Liverpool-based outfit RISE is a four-piece rock band that’s rapidly establishing itself as one of the most exciting new acts to watch. Their blend of melodic pop rock, intricate musicianship and thrilling live shows has seen them win over fans across the UK and beyond.
Featuring bassist and lead vocalist Sam Kinley, also known as stayMellow, alongside Paul Kinley on keyboards and backing vocals, Alex Mahoney on drums and guitartist Brian Petch. Together, they combine to deliver a timeless sound that fuses powerful hooks with stacks of synths and guitars, drawing inspiration from both classic and progressive rock, resulting in a stunning collision of alternative aesthetics and wide appeal.
In January last year they unveiled their original sound with their debut EP, Memories and Possibilities and continued sharing their sonic vision through a string of singles. Now, following their breakout year, they bring us their first release of 2025 with their new single titled “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
Penned by the band’s Paul Kinley and recorded at Liverpool’s Whitewood Studios with producer Rob Whitely, the track stitches driving guitars with shimmering synths, underpinned by a rhythmic intensity that keeps the energy rolling throughout. Thematically, the song frames the importance of long-term relationships and the support they provide, reflecting on how people often overlook what they already have in pursuit of something fleeting. Paul expands on this idea, sharing, “Long-term relationships require work and support to keep things on track. Circumstances change, people change, and in today’s society, everything seems to be about instant gratification. I disagree with this approach and fully support the idea—unfashionable as it may be—of sticking together and working through things.”
Opened by the spacey buzz of pulsing synth textures, the strike of drums ushers in the crash of guitars and punching energy cut with slick lead notes dancing above. The uplifting scene shines with bright instrumentation as Sam’s rich vocal leads enter to spin instantly catchy melodic leads carrying poignant lyrics, building to a stunning chorus of infectious, singalong hooks that soar above in a burst of euphoric pop rock energy.
Developing with echoes of the band’s prog rock inspirations in the bridge where woozy guitar leads and splashing drums combine before an epic finale leaves a lasting memory of the song. With its hopeful message, “The Way You Make Me Feel” offers a rare dose of optimism wrapped up in a thoroughly enjoyable sound. Hitting the ground running this year, we can’t wait to see what this exciting project has in store for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Listen to The Way You Make Me Feel below
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