On the Rise

A lot of older punk-rock types tend to look down at Warped Tour bands, whining about how they're "not real punk," as if 1977's going to repeat itself three decades later. But one band that does seem to please the geezers is Rise Against, whose thoughtful political punk is a...

By Jason Budjinski

October 19, 2006

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A lot of older punk-rock types tend to look down at Warped Tour bands, whining about how they're "not real punk," as if 1977's going to repeat itself three decades later. But one band that does seem to please the geezers is Rise Against, whose thoughtful political punk is a welcome relief from the teary-eyed nonsense of all those makeup-wearing groups. Yeah, they're on a major (Geffen), but really, isn't that a moot point in 2006? On Rise Against's major-label debut, The Sufferer & the Witness, the band hasn't changed its tune to suit the mallrat masses. Songs like the anthemic "Prayer of the Refugee" prove that Rise Against hasn't lost its message in the melody, or vice versa — sort of like a modern-day Bad Religion. Oh, wait — they're still around.

Rise Against and Thursday perform Tuesday, October 24, at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $21. Doors open at 6 p.m. with Billy Talent and Circa Survive. Call 954-727-0950, or visit www.jointherevolution.net.

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