Mr Mojo Rising
Seasoned pro's Rise Against get the crowd going straight away with their hard edged melodic punk. Early highlight is 'Blood-Red, White and Blue', a fast, frantic song with a huge shout along chorus. Midway through they inform us that they didn't come 7000 miles to fuck around so 'let me see a circle pit!'. Not dissimilar to Bad Religion in places although they inject enough of their own sound to be different (particularly in vocal style). Rise Against have a good variety of songs ranging from the aforementioned melodic punk to heavier more hardcore moments that all makes for a good set.
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When a band feeds off a receptive crowd it makes all the difference and that's exactly what Rise Against do. They're clearly enjoying it, as are the crowd and they work off each other all the way through. The inevitable crowd surfing ensues amongst a sea of raised hands down at the front and it all adds to the entertainment value.
Back in the UK in November I'd anticipate sell out shows on this evidence and they go out with a flourish to rapturous applause. Good stuff indeed.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 15 available.