Review: The Rise and Fall

The Rise and Fall – Anti-Social Media

Leeds-based The Rise and Fall have quietly delivered one of the most refreshing and inventive indie albums of the year with Anti-Social Media - a record that flows effortlessly between styles while maintaining a clear, confident identity. It’s modern indie music with a pop sensibility, packed with hooks, heart and northern charm and it cements the band as one of the UK’s brightest new names.

The album opens with “Just Good Friends,” a perfect introduction to their world - The Lemonheads jamming with The Beatles, a blissful slice of nostalgic yet forward-thinking pop-rock. The melodies are pure gold, the lyrics heartfelt and the mood -wistful, late-summer melancholy - sets the tone beautifully. It’s pop, it’s rock, it’s indie - it’s just a bloody great song.

Then comes “The Good Die Young” and suddenly the gloves are off. The energy surges with jagged guitar interplay and driving drums, hinting at The Stone Roses and Kula Shaker, but still unmistakably The Rise and Fall. It’s raw and immediate - the kind of track that’ll have you grinning by the halfway point at just how naturally good this band is.

“The Early Bird” follows and it’s a revelation. Mixing in electro elements and layered storytelling vocals, this track feels like a northern pop party with a twist. Each instrument slots perfectly into place as the song grows and builds, before a dreamy, sleepy outro eases you back down. Three songs in and you’re convinced - this isn’t just another indie band; this is something special.

“Feel Every Beat” sways in with glimmers of 80s pop perfection, the band stretching their sound yet again without losing their soul. It’s understated, trippy and irresistibly catchy - a late-night anthem that’ll stay with you long after it fades.

“One Hand Clapping” injects a dash of ska-inspired rhythm and swagger, powered by cool guitar lines and a commanding vocal. The chant-along outro is pure joy - a reminder that this band know how to write songs that connect, not just impress.

With “Starts and Ends with You”, The Rise and Fall show their emotional range. It’s patient and beautifully structured, lifting into a euphoric chorus that soars skyward before landing in a solo that proves subtlety can be more powerful than flash.

“Under Zodiac Skies” is where things turn cinematic. The piano and vocals are haunting, the atmosphere thick with feeling. It’s gothic, poetic and breathtaking - a moment of stillness that underlines the band’s depth.

“Hurts the Same” keeps that intensity, building slowly with keys and rhythm before blooming into a Primal Scream-esque swirl of sound. The layered vocals and intricate production make it one of the record’s emotional peaks.

Then “Still Sound Blue” lifts the mood again - quirky, upbeat and infectious. It’s pure pop sunshine, the sound of a Sunday morning that never ends.

“Shine On” is simply beautiful all piano shimmer and melody, channelling modern Beatles energy without feeling derivative. The harmonies are sublime, the solo understated and perfectly judged. It’s the kind of song that makes you believe in pop music again.

Finally, “Where Do I Begin” closes the record with a heartfelt, reflective tone. It’s emotional, spacious and honest - a slow-burning finale that lingers like a quiet conversation after a long night.

With Anti-Social Media, The Rise and Fall have delivered a record that’s rich, surprising and completely satisfying. Every track has its own identity, yet the whole thing feels cohesive and alive. It’s clever without being pretentious, emotional without being heavy - a perfect storm of melody, honesty and invention.

If this is The Rise and Fall - we’re all hoping they stay on the rise for a very long time