Rise Against Return Triumphantly With ‘Nod’

With a breathe in, Rise Against wasted no time launching into its new single ‘Nod’ – an anthemic track that demonstrates the lasting power of the iconic Chicago four-piece. 

Returning with its first release since 2022’s ‘Nowhere Generation II’, the melodic punk rock tendencies of the band are ever-present. The song pulls no punches, it is the best of Rise Against tied up in a slick three-minute package. 

The driving thump of the rhythm in the verses lays a solid foundation for Tim McIlrath’s dynamic raspy vocal – a voice that to many over the years has represented a rallying war cry. As the pre-chorus builds tension, the instruments suddenly pull back, exploding into an energetic chorus that emphasises the arduous strain in the lyrics. The push and pull between the song's quieter, more restrained moments and its unrelenting aggressiveness mirror its lyrics; the narrator is in the throes of emotional burnout, begging for release. 

The visceral nature of the lyrics such as "I'm pleading for something ‘till my bed is sore / Standing in water that's been rising before I was born’’ confronts the listener, conveying a relatable sense of frustration.

The music video accompanying the song also perfectly encapsulated the feeling of disillusionment and frustration. A political band to their core, clips of performances are interspersed with footage from protests, natural disasters and news clips, demonstrating the pressure that humanity is under. Marbles roll, coming together as the camera pulls back to reveal the ‘RA’ logo. There is a sense that the music video seems to represent a new beginning for the band. 

Rise Against is due to embark on a European tour this month, supported by post-hardcore supergroup L.S. Dunes and eclectic punks Spiritual Cramp. ‘Nod’ is sure to be an instant crowd-pleaser. 25 years into their career, the song is an alluring sample of what is to come from the band, reminding listeners exactly what the artists are capable of.

Eylem Boz

@itwslv

Image: ‘Nod’ Official Single Cover