The Greater The Risk “Say What You Never Said”

Truth:

The Virginia rockers in The Greater The Risk have released their newest album, “Say What You Never Said.” The album can be purchased on iTunes.

Sarah:

It’s been over a year since The Greater The Risk has put out new music. But brainchild of lead guitarist Ashley Drewes hasn’t exactly been sitting around during that year of virtual silence. The band had lineup changes, were featured in a major music magazine, and probably had a billion other things going on. Now it’s October and the band has self-released the album, which features the new band lineup–except for the new lead singer, Dan Castillo–and upgraded sound.

“Say What You Never Said” is the perfect blend of pop and rock. The first track, “Friends and Foes,” opens with a crescendo into a pop punk explosion. While it sounds like the first EP, it’s apparent that the band took a couple of steps in a new direction.

The band was able to have the help of producer, Bryan Russell, who has worked with The Academy Is.., The Narrative, and Virginia band Safety Word Orange. The touch of Russell adds to the professionalism and quality heard in the EP.

“The Resolution” presents itself as pop punk gold with its infectious chorus in which former lead vocalist David Kaufman repeats in effortless falsetto, “Wait just a minute.” The guitar riffs in the track are memorable, and the mini drum solo towards the end adds to the drama of the song.

The EP’s title can be heard in the lyrics of “Pick Your Poison,” a pretty interesting take on an obvious breakup situation. The song itself is catchy and filled with the angst of a failing relationship–a topic that works with pop rock. That leads into “Count Me Out,” a song that is made memorable by its guitar chords and not-so-subtle drums.

The EP ends with “The Better or Best You Remember,” an appropriate ending to the high-energy album. The song is a slowed down pop rock track; almost like a ballad. The lyrics, vocals, and instrumentals mix together and stir up emotions of listeners. The breathtaking song rivals songs from pop rock royalty like Boys Like Girls (“Hero/Heroine”) and All Time Low (“Break Your Little Heart”).

“Say What You Never Said” is one of those albums that you have to buy in its entirety, or else you’d be scratching your head, wondering what else this band of geniuses can come up with. It combines all the ingredients of a successful pop rock album–from its breathtaking vocals, to the climactic drums, to the riveting guitar chords.

The Greater the Risk is currently on tour with We Are! The New Year, where they will be playing along the east coast. Click here for Tour Dates. In the meantime, you can show your show support for the band by purchasing the EP on iTunes.

***You can also get their song, “Braver,” from their self-titled EP for free on Purevolume!