A band conscious of political and environmental issues, Rise Against’s music often acts as a “vehicle” (as singer and guitarist Tim McIlrath aptly put it) for speaking out. Diving in to the crowd to end their set with Give It All, McIIrath brought this to the crowd’s attention with the line, “There’s a reason why I sing.” But despite a shout out to marine wildlife group Sea Shepherds and an audience address to drive home the anti-discrimination message of Make It Stop (September’s Children), the show wasn’t often interrupted by speeches about the world’s concerns, although it could be expected from such an outspoken band.
Support act Break Even gave their famously heartfelt performance, but were annihilated by hardcore veterans Sick Of It All who’s faultlessly tight set and showmanship highlighted why they’d influenced Rise Against early in their career.
To my delight, Rise Against let the music do the talking, and from the moment drummer Brandon Barnes began relentlessly pounding out a fast punk beat, the audience was treated to an energetic performance of melodic hardcore punk numbers in quick succession, the band barely pausing for a breath. Disregarding a few slight tempo fluctuations early on, probably due to over excitement – the band exploded onto the stage and was mounting fold backs and speakers within seconds – Rise Against delivered tight renditions of new songs such as Help Is on Its Way and well-loved numbers like The Good Left Undone, Prayer Of The Refugee and Heaven Knows.
Almost the whole of Festival Hall were on their feet, seats abandoned; the mosh never ceasing to move, and when McIIrath divided the audience to sing back lines of Ready To Fall the response was deafening. True performers, Rise Against adapted favourites like Saviour to a live setting, prolonging sections of the song to heighten suspense, which had the crowd desperate to call out “I don’t hate you,” by the time the song resumed.
McIIrath’s gravelly voice never faltered, and after rasping down the microphone for half the set, its melodic qualities shone as lighters and phones were raised during acoustic numbers Swing Life Away and Hero Of War. Then, that sturdy punk beat burst back in as guitarist Zach Blair jumped and kicked his way around the stage, encouraging the audience along with McIlrath until the show’s conclusion.
Already a fan, Rise Against’s brilliantly executed performance, and killer set-list to boot, left me no less than thoroughly satisfied.
Loved: The crowd involvement
Hated: Nothing comes to mind!
Drank: Cider
