This summer, Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist and psych-rock artist Liam Colbert—better known as Rise Carmine—announced his signing to Paper Bag Records and his forthcoming EP Come in Closer, set for release on November 12th. Earning comparisons to Radiohead and Tame Impala, Colbert introduced the EP’s sensual, groovy, and unmistakably unique psychedelic world with the release of “Soul Alive” and the title track, “Come in Closer.”
Today, Rise Carmine shares his latest single, “Hooked”—a hazy and haunting tale of two ‘lost souls’ drawn to each other. Over hazy textures and layered instrumentation, Colbert delivers the chilling line, “I’m still hooked on the feeling that could’ve killed you,” before the track explodes into a heady fusion of rock and psychedelia. With fuzzed-out guitar riffs, thunderous, deep-hitting drums, and Colbert’s echoing, almost taunting vocals, “Hooked“ grips the listener in its tense, hypnotic pull.
On the story behind the track Colbert shares, “I heard about a friend who watched her best friend overdose on a bad batch and almost die. Even after watching this happen she kept doing the drugs that they were doing, using every justification to make it ok. It made me think about how strong literal addiction can be, but also our attachments to people, places, feelings can be, and how we can make terrible decisions because our judgement gets clouded. It can be taken literally or figuratively. I love how provocative the line “hooked on a feeling that could’ve killed you” is.”
Rooted in the sounds of early ’90s psych and alt-rock, Colbert is reshaping the genre for a new era. His music pays homage to previous generations while boldly pushing their boundaries—crafting something haunting, immersive, and sonically untethered. Rise Carmine’s work pulls you in—and doesn’t let go.“Hooked” is out October 8th via Paper Bag Records. Come in Closer follows on November 12th.
Rise Carmine Live
Oct. 3 – Brantford, ON – Brandi’s
Oct. 11 – London, ON – Palasad Social Bowl
Nov. 13 – Toronto, ON – The Baby G
