Rise Against Release Surprise New EP, ‘Nowhere Generation II’
The songs were recorded at the same time as the tracks on ‘Nowhere Generation.’
Celebrating the one year anniversary of their chart-topping, critically acclaimed ninth album Nowhere Generation, Rise Against have returned with the surprise release of a new EP, Nowhere Generation II, via Loma Vista Recordings.
The five song collection—written and recorded alongside Nowhere Generation and featuring production by Bill Stevenson (The Descendents, Black Flag)—is out digitally worldwide now alongside the premiere of a new, Ryan Valdez-directed video for its propulsive lead single “Last Man Standing.”
“‘Last Man Standing’ was a way of expressing some frustration with our world in regards to exploitation, public alienation and human inequality,” explains Valdez. “As you see in the video, we are fed through this race of survival. Only to be taken down, regardless of our success or efforts. Almost as if the game was rigged, designed to set us up for failure.”
The triumphantly rousing song picks up the lyrical baton of Nowhere Generation’s “Talking To Ourselves” with a full-throated reminder of what could happen if those in power continue to ignore the voice of the people. “I think of Rise Against as dystopian art,” says McIlrath. “Like any good dystopian art endeavor, you’re singing about the world and what it might be like if we keep going down the road we’re going down. It’s the inevitable conclusion of what would happen if we keep making the same decisions. That’s what dystopian art is designed to do, to make you realize that and inspire you to make some changes. ‘Last Man Standing’ is looking down that road and trying to paint a picture of what it looks like.”
Frontman Tim McIlrath delivers each line with impassioned fury, all carried on the back of big riffs, thunderous drums, and hook-laden guitar leads from guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe, and drummer Brandon Barnes. The physical editions of II, due out on cassette on July 15 and on vinyl on October 28 (featuring a red cover art variant), are available for pre-order now.
