Rise Against, Camden Underworld
*Islington Academy, not Underworld*
I arrived in the venue just as RED LIGHTS FLASH were powering through the beginning of their set and was very pleased to see that their particular brand of heavy street punk was firmly in flow. They didn't get the best reaction from the audience even though they put in an impressively kinetic performance, but maybe it's because they're pushing something a little more important than hair dye and tight jeans. They'd have worked a lot more effectively in a smaller venue, and next time they come over here it'd be nice to have some headlining dates (7).
Trouble is, I then had to wait through the interminable ALEXISONFIRE. My gosh, they're one of the least remarkable bands I have ever seen. Their one redeeming feature is their hilariously camp frontman (complete with cheesy 'Footloose' dance moves) who, to be fair, was very engaging between songs. It's just a shame that their actual music is so bland and throwaway – their problem is that they're not that bad at what they do, they're just not that good either. Pointlessly dull emo rock – so it went down hugely well, of course. Why are they so popular? WHY IS THE GENERAL PUBLIC SO CONTENT WITH FUCKING MEDIOCRITY? (4)
Then, the best thing that could have taken place, actually did. There was an EMO GIRL FIGHT at one of the bars. Not many punches thrown, but a good amount of hair-pulling and drinks being spilt. The aftermath was a bit bloody, and incalculably better than watching Alexisonwank (6).
Good thing that RISE AGAINST were on hand to bring the evening to a stunning close. Opening with the stunning 'Anywhere But Here' and keeping the tempo high throughout, Tim showed a few signs of vocal strain but was able to keep it together well enough to reduce the Academy into a constant mass of sweaty bodies. Highlights included a brilliantly brutal 'State of The Union' and 'Broken English', but the undeniable moment of the evening came when Tim played a solo acoustic version of 'Swing Life Away' with the entire crowd singing along. Even with a few technical difficulties Rise Against held the crowd in the palm of their collective hands during the entire set, with superb responses for everything from 'Alive and Well' from The Unravelling to 'Give It All' from Siren Song of the Counter Culture. And how else to close the set, but with an incredibly powerful rendition of 'Black Masks and Gasoline' which met with raised fists and yet more shouted choruses. A stunning performance from a band that has a lot more in them yet (9).
Ben
Options:»
Gig Reviews Index
