KAT - Rise
2 h : 53 min

In a harmonious blend of classical elegance and modern pop sensibilities, KAT rises with Rise which soars to breathtaking heights. With every enchanting note, this symphony showcases her talent and vision, leaving listeners in awe. KAT wipes off any tears that have remained post-breakup.  The moment you hear the guitar and the piano section, it reverberates deep in the listener's heart. She gently takes your hand and guides you through the journey of healing. KAT’s ethereal vocals gracefully dance alongside the strings. By doing this she creates an enchanting atmosphere that is both familiar and refreshingly unique. You hear a classical and pop touch that is seen in KAT’s vocals that bleed into the instrumental as well. She sweeps you off your feet along with the contemporary beats and the quant guitar and piano chords are strokes of genius.  Lyrically Rise ignites a fire within you, a powerful anthem of resilience and strength drawn from within us. What leaves a mark is the seamless integration of classical textures and contemporary elements. The song would fit in beautifully in The Duff. While the film has a happy ending, there is a touching scene where Bianca is nursing her wounded heart after Wesley makes a grave and stupid mistake. Rise would be the perfect song dedicated to her by her friends. Rise is most definitely a sonic triumph. It's clear in the production that everyone has delivered their section with passion. While KAT helps us get over heartbreaks, she reminds us why we fall in love in the first place and that we need to love ourselves at the end of the day.

Jacob and the Starry Eyed Shadows-Rise
3 h : 13 min

Jacob and the Starry Eyed Shadows sure do know how to put some memorable tunes out. Jamie’s project shows the fantasy and ambition every musician should have, while having in his arsenal a set of melodies and choruses that will stick with you. Look for inspiration within this man’s Spotify profile. This is his latest single, Rise.  This title has become synonymous with power, strength and determination. What I felt to be a synthwave single evolved to become something much larger than I would have imagined. As soon as you hear those running drums, you feel the energy just pipe up within you. Though Jacob and the Starry Eyed Shadows write lyrics that are true and real, there is a surety in songs like Broke and Borrowed as well. The ups and downs are documented, while keeping the score on the highs and lows. The sea of guitar gives you that buoyant confidence that will keep you going through your days. In the breakdown of this single, you’ll really feel your pulse rise and that desire to chase your dreams. From the depths of a cynical world, rises a musician like Jamie, who wants to change it all.  Jacob and the Starry Eyed Shadows have more singles like When the Lights Go Out and Our Descent for you to check out. Love, Simon (2018) would be a great movie for this song. It has some fantastic sequences that need this kind of adrenaline energy, and has a nice script to explore as well. Follow Jamie with his project for more!

RISE - Without You
4 h

Liverpool rockers RISE's latest track, "Without You," from their EP "Memories and Possibilities," encapsulates an electrifying blend of Alternative Rock with Synthwave and Glam elements. The song radiates with a vibrant dynamic range, particularly noticeable in the pulsating drumkit, which adds depth and intensity to the track. The powerful and emotive vocal delivery by Sam Kinley, coupled with pristine guitar tone modulations, creates an immersive sonic experience. The careful crafting of the stereo field ensures every element of the song is heard with clarity and precision. Seemingly drawing inspiration from bands like Def Leppard, "Without You" seamlessly integrates a minimal yet impactful guitar solo, propelling the song into its final act with finesse. The track's energy and nostalgic undertones evoke imagery reminiscent of adventure drama/animation films like "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "Big Hero 6," making it an ideal fit for cinematic landscapes. In the indie music scene, RISE stands out as a force to be reckoned with, having reformed in 2023 after a 34-year hiatus following the tragic loss of their co-founder, Steve Kinley, in 2022. The band's resilience and dedication shine through in their collab with stayMellow in the EP. Produced by Rob Whiteley at Whitewood Studios in Liverpool, the EP showcases RISE's signature high-tempo rock influence, enriched by melodic vocal hooks and a fusion of synths and guitars. With Sam Kinley on bass and vocals, Paul Kinley on keyboards and backing vocals, Alex Mahoney on drums, and Brian Petch on guitar, RISE continues to leave their mark on the global scene with their heartfelt dedication to their craft and their poignant tribute to their late brother in this penultimate track off their 25 mins long EP.