A Skylit Drive are something of a post-hardcore stalwart. I remember getting their EP, loving it, being concerned when founding clean vocalist Jordan Blake left for undisclosed reasons, and being ecstatic with their debut full-length with vocalist Michael “Jag” Jagmin Wires and the Concept of Breathing –released one day after my 16th birthday. Rise marks the band’s 4th full-length since adding Jag, and, for my money, their best since 2009’s Adelphia. Jag’s vocals are probably the best they’ve ever been, straying away from the at-times-nasally tone heard on their first three records.
The album starts out with the slick “Save Me Tragedy” which is a good A Skylit Drive entry point -It’s pretty much the perfect representation of their sound. The second track, “Unbreakable” makes good use of keys/programmer Kyle Simmons’ talents, something that happens often throughout Rise’s 12 tracks. Title track “Rise” and “Crazy” are both standout tracks sure to bring some great energy to live shows. The latter also features one of the better breakdowns in the ASD catalogue, mixing White, Jag, and drummer Cory la Quay’s unclean vocals together for serious power. The album gets better as it goes along, finishing with 4 really strong tracks, including “I, the Enemy” which is the best showcase of Jag’s ample range, and “Dreaming in Blue” which features his pop sensibilities at their best. La Quay is also at his best throughout the record, with his standard creative fills and cymbal work.
The album is not without it’s flaws, however. Rise is ASD’s first album with producer Cameron Mizell, and I am not in love with the mix. La Quay’s drums are buried a bit too much for me, as the guitar tracks overwhelm both La Quay and Simmons at times. The album also marks the band’s first venture without lead guitarist Joey Wilson. Nick Miller is not incapable of holding down the fort, but the guitar work on the album leaves something to be desired. While there are some cool riffs on tracks like “Crazy” and “Shadows” some of the other tracks fall a bit flat: striking a monotone tenor and lacking in creativity. There’s some promise there, but ASD would do well to find a 2nd guitarist.
Best tracks: “Rise” and “Stay,” the best song on the album lyrically, touching on what it’s like missing out on life back home while out on the road.
Worst tracks: “Said and Done” and “Pendulum,” where they really miss Wilson.
Grade: 8/10
Ryan and Jon Do Music 