Portland’s Risley (Riz – Lee) is a four piece band that can be described as dreamy and nostalgic Indie Rock with a twist of 80s British influence. A web of interlaced dreamy guitar melodies often sit atop a driving rhythm section to stage the backdrop for soaring vocals and thoughtful lyrics. Their new album, Umbra Penumbra, was released on January 24.
“World Goes On” is the slow-burning yet explosive highlight from Risley’s latest LP. With searing guitar tones that juxtapose cloud-like pop vocals, the band finds the sweet spot in the middle of all their influences and lofty visions. What starts as a radio-ready indie rock ballad slowly slides into a shoegaze style hook, all accented by an impressive guitar prowess and infectious melodies. “World Goes On” features an unpredictable arrangement, but the vague yet emotional poetry anchors the performance down to earth. The ever-evolving vocals deliver a head-spinning performance while exploring the liminal space between reality and our perception of it. Risley is far from another indie rock band grabbing at tropes to shape their sonic personality, and “World Goes On” is just the start. The highlight from Umbra Penumbra dips in and out of high energy moments as soaring guitar melodies tango with warping vocals and thudding drums.
“This song first emerged from a stoney summer jam we were having fun with last year,” explains the band. “The essence of the lyrics ended up being about trying to maintain an indomitable spirit, despite everything life throws at you. Furthermore, how the world laughs at our troubles. It’s a refusal to give in to the onslaught.”
