RISE releases new single “Always”

Based in Liverpool, RISE are not a band that arrived overnight, over time they’ve forged a sound that feels carefully constructed and charged. Before making an official entrance in 2024, the four-piece spent years shaping a shared musical language, developing the balance between melody, atmosphere and energy that now ripples throughout their sound. That groundwork shows; what they present today carries the background of time spent getting it right.

Fronted by bassist and vocalist Sam Kinley, who also works under the moniker stayMellow, the band brings together Paul Kinley on keyboards and backing vocals, guitarist Brian Petch and drummer Alex Mahoney. As a band, RISE operates in the overlap between melodic pop rock and atmospheric alternative, offering tracks that move between high-tempo energy and more expansive, layered moments. Synth-driven textures sit alongside guitar lines that carry both emotion and impact, creating something that feels truly cinematic.

They first shared their sound with their 2024 debut EP, Memories and Possibilities, an opening statement that set out the band’s direction with confidence. They carried that momentum into the last year with a series of releases that continued to develop their sound, reinforcing what had already been established while allowing for small shifts in emphasis.

Now they hit the ground running in 2026 with their latest single titled “Always,” a driving, high-energy track that draws on all the elements that have become synonymous with RISE. Lively drums, slick guitar lines, bright synth tones and a stunning vocal performance from stayMellow that stands at the centre all melt into an intoxicating pop rock cocktail to serve up an epic listening experience that’s infectious and emotive throughout.

Thematically, the focus is on support, on the idea of standing by the people closest to you and it’s framed not as a grand statement, but as something subtle but necessary. Paul Kinley shares, “we all need help, we all need support at times and knowing that good people have got your back is a powerful thing. The world seems to be in a dark place at the moment and we would rather focus on positives…I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

That perspective feeds into how the track was constructed; penned by Paul Kinley and recorded at Whitewood Studios, the song continues an ongoing collaboration with producer Rob Whiteley. It’s a partnership that’s developed over several years, built on an understanding of how to capture the band’s recognisable identity.

Deftly balancing heartfelt lyricism and delicate melodic writing with the punch of drums and crunch of rock-focused guitar work, “Always” sees RISE deliver another incredible musical moment. As they return for what’s sure to be another exciting year ahead, we can’t wait to see what this superb band has in store for the rest of 2026 and beyond.

Listen to Always below

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