Rise Against - Endgame
by Dan MacIntosh
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One trick ponies are judged on the value of that one special trick. Rise Against is an angry, us-against-the-world band � that's their one trick. Vocalist Tim McIlrath has one of those scratchy, instantly recognizable voices. Every song he sings is an anthem. Heck, at least heavy metal bands throw in a power ballad or two. Not here, however. This is all urgency, all the time.
Rise Against does have a way with writing striking words at times. During "Make It Stop (September's Children)," McIlrath shouts [you can't really term it singing], "Bang bang go the coffin nails/Like a breath exhaled."
If you are a young, idealistic college student, Rise Against music can feel like extra credit work. In fact, this specific demographic is seemingly addressed during "Architects," which challenges those with strong political leanings to hang on to them and not let go, as some do. Unfortunately, most of us calm down a tad, as we get older. Humans grow up, get married, have families and bigger responsibilities. Yes, older folks care about politics. Just look the Tea Party. However, Lee Greenwood's country music is more their speed.
Those that don't completely 'get' Endgame are probably not in the group's target audience. Even so, those that understand it may not like all of it. After all, there are only so many slogans one can ingest at any one sitting. What about something fun or funny? Geez, can't they even sing a simple love song? Even revolutionaries fall and love. They even have a little sex under the red flag.
Rise Against is great background music for your next socialist rally. Just don't play it at a frat party, unless you only want the ugly people to stick around.
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