants the French anthem ‘L’Internationale’. Since the late 19th century, ‘L’Internationale’ has rallied the working classes to rebel against the powers that be. Chicago legends of angst, Rise Against inject modernity into the sentiment with new single ‘The Numbers’.

A melancholic picked melody leads us down the path toward simple yet hard hitting ‘Hero Of War’. While this would be welcomed, ‘The Numbers’ soon transforms into a tidal wave of powerful and weighty riffs. Rolling drums bubble within the petroleum of Rise Against’s disdain for oppression at large.

“These cold nights are almost unbearable” Tim McIlrath contemplates on the poverty line within pockets of chug. “But purpose keeps us warm” speaks to the ideology that a life’s mission is more enriching than the material chattel. Exercising the right to voice our grievances when we have been wronged keeps our souls burning.

“They break us like horses” McIlrath pontificates, engaging full battle cry. At its crux, ‘The Numbers’ calls for brothers and sisters in arms to come together in overthrowing the outdated status quo. In doing so, attention is drawn to the fact society at large has become complicit in its silence. Dripping with the scorn Rise Against is synonymous with, “Heavy are the chains/ We fasten to ourselves” is particularly uncomfortable.

Built on a foundation of murky guitars and riotous bass, ‘The Numbers’ is confrontational, shoving a mirror to our faces. Forced to look at ourselves and how we’ve become “destined to serve what you abhor”, we’re thrown a lifeline decision. Whether we choose correctly remains to be seen. While they may have the power, “we have the numbers now”.

‘The Numbers’ is available now across all major streaming platforms. The single is also accompanied by a video made in collaboration with Indecline, an activist group campaigning for socioeconomic change. For the latest Rise Against news including updates on upcoming album Nowhere Generation, tickets to the UK exclusive acoustic performance on June 9th, and tour dates, you can either visit their website or follow their social media linked below.