Rise Against / The Bronx / Cancer Bats

Arriving to the last song of Toronto’s Cancer Bats, I realise I have missed a good blend of hardcore punk inspired by bands such as Black Flag and Refused. Having only formed three years ago it is good to see them supporting such bands as Rise Against and NOFX.

To my delight up next are The Bronx. I last caught these guys on the Kerrang tour earlier this year, where singer Matt Caughthran had broken his knee, which didn’t stop him jumping into the crowd. Well his knee looks fixed tonight as he tumbles around in the pit, shouting with the crowd.



It’s a fact that they were signed to a major label after only twelve live shows as tonight’s riotous offering proves. They can command an audience’s attention from the first note, especially Caughthran’s raspy sore throat style delivery and the fact that none of the band members stand still (well, the drummer is sitting) whilst playing.

Their brand of hardcore punk is reminiscent of Bad Brains and (more) Black Flag, with their own unique modern guitar and fast hard drumming mixture. Let’s just say, you may arrive at the show not knowing who they are but leave as a fan.

Some may wonder how Rise Against (or ex-88 Fingers Louie members) managed to sell out the Met. Simple, they are really good. Not only producing melodic hardcore punk of the highest standard, but also standing up for good causes, especially PETA (they are all vegetarians or vegans, like fellow rockers Propagandhi).

They have a mountain of different t-shirts for sale, so many that the slogan “Collect them all!” is written underneath. A marketing ploy or aiming to give the fans some individuality?


There is not much chatter from the band, but you don’t need it when songs like ‘Give It All’ and ‘Heaven Knows’ are played. The crowd are singing back almost every word as though they are witnessing a set by old legends.

The fact that Rise Against are now on a major label (Geffen) and left the popular underground label Fat Wreck Chords means you would expect many to slag them off and call them sell-outs. These people should get over it and just focus on the music. With the venues selling-out months in advance getting support from a larger label helps more fans to see the shows.

During the encore we are treated to a cover of Jawbreaker’s ‘Tour Song’, after which Tim McIlrath is left alone to do an acoustic version of the beautiful ‘Swing Life Away’. Cue lighters in the air and a sea of mobile phones.


‘Alive And Well’, ‘Drones’ and last track ‘Prayer For The Refugee’ bring a circle pit in the centre of the room, though not very big and more like a collection of people walking in a circle than a dancing mass of kids. I would recommend viewing this band as they lay it on the line with worthwhile lyrics and great melodies.

Survive
Under The Knife
Heaven Knows
State Of The Union
Chamber The Cartridge
Give It All
Bricks
The Good Left Undone
Like The Angel
Behind Closed Doors
Black Masks & Gasoline
Worth Dying For
Injection
Ready To Fall

Tour Song
Swing Life Away

Alive And Well
Drones
Prayer For The Refugee

FUTURE GIGS