RISE’s latest single Always feels like a natural step forward for the Liverpool four-piece, and honestly, it hits with the kind of energy I’ve come to expect from them. From the opening moments, there’s a driving momentum that pulls you straight in, with that familiar “RISE” sound—tight, melodic, and full of intent. It doesn’t try to overcomplicate things, but it still feels layered enough to keep you locked in from start to finish. A key moment in Always is its central refrain, which really captures the heart of the song’s message of loyalty and support: “You call out and I’m there, always. If you’re lost then I’m there, always. If you’re down, then I’ll help, always. When the weight of the world is heavy on your heart, I’ll be there as I was, it was me from the start.” It reinforces the idea of being consistently present for the people who matter most, no matter what they’re going through.
What really stood out to me on this track is stayMellow’s vocal performance. There’s something very genuine about the way he delivers the lyrics, it’s powerful without feeling forced. His range is impressive, but more importantly, there’s emotion behind it, and that’s what makes it stick. You can feel what the song is trying to say, and his voice carries that message clearly.
On the instrumentation side, Brian Petch’s guitar work deserves real credit. It’s detailed and sharp, but never overplayed. The balance between the guitars and synth elements works really well, giving the track a full, rich sound without becoming too busy. Everything sits where it should, and you can tell this is a band that understands how to play together, not just individually.
Always lands on a message that feels simple but important, being there for the people you care about. It’s not trying to be overly deep, but it doesn’t need to be. There’s honesty in that idea, especially in the current climate, and RISE lean into that sense of positivity. For me, that’s what makes this track connect—it feels real, and it feels like something people can actually relate to.
