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Recently, we came across Rick Shaffer’s new rock album ‘Rites & Stories’, and loved it! The album is Rick’s 13th solo release, an dropped on July 25th (2025). Once you hit play, you’ll hear his authentic, raw, grungy sound. In an age where computer’s and AI are taking over the music industry, Rick Shaffer is fighting back with his gritty original sound.
Rites & Stories features 10 new tracks that take you on a ride. The album sounds like a ritual, the bending guitar notes are hypnotic, drawing you in. Rick’s iconic voice tells the story with primal tones. His voice is classic and perfectly suited for this grungy garage rock sound. Rick does a great job building an atmospheric sound to match the darker themes throughout the album.
Highlighted Track: ‘Pleasure’
‘Pleasure’ stands as a core emotional anchor for the album, a mid-tempo cut propelled by a steady beat and jagged, shimmering guitar. Its lyrics explore indulgence and consequence, and the song leans more into confrontation than catharsis. It’s hypnotic, darkly magnetic, and a prime entry point into Shaffer’s world on Rites & Stories.
As the title would suggest, the album features raw emotions as part of the Rites, and strong narrative in the Stories, bringing them together seamlessly. This album continues Rick Shaffer’s Berlin Period, evoking inspiration from the likes of Iggy Pop and David Bowie. A continuation of the previous ‘Sleeping Dog’ album.
Listen to the album below via Spotify and find it on all major streaming sites.
Rick Shaffer’s New Rock Album ‘Rites & Stories’
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