Up-and-coming pop rock band Right Hand Shade is initiating a new wave in the genre of Christian music with the release of their
studio album Rise.
Filled with tracks that are relevant and timely, arising from global and personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rise is a collection of songs about God, His faithfulness, His freedom, and His way of bringing unexpected miracles in our lives. Lead single “Free” kicks off the album with a celebratory surf-rock sound, with Beach Boys-esque vocal layers built around a hooky electric guitar riff. The lyrics are equally full of life, propelled with the freedom of finding our identity, hope and future in Jesus: “Breaking free from gravity, I’m walking on thin air, I can feel you lifting me above the atmosphere.”
“This I Know” is another standout on Rise, a tight, groove-driven R&B outing. The powerhouse vocals are rooted in the assurance of knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that no matter what we’re facing, our Father goes before us. In the face of a global pandemic that spread fear and confusion in so many, Rise is an anthem of hope for all who will listen.
Musically, the album’s other 8 tracks range from more surf-rock tunes, to groovy R&B rhythms powered by raw and smoky vocals, to contagious rock-driven outings. With Rise, Right Hand Shade explores new creative territory with all the confidence gained from the success of their 2019 debut self-titled album.
That same confidence holds throughout the duration of Rise, which is Right Hand Shade’s second studio album. The band, which is comprised of Matt Jones (lead vocals, keys), Taylor Specht (lead guitar), Nick Dunfee (rhythm guitar, bass) and Kevin Donovan (drums, bass), collaborated with producer Chris Hoisington (Paul Baloche), recording with Eric Anderson at Old Bear Records in New York. All of the lyrics and music on Rise were written by band members Matthew Jones and Taylor Specht, and their skilled songwriting focused on such themes as hope, truth, justice and eternity. Nashville’s Evan Sieling rounded out the creative team by mixing and mastering Rise. With Hoisington at the helm, the band recorded with both lo-fi and hi-fi approaches, ultimately layering and weaving the lo-fi and hi-fi into one fresh and coherent sonic landscape.
For more than five years, the New England-based pop rock band has leaned full-throttle into their gifts, performing on stages across the country. Right Hand Shade has managed to build a loyal following and unite Christian music lovers through their music. Rise clinches their position as one of the fastest-growing Christian acts in the Northeast.
