Rise From Autumn - Together We Stand Alone

Rise From Autumn

Together We Stand Alone
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Rise From Autumn is a band from Buffalo, New York consisting of Todd Mcmahon (lead vocals/ guitar), Michael Majka (drums), Scott Wendel (bass) and Brennan Longley (backing vocals/ lead guitar). Their recent release Together We Stand Alone falls in line with contemporary hard rocks that tend to get labeled mainstream. Suffice it to say if you have heard and appreciated bands like Seether, Chevelle, Staind and Nickelback you won’t have any trouble enjoying their six-song EP. 

A lot of times bands with a smaller fan base have a hard time competing with the production and sound quality of bands that pull in millions of dollars from tours, t-shirt sales, etc. The fact is most bands don’t have the money or resources to get the sound they envision. Whether you enjoy Rise from Autumn’s music is subjective but there is no denying the quality of the recording is on par with any of the aforementioned bands. Don’t believe me, just open Spotify or another like-minded streaming service and take a listen. Their music is radio ready and I could easily imagine tuning into an FM hard rock station and hearing one of their songs. 

Rise From Autumn certainly has a ubiquitous hard rock sound and is anything but niche. Hats off to them for entering such an oversaturated genre that is arguably the most difficult to get noticed in if only because of the countless numbers of bands that kind of sound alike. 

Upon first listen the six songs on Together We Stand Alone don't contain much disparity. As the album progresses you notice certain tools in their arsenal they keep going back to such as doubled vocals or a short breakdown section before going back into the chorus. It’s a double-edged sword in my opinion. I don't mind when a band finds a structure to their sound that becomes familiar but at the same time you don't want to overuse it so every song sounds the same. Overall, I think Rise From Autumn does a good job at mixing things up but it does take at least three or four repeated listens to have this seep in. 

I appreciated some of the more technical aspects on the EP. For example, the verse on “Love it When You Hate Me” which contained slick bass and drum work. It reminded me of System of a Down at times. All the songs have some sort of anthemic, grand hook or chorus. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you hear it. 

I think it's fair to say there really isn’t much guesswork you will have to make with Rise from Autumn as to whether or not you will be listening to them again. Take a listen and decide for yourself.

Become A Fan

Tweet