Against Me! @ The Metro, Sydney, 7th May 2011

It’s saying something that I have seen this band 7 times now and I’m still heading back for more. Not only is their music amazing but this bands live show is one of the tightest and most energetic that I have had the pleasure of watching.

This show however bought on some anxious thoughts for two reasons. Firstly, their last album is leaning to the softer side, which had hardcore fans like myself worried about set full of new sub-standard material. Secondly, this was their first Australian tour since losing original drummer Warren Oakes who had definitely stamped his signature sound and style all over this band.

Thankfully, Against Me! killed any of the worries of the old school fans by playing limited new material. New drummer, Jay Weinberg, who has previously played with hardcore legends, Madball, as well as Bruce Springsteen had big shoes to fill.  Thankfully, he absolutely killed it! Weinberg played hard, fast and relentless and seemed to bring a whole bunch of energy to Against Me’s set!

The show itself can only be referred to as ‘Relentless’. With very limited crowd interaction and the best part of an hour and a half of Against Me ploughing through their back catalogue and playing all the crowd pleasers.

Once again, this band impressed myself and every punter at the Metro. If your into agressive, melodic music with massive singalongs then make every effort to see Against Me!

Stu, Difrnt Music

Against Me! – Rice and Bread @ The Metro, Sydney, 7th May 2011