The Unraveling - Style and Composition

Style and Composition

All lyrics were written by Tim McIlrath, with all music in collaboration with the entire band. The album is heavily influenced by hardcore acts such as Black Flag and 88 Fingers Louie, of which guitarist Mr. Precision and bassist Joe Principe were previous members. The Unraveling combined fast, customary hardcore punk riffs with slower melodic sounds, an unusual blend for contemporary punk. McIlrath told Australian magazine The Age in 2006 "We weren't really sure what kind of band we even were." The 88 Fingers Louie influence in song structure is seen in the heavy and elaborate basslines of Joe Principe. In a 2006 interview with Punknews.org, Principe stated

We really made sure that the drums were accenting vocal and guitar parts were played just write, at least to where we thought were just right - not overplaying or underplaying. I guess as we grow as a band we're paying more attention... and I think with my bass playing too... I think I kind of tended to overplay in 88 Fingers Louie and I've since learned to only play when needed, if that makes sense.

In theme, The Unraveling ranges from "friendships and relationships religion and memories", which became lyrical staples of all successive albums. In The Age interview, McIlrath stated "Everything we've done has always mirrored the climate around us." "Great Awakening" features an aggressive sound and abrasive lyrics, showing the influence of 80s hardcore punk. "Everchanging" was considered by Bill Adams of Ground Control magazine as the primary example of the "comparatively down-tempo and introspective moments" within the album. Rise Against experimented with film quotes in the composition of The Unraveling, which would be repeated in the albums Revolutions Per Minute and Endgame. "Alive and Well", the first track, includes dialogue from the 1996 motion picture The Cable Guy. At the beginning, Jack Black can be heard saying, "Are you ready to rock?". and features McIlrath switching heavily between "throaty screams" and "deceptive melodies." The first 15 seconds of "Reception Fades" are taken from 1997's Henry Fool.