There’s a certain magic to a band that can define a sound while constantly reinventing it, and Bitter:Sweet has always lived comfortably in that space. Since their debut, they’ve exuded an effortless cool—an intoxicating mix of cinematic drama, tropical rhythm, sultry groove, and lyrical sophistication. Their music has never shied away from emotion or elegance, and it’s that very duality—of boldness and softness—that makes their return so compelling.
With Shana Halligan now helming the project solo, the return of Bitter:Sweet has been anything but quiet. “Baby Is Back,” a vibrant, big-band-inspired banger, roared in with confidence, playfulness, and an unmistakable wink. It reintroduced the essence of Bitter:Sweet—freedom, vibrancy, and artistic flair—but it also hinted at evolution. And now with “Rise,” the tone deepens.
“Rise” isn’t just a song—it’s a confession, a connection, a goodbye. Written in the final days before her father’s passing, the track carries an intimate gravity. Dick Halligan, Grammy-winner and founding member of Blood, Sweat and Tears, wasn’t just Shana’s father. He was a musical anchor, a creative kindred spirit. But in those final moments, as he quietly withdrew into himself, music became the missing link—one Shana tried to rebuild through this very song.
You feel it immediately in “Rise”—the ache, the beauty, the quiet urgency of wanting to be heard by someone who might not be able to listen anymore. The string arrangements, crafted by none other than Serj Tankian of System Of A Down, elevate the song’s emotion without overwhelming it. There’s a kind of reverent hush throughout, as if each note is standing still just long enough to say something meaningful. Tankian and Halligan’s shared connection to Shana’s father brings an added layer of resonance—this is not just art; this is memory stitched into melody.
But like its name, “Rise” is not rooted solely in grief. It finds power in resilience. While the song began as a message to her father, Shana has seen it evolve, especially in light of the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles. The lyrics take on a new shape—still personal, but now communal. It becomes an anthem for anyone rebuilding after loss, for anyone trying to find meaning when the pieces don’t quite fit back together.
What makes this moment so poignant in Bitter:Sweet’s journey is the transparency. After a decade-long hiatus, Shana is writing with less filter, less fear. There’s a rawness here that feels new, even for a band that’s never been afraid to dance on the edges of genre and mood. This isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rediscovery. The music still oozes the smoky glamour that first put Bitter:Sweet on the map, but it’s now laced with a richer sense of purpose, with pain, with perspective.
And perhaps that’s the most striking thing. For a band that’s always been synonymous with style, “Rise” proves that substance was never sacrificed. In fact, it’s shining brighter than ever. Bitter:Sweet isn’t just back—they’ve evolved. And they’re reminding us that sometimes, the most beautiful melodies come from the hardest goodbyes.
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