There was a noticeable atmosphere of eager anticipation tonight at the O2 Academy. Despite the bitter chill in the air, everyone appeared amped and relieved that, finally, for the first time since 2011, Chicago punk band Rise Against once again graced Birmingham with their critically acclaimed performance.
Spiritual Cramp kicked off the proceedings in a highly energetic style, inciting the crowd to participate in boisterous fashion as they reveled in the gritty punk sounds being laid down. Their music is heavy and delivered with an urgent vibe, and this came through clearly during their live performance. They bring a sense of controlled chaos; whilst the set was only 30 minutes, it was full of raw emotion and rampageous energy. They thrive on brewing a whirlwind of chaos, keeping the crowd wavering on the edge through every track. smashing through songs like the self-titled “Spiritual Cramp” and "Wasted Youth” that had the crowd hooked almost instantly. Terry Gavin’s vocal style was incredibly engaging. At times, he would slip into a melancholic delivery, only to abruptly shift to harsh, guttural screams, keeping the crowd on their toes. The bands ability to move from controlled to frantic added an engaging, bittersweet aural experience. Gavin frequently connected with sections of the audience, making eye contact and pulling them deeper into the performance.
With the crowds induction over, L.S. Dunes were charged with keeping the vibe alive. Hailing from Chicago and formed in 2020, this supergroup comprises vocalist Anthony Green of Circa Survive, guitarist Frank Lero of My Chemical Romance, guitarist Travis Stever of Coheed and Cumbria, and bassist Tim Payne with drummer Tucker Rule of the band Thursday.
Gloriously adorning the stage, with their respective reputations preceding them, the crowd are in awe. A high calibre cast with each member bringing their own distinct musical style that melds seamlessly into LS. Dunes’ unique sound. Their mix of alt-rock and post-hardcore elements made them a great fit for this evening’s line-up. They injected a blend of melodic complexity into the show. The band's live delivery was polished, and their harmonies worked wonderfully live, drawing cheers from the crowd. Offering a compelling mix of tracks from their albums Violet and Past Lives, their setlist featured songs like "Fatal Deluxe," "Machines," and "Paper Tigers," showcasing their skillfulness and musical talent.
Finally, Rise Against took the stage and were welcomed most enthusiastically. They launched straight into their signature high-octane performance, with the buzz from the crowd now supercharged. Delivering punk rock anthems with politically-charged lyrics, Rise Against immediately take control of the room and command attention. All heads are up and witnessing the bands opening song - "Satellite" - a track that set the tone for the bands chaotic-sounding, yet controlled and energetic, show. The headliners played a perfect balance of their classics along with new material, including: “Prayer of the Refugee”, “Savior”, and “Re-education Through Labor”. It was clear that among this diverse crowd were many long-time fans, moving and singing along with every word. The visuals where a spectacle; lights perfectly synchronised and remarkable mood enhancing back drop illuminations. McIlrath has a charismatic presence. He is incredibly engaged with the audience, encouraging sing-alongs, and even jumping off-stage to get closer to his fans. His vocal performance was sharp and emotional, with the raw intensity of his voice matching the energy of the music. Their sterling performance tonight reinforced their dominance, reminding everyone that they are one of the best in the genre. Though it wasn’t just about the music tonight; it was the hedonistic feelings of unity, rebellion, and raw emotion that were instilled into the crowd that made this show notable. For any fan of punk rock, hardcore, or just high-energy live music, this was a night you didn't want to miss!
*by Kieran Atkinson
