Rise Against

/before Zach Blair replaced Chris Chasse

Rise Against is easily my favorite band. (The only other band that even comes close is AoF.) I don’t dislike any of their songs and I can’t say that about any other band/artist. I own a physical copy of every album & their This Is Noise EP) — just need them DVDs!

Apart from the fact that RA’s music sounds incredible, the songs’ lyrics are insanely amazing. I’ve seen fans post analyses ten times longer than the actual lyrics.

I remember the first day I “bumped into” the band: the Ready To Fall music video played on MuchMusic and it was love at first sight. Then, as the video ended, vocalist Tim McIlrath stood alone and added, “Every action has a reaction. We’ve got one planet, one chance.” and I was officially hooked for life.

Madrid, March 2011 (via http://www.riseagainst.com)

Some people think that Rise Against is a political band. I think they’re a “common sense” band. Through their songs/music videos, they’ve taken a strong stance against animal cruelty, ruining the environment, sweatshops, war, homophobia, social disparity, etc, and promote things such as fair trade and equality. Common sense, amirite?

Some think that they’re too radical. Well, yeah — if you’re too used to fun, spunky, sugar-coated dance songs, any reference to real life will seem radical.

Some think their music is too depressing. I find their music inspirational. (Plus, they’re catchy and badass! 8Dd)

Some just don’t think they sound good. I want to acknowledge that they won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but okay dude lbr Tim McIlrath’s voice is PERFECTION .

Live Photos 2011 (via http://www.riseagainst.com)

They seem like genuinely great people — all 4 band members are vegetarians, PETA supporters, and (excluding drummer Brandon Barnes) are straight edge. From their documentary/interviews, they seem pretty chill.

I doubt I’ll ever find another band with as much talent/integrity that blows me away with their sound. Tim is tied with Dallas Green as my favorite vocalist, so the fact that RA’s songs are so deep and moving is the icing on the cake.

Considering their punk rock roots, Rise Against has had tremendous commercial success. Their fans accuse them of “selling out” by changing their sound, but meh. I wasn’t an “original” fan, but I love their earlier songs–at the time of writing, my favorite song is Halfway There, off their second album Revolutions Per Minute — but their songs are still just as powerful than ever. I embrace the fact that their sound is evolving–not deteriorating. Their latest studio album, Endgame, is my favorite yet! As long as they hold onto their integrity and keep writing great, meaningful music (sung by Tim McIlrath, plzkthx), I will never complain.

I’m so emotionally invested in their music that I can’t process any criticism against them, but I know “punk rock”/”melodic hardcore” isn’t for everyone. Am I going to murder you in your sleep if you don’t like them? ………………of course not! Everyone has different taste in music. Besides, I probably hate your favorite artist too, so we’re even! (jk. jk…)