Rise Up: Takes an Army’s Spiritually Charged Punk Anthem of Faith and Resilience

Listen in here: https://open.spotify.com/album/52GnIw13Vovg4oXSiNckQ3?si=7db3e1a52c17405a&nd=1&dlsi=609202df1ca54b59

Canadian punk outfit Takes an Army are sharing their most motivated and spiritually grounded work yet with the release of Rise Up. This new EP showcases the band’s signature fusion of pop-punk energy, third wave ska rhythms, and emotionally honest lyricism — a potent combination that reflects years of personal growth, setbacks, and relentless hope.

Rise Up is born from adversity but brimming with triumph. Thematically, the EP digs deep into the ideas of faith, healing, and resilience in the face of life’s unexpected and often difficult turns. Whether you’re chasing after goals or recovering from life’s setbacks, Rise Up serves as a reminder that you’re not alone in your struggles — and that there’s always space to get back on your feet again.

At the heart of the project is the explosive title track, “Rise Up,” which acts as both the sonic and thematic centerpiece. It’s a rousing fusion of fast-paced drums, ska-influenced guitar chops, and a vocal punch that opens each verse with urgency and conviction. The song navigates the often-unpredictable road of adulthood, delivering a call to surrender to something larger than oneself — whether that be faith, purpose, or simply embracing the journey itself.

Tyler Gelderman, bassist and vocalist for Takes an Army, describes the song and its meaning with heartfelt clarity:

“It’s like finally getting my voice heard in a world where it feels like no one’s listening and now it’s available… If you choose to go down the path of Takes an Army, which we highly suggest you do, our music tends to be on the healing side.”

This statement perfectly sums up the band’s mission. Their music isn’t just about raw energy or catchy hooks — it’s about creating something meaningful, something that speaks directly to the listener’s experience and offers comfort. Takes an Army’s sound embodies this philosophy, acting as a voice for anyone navigating the complexities of life, faith, and emotional survival.

The band is made up of three brothers from Waterdown, Ontario — a small town that has clearly shaped their identity and outlook. Their sound is deeply rooted in punk’s urgency and ska’s infectious rhythms, but it’s the introspective lyricism that sets them apart. The decision to come back together creatively around the writing of “Rise Up” ignited their transformation from DIY recordings to a fully realized artistic identity with a clear vision and purpose.

The making of Rise Up was a multi-year process. The song started out in GarageBand but quickly evolved with the involvement of producers André Kaden Black and Tal Vaisman. The track became a statement piece, pushing the band to new creative heights. Along the way, they experimented with EDM-inspired drum patterns, shifting tempos, and layered storytelling techniques — elements that add depth and texture to the otherwise raw punk sound.

The EP as a whole represents a bold step forward for Takes an Army. It’s fast, fearless, and filled with purpose, but also deeply human and vulnerable. The fusion of pop-punk and ska carries the spirit of youthful rebellion, while the lyrics reflect a mature exploration of spirituality and resilience. Each track offers something fresh, a blend of catharsis and motivation that invites listeners to lean into their own struggles with courage.

Listeners will find a consistent theme of overcoming obstacles, whether emotional, spiritual, or practical. This focus on resilience is what makes Rise Up resonate beyond just a punk record — it’s a soundtrack for anyone who’s felt knocked down and needed a reason to stand back up. The music is urgent and energetic, but it also creates space for reflection, healing, and hope.

Throughout the EP, the brothers balance fast-paced intensity with moments of introspection, making Rise Up a layered and dynamic listen. It’s clear the band has poured years of experience, both personal and artistic, into this release — something that’s felt in the earnestness of the lyrics and the evolving complexity of the arrangements.

Takes an Army’s Rise Up is not just an EP; it’s a statement of identity and resilience. It’s a declaration that even when life feels unpredictable or overwhelming, there is strength in faith, hope, and the decision to keep moving forward. Their music offers solidarity to anyone fighting battles unseen, reminding us all that healing is possible, and that no one has to face their struggles alone.

As Tyler Gelderman says, their music “tends to be on the healing side,” and with Rise Up, Takes an Army delivers on that promise with honesty, passion, and a renewed creative fire. For fans of punk and ska who crave authenticity and purpose in their music, this EP is an invitation to join the band on their journey — a journey of sound, spirit, and survival.