This fresh new anthem transports me back, back to hot summers by cold river water, or to tweaking my neck headbanging to Paramore, or to belting out post-country Taylor Swift lyrics. Though punchy and energizing, When You Were Mine also manages gritty emotion in its raw lyricism. I would prescribe this song as a remedy to any remnant, festering indignation toward that ex who demands far too much of your mental energy; whether it’s warm enough or not, roll the car windows down, let your hair down, and I would wager that it would be quite the challenge not to sing (or more likely shout) along. A hairbrush as a microphone will also do the trick if you don’t have access to a car or it really is too cold.
Pop-punk guitars spark the song into action. Low, rhythmic power chords set the foundation for the pitched-up riffs to dance around the bars while the vocals gather power and strain gracefully on the way from verse to bridge, before culminating forcefully into the captivating chorus accented with bouncy, rolling drum fills. Everything calms down, just a little bit, while more context is provided and suspense is built back up with layered vocals and a final crescendo into the outpouring that punctuates the song’s ending.
The Rising is the name of the vibrant production and songwriting duo based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Though based in Ireland, the group operates between there and Nashville, applying a multi-faceted approach that sturdily anchors their sound across several genres. As such, they draw tangible influences from all the nooks and crannies that lie between Pop, Rock, Country, and Punk. Chantelle McAteer is responsible for the dynamic vocals (as well as any harmonica you might hear), while Chris Logan takes charge of the stringed instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin) that have proven so central to their identity. The Rising find effective support from Brian Mellors (bass guitar) and Ryan Hodges (drums). Acclaim for the established duo has come from all corners of the industry, including Guitarist Magazine, Country Music Magazine, and BBC Radio London.
Written By George McSherry
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