Northern Irish rockers THE ANSWER released a strong new album past March, after seven years of absence. Now signed by Golden Robot Records, the label is reissuing the band’s back catalogue. The band’s 2006 debut ‘Rise’ impressed the Classic Rock community with their excellent, classic retro-sound.
Instead of the 2023 reissue which features the regualr album only, you better grab “Rise: 10th Anniversary Edition“, a remastered expanded reissue of this successful album which sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Fully remastered, this celebratory edition comes bundled with all sorts of extras into an extra CD including the never before heard 2004 demos, rare acoustic versions and exclusive mixes of tracks that never made the original album.
But wait… there was as well a Special Edition of the album in 2007, with a bonus disc including other rarities and B-sides. We have ’em all here.
The artwork has been revised by original designer Paul Chessell and the track listing includes the original LP remastered, 8 demos from 2004 and 4 mixes of tracks from 2006 plus a brand new mix of ‘Under The Sky’.
Listening to “Rise” from a reviewing perspective, it’s hearty bluesy 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 almost two decades after.
About the bonus CD of extras, it starts out with a completely refreshed version of ‘Under The Sky’, especially recorded to commemorate the 10th Anniversary 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.
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, early workings of songs which later developed in full. I would say the primary focus on acoustic tracks helped to highlight Cormac Neeson’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 Soul, Blues, and Hard Rock that work in perfect harmony alongside the uplifting vocals and energy.
Then there’s the ‘Special Edition’ version of the album released in 2007 under the name “Rise: Special Edition”. It contained two discs, with the first being the original “Rise” track listing, and the second being a collection of B-Sides, live recordings, as well as some acoustic sessions.
Also known as “Rise II”, the disc is stacked full of classic rock tracks including an electrifying live radio session of ‘No Questions Asked’.
Among the fifteen previously unreleased material, there are three tracks recorded live from the road in Tokyo from their tour with Shibuya AX, including ‘Come Follow Me’, ‘Sometimes Your Love’ and ‘Be What You Want’. These live recording really showcase The Answer’s brilliantly energetic live show.
If like many, you loved The Answer’s “Rise”, or even better, never heard the album, this is the best way to discover this really good record as the fresh remastering is truly awesome.
The release certainly sees the band marking and celebrating what has gone before, whilst very much having one eye on what is yet to come.
This is one of the best Classic Rock albums from this Millennium folks.
Highly Recommended
CD 1:
1. Under The Sky
2. Never Too Late
3. Come Follow Me
4. Be What You Want
5. Memphis Water
6. No Question Asked
7. Into The Gutter
8. Sometimes Your Love
9. Leavin`Today
10. Preachin`
11. Always
CD 2:
1. Under The Sky (2016 new 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 (2006 recording, exclusive mix)
12. Keep Believin`(2006 recording)
13. Rise (2006 recording)
Special Edition CD2: Unreleased
01. Keep Believin’ (Unreleased Chris Sheldon version)
02. I Won’t Let You Down (Under The Sky B-side)
03. Sweet Emotion (Be What You Want B-side)
04. Doctor (Under The Sky B-side)
05. So Cold (Come Follow Me B-side)
06. Rock Bottom Blues (B-side)
07. Some Unity (B-side)
08. No Questions Asked (Radio Session) (Be What You Want B-side)
09. Into The Gutter (Acoustic) (Be What You Want B-side)
10. Only The Strong Survive (Unreleased version from Rise sessions)
11. Not Listening (Unreleased version from Rise sessions)
12. Come Follow Me (Live in Tokyo)
13. Sometimes Your Love (Live in Tokyo)
14. Be What You Want/Moment Jam (Live in Tokyo)
15. Take It Easy (Unreleased version from Rise sessions)
The Answer – Rise – 10th Anniversary Edition 2016, 3 CD
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