I don’t know too much about With Love except apparently they are based in Antarctica which is a fascinating place to me and gives me a perspective of what the environment for these recordings might have been like but honestly you never know what is influencing an artist.
So when I first put on “Rising” which is apparently their first release since 2020’s “LaLune // The Moon” I was instantly draw to opening number “Peer Pressure”. It’s intricate guitar work, heartfelt vocals and perfect drumming mesh well with the mind bending melody that lays underneath it all. It’s the type of song that invites you in and leaves you floored by all of it’s power and emotion.
The next track “Underwater” is another banger that builds and builds until it reaches a blissful level of intensity. The drums pound along to an ocean of mesmerizing sounds that feel as mind bending as they do meaningful. “Dependent” also delivers this type of potency and sense of urgency.
“Since October” has a really intimate feel as it begins with only vocals and guitar before it breaks out into a frenzy of uplifting sonic mayhem full of frantic guitar leads while “Moved Away” is another powerful track that adds to the impact of the album.
Other highlights include the catchy hooks in “Put You Off”, ambient dirge of “Think Twice” and vibrant beauty of the records final song “Dream Of You”.
My main takeaway from “Rising” is that it’s a very passionate record that wears everything on it’s sleeve. No punches are pulled in these songs and their honesty and energy are inspiring from beginning to end.
