Losing a bandmate isn’t merely a lineup change; it leaves a permanent scar. Liverpool’s RISE knows that pain all too well, and they’re pouring every ounce of it into their new single, “Talking To Your Ghost Again“. This is a heavy, raw, and deeply personal tribute to their original singer, Steve Kinley, who tragically passed away in 2022 following a short battle with cancer. They didn’t simply write a song here; they built a monument to a fallen brother.
The band brought in Sam Kinley (aka stayMellow) to handle vocals and bass, and his performance on this track is nothing short of staggering. His range and emotional delivery cut right through the static. The vocal harmonies are deliberately mixed high, pushing the raw feeling right to the front of your speakers. On top of that, Brian Petch‘s guitar work is meticulous. The track leans much heavier into the band’s progressive rock roots than their recent releases, featuring twin 12-string guitar work from Petch and stayMellow. That dual-guitar attack gives the track a rich, complex texture that builds and breathes. It’s dynamic rock with a serious set of lungs behind it.
Paul Kinley, who happens to be Steve’s twin brother, wrote this one. He wanted it to be uplifting in its delivery, a celebration of life despite the crushing weight of grief. “This is very much a song for those who knew Ste,” he noted. They recorded it at Whitewood Studios in Liverpool, working alongside producers Rob Whiteley and Paul Kinley. Whiteley is a longtime collaborator who knows exactly how to capture the band’s distinctive, high-tempo, synth-and-guitar-driven sound. The guy is a stickler for detail, and it shows in the massive, layered mix.
Rounding out the four-piece is Alex Mahoney holding down the drums, with Paul Kinley on keys and backing vocals. The accompanying video, shot over the summer of 2026 and produced by Matt at Lodge Productions, blends live-action with animation to match the song’s heavy emotional weight.
RISE isn’t slowing down, either. They’re already back in the studio grinding away on a new EP slated for early 2027. “Talking To Your Ghost Again” is a gut-punch of a track that proves RISE is still here, still loud, and still feeling every single note. It’s a powerful way to honour a fallen brother. Turn it up and let the spirit of the song hit you.
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