Hailing from St. Petersburg, pop punk outfit Riskaverse has carved out a place in the Tampa Bay emo/pop punk scene. Their latest EP includes their standout track “Live Work Die,” a punchy, irony-laced anthem that delivers both energy and a bleak commentary on today’s world. Check out the full album below!
Riskaverse | Track by Track Review
The EP kicks off with a bang. “Live Work Die” is a biting critique of the modern grind culture—clocking in, clocking out, and losing your sense of self somewhere in between. Sonically, it’s packed with energy and a sense of urgency that mirrors the frustration in the lyrics. The sarcastic tone woven through lines like “live, work, die” is painfully relatable. It’s Riskaverse at their most socially aware and self-aware, and it sets the tone for the entire project.
“AKA” turns inward. This one hits on themes of identity and the different masks we wear—especially when you’re trying to keep it together while falling apart. The chorus is anthemic and aching, offering a kind of catharsis in the chaos. The instrumentation balances tightly wound tension with soaring moments, allowing the vocals to really shine here. It’s emotionally layered and deeply human.
“Jkae” feels like the emotional centerpiece of the EP. The vulnerability is turned up to ten, and you can hear the exhaustion in the delivery—like someone who’s been holding it in for way too long. Lyrically, it’s abstract in places but still cutting, touching on themes of loss, disconnection, and the complicated nature of trying to be seen. Musically, it’s a little more restrained, giving the track a meditative, almost haunting quality.
“Soma” is a sonic exploration of escapism and numbness. This one leans more experimental, with swirling instrumentals that echo the foggy mental state the song describes. It’s energetic but unsettling—like being half-asleep and half-aware that something’s not right. The production here is tight, giving the track a trippy, almost hypnotic vibe. It’s one of the most sonically adventurous songs Riskaverse has released to date.
The EP closes with “Wake,” which feels like both a question and an answer. It’s a slow build—starting quiet and reflective before swelling into something more defiant. This one tackles the aftermath of emotional upheaval—what it means to try and rebuild, to wake up after losing a part of yourself. There’s pain in it, but also resilience. It’s the perfect closer: raw, honest, and hopeful in a way that feels earned, not forced.
What did you think of the new Riskaverse EP? Stay tuned to MusicOnTheRox.com for all your music news and reviews.
