Saturday November 5, 2011

Review and photography by Frances Roach

Support from: Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman, Polar Bear Club

Review and photography by Frances Roach

Following up from their 2009 UK headline tour, Rise Against are back with a string of shows on English shores. With an impressive bill consisting of pop punk outfit Polar Bear Club and the legendary Tom Morello, of Rage Against the Machine fame, opening each night, this is bound to be a night of high quality.

Polar Bear Club set the pace, receiving a welcoming reception that leaves many spectators likely to see them again, blasting quickly through a outburst of songs including tracks from new release Clash Battle Guilt Pride.

With much deserved anticipation, Tom Morello The Nightwatchman graces the stage. With his band the Freedom Fighters, they punch through an upbeat collection of songs with choruses that are simple enough for instant crowd participation, involving masks, harmonicas and a whole lot of well synchronised hand-clapping, with the occasional dose of mouth-dropping guitar solos from the legendary guitarist. Bringing Tim McIlrath out to lead the singalong for final song, that has been performed at various “Occupy” movements across the globe, ‘World Wide Rebel Song’ Morello’s impressive supporting slot allows him to leave with an expected standing ovation.

The main band overtake the stage to begin the 18 song set with opener ‘Re-Education (Through Labor), in which their performance continues, including a variety of records from their impressive and extensive back catalogue.

Continuing on through songs such as ‘Chamber The Cartridge’ bringing out the chanting, ‘Survive’ increasing the rhythm and fan favourite ‘Prayer of The Refugee’ heightening the decibel level in the theatre, Rise Against are channeling all their energy back and forth between the audience.

Make It Stop (September’s Children) addressing bullying and supporting LGBT, and Help Is On The Way touching upon the recent occurring natural disasters, Rise Against are on point in trying to get a message across, without forcing any beliefs or judgement onto any followers, just merely raising the awareness of important events through an interesting and appealing medium of punk rock.

Turning the tempo down towards the latter half of the set sees frontman Tim McIlrath grace the stage solo to perform acoustic favourites ‘Swing Life Away’ and receiving an emotional crowd reaction and loud response during ‘Hero of War.’

Returning for 2 more songs in the encore, the energy levels in the room are still at their peak. Rise Against have been playing shows for over a decade and tonight evidences the notion that they are still have many years to come.

4/5

www.riseagainst.com