The Answer – Rise: 10th Anniversary Edition

The Answer have certainly had a notable career to-date, and what better way to celebrate how it all started than with the re-release of their debut album, Rise, almost 10 years since it first hit the shelves.

To this day, Rise remains the bands most successful album, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide, and setting them on their way to not only performing shows with the likes of AC/DC, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, The Rolling Stones and Paul Rodgers but also headlining shows across the world.

Although The Answer’s debut album was a solid success for the band, early releases are often considered as a way for an artist to test the water when it comes to their musical direction, Rise was definitely an exception to this.

The official release date for Rise – 10th Anniversary Edition is set for Friday 17th June 2016, and is still available to pre-order.

Listening to Rise from a reviewing perspective, it’s Hearty Blues Rock through-and-through, flows terrifically, and is undeniably a group of artists who know what they’re aiming for from the early stages, and they’re still rocking ten years later.

As well as a fully re-mastered edition of the band’s successful debut, Rise, this celebratory issue comes with a second disc, filled with never before heard demos, rare acoustic versions and exclusive mixes of tracks that never made the original album, all of which have been hand-picked by the band with the die-hard fans in mind.

The second disc starts out with a completely refreshed version of Under The Sky, recorded earlier this year to commemorate their milestone. From the moment the song begins, it’s incredible how much subtle yet powerful alterations have been made to what is considered one of the bands’ most renowned tracks.

You can even imagine after ten years of playing the same material during live performances, and nearly always incorporating their most noteworthy tracks such as Under The Sky, they’ve developed their own criticisms on ways the sound could be made to sound stronger. While retaining the classic Bluesy sound associated with The Answer, the new track has been made to come across alot more ballsy and dominant, which is insane to hear in a track that already has such a presence.

In a way, it acts as a marker in illustrating the growth the band has made since their early years, and how they feel their sound has changed.

Many of the demos are what you can expect, personally I’ve never been truly appreciative of exclusive material based on early workings unless it adds value to an element of the song, which I wasn’t sure any of the included demos managed to do.

I would say the primary focus on acoustic tracks helped to highlight Cormac’s unique and dexterous vocals, which bring together the blues-laced harmony of Robert Plant, and raspy power of David Coverdale.

If you need a single reason to get your hands on the second disc, it’s to listen to the exclusive mix, Not Listening. An uplifting track with elements of Gospel, Soul, Blues, and Hard Rock that work in perfect harmony alongside the uplifting vocals and energy.

My overall rating is based mainly on how awesome the remastered album is. If you are a dedicated fan, I believe you won’t be disappointed with what The Answer have to offer with this exclusive product. My hope is that the proceeds lead to new material in the near future.

The Answer have a string of European dates this summer, followed by a live performance of Rise in it’s entirety at this years Ramblin Man Fair Festival (tickets still available HERE).

Disc 1

1. Under The Sky
2. Never Too Late
3. Come Follow Me
4. Be What You Want
5. Memphis Water
6. No Questions Asked
7. Into The Gutter
8. Sometimes Your Love
9. Leavin’ Today
10. Preachin’
11. Always

Disc 2

1. Under The Sky (2016 Mix)
2. Never Too Late (2004 Demo)
3. New Day Rising (2004 Demo)
4. Too Far Gone (2004 Demo)
5. Preachin’ (2004 Demo)
6. Always (2004 Demo)
7. Tonight (2004 Demo)
8. So Cold (2004 Demo)
9. Song For The People (2004 Demo)
10. Take It Easy (2006 Recording)
11. Not Listening (Exclusive Mix)
12. Keep Believin (2006 Recording)
13. Rise (2006 Recording)

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