Now this was the first time I'd been in the refurbished Academy One and it was much improved in layout. One problem is that the gig didn't seem to get the same atmosphere that Manchester got the last time Rise Against toured. The boys from Chicago were supported by the newly famous Flobots and pop punk boys Anti Flag.

Flobots like many first support acts didn't get much response from the audience but they performed well and, once they have a few more big songs such as Handlebars, I'm sure they'll go from strength to strength.

Anti Flag on the other hand were far from memorable. Shouting lines that you would imagine a stereotypical punk band to be shouting, it was slightly cringe worthy as they didn't seem to have any sort of conviction for their words or lyrics.

The main act Rise Against were solid as ever opening with songs like Drones and Give It All that you can't fail to sing along to, but maybe that's just me. Then there was hit after hit with Prayer Of A Refugee and The Good Left Undone and the only thing I could fault about the performance was Tim Mcllrath's vocals were a little shaky at the start.

The kids right at the front didn't seem to care but there wasn't much singing or dancing anywhere near where I was standing and maybe the band could have inspired the audience a little more. Rise Against are known for shouting and screaming at their audience and dragging them up for the night and I was shocked to see it wasn't quite there.

A big finish with an acoustic set and the the song Swing Life Away was a fitting end to the gig - sending all the couples home singing in each other's ears. However I was left a little disappointed as I'd built up big hopes for the gig. Having seen them before I was expectant of a little more. Maybe it was down to the bigger venue? I'm not sure but I think they should definitely look at playing somewhere a little smaller next time...

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