antiMusic.com: First Decree - This is Our Rise Review

First Decree - This is Our Rise

by Kevin Wierzbicki

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Fans of these Cheyenne-based rockers have already heard two of the album's songs as "Phoenix" and "Lost in the Crowd" have previously done well as singles. It's likely that more of the songs on This is Our Rise will garner the group even more radio airplay as the record is stacked with other potential hit singles, including "Here We Go Again" and "Stop," both of which employ the band's powerhouse sound constructed of buzzing guitar, a steady rhythm and the crystal clear emotive vocals of Travis James. The overall tenor of the album is a bit angst-y but if you listen closely to songs like "Bring Me Down" you'll notice that James is actually stating that "You WON'T bring me down," and a similar air of overcoming adversity is found throughout. "Bring Me Down" is also one of many places where guitarist Dane Lopez-Smith takes a hot solo, indicating that First Decree can do some serious stretching out when they play live. "Not Awake" opens with buzz saw guitar; if the listener is snoozing when the song begins he won't be for long. "Rain" on the other hand, although eventually turning up the guitar, is the album's most subdued and tender song. In a nice touch, First Decree has appended acoustic versions of the hit singles "Phoenix" and "Lost in the Crowd" at the end of the record.

Purchase This is Our Rise here.

Learn more about the group here.

First Decree - This is Our Rise
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