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Rise Against
North America Tour

Spiritual Cramp

Starting the night at the Royal Oak Music Theatre we have a band from San Francisco, California called Spiritual Cramp. This band sounds like punk-core with an edgy vibe. The band kicks off with high raw energy. The guitar sounds were very sharp which goes well with the vocals. The rhythm section through each track gives the crowd a relentless motivating drumbeat to keep the fans moving. Spiritual Cramp’s LIVE performance barely gives the crowd a moment to catch their breath as they spike into track after track. By the end of the set, the crowd was sweaty and exhausted but just enough to go through the show! 

MICROWAVE

Now, this is my first time seeing Microwave, and they did not disappoint one bit. It was a rollercoaster adventure with these guys because they love to capture the intensity. For example, when they took that stage, frontman Nathan Hardy’s presence was a lure. Throughout each lyric, the emotion in the room slowly builds. The crowd hangs on with every note, every line, echoing the lyrics back. This punk/post-hardcore band especially with a highlight of the night for Tyler Hill's drumming was momentum forward with every beat.  Microwave also loved to interact with the audience which makes their shows unique while they tell stories and interact with the audience. As the night closed for their set the entire venue was in awe and erupted in applause, until the very last note faded. 

Rise Against 

Ah yes! The time has come for the Atlanta-based band called Rise Against..  when the stage lights went dark I couldn't even tell you how much screaming there was of excitement. These guys are known for their powerful sounds and strong social message lyrics. The band takes the stage with a high-octane punk rock entrance that immediately fills the crowd with mixed emotions. 

 

The band's chemistry between each band member was very electric to the last. First Rise Against started the set with a fun song Satellite. Rise Against band members include lead singer Tim Mcllrath, lead guitar Zach Blair, bass Joe Principe, and on drums Brandon Barnes. A highlight of the night was when they played the track Give It All Mcllrath jumped off the stage to sing with the crowd and give everyone high-fives. The band also had another special treat to slow down the room to play some classics on acoustic such as Hero of War and Swing Life Away. To pick up the energy in the room their song Prayer of Refugee came on the crowd was shouting from the top of their lungs and you could hear it from the balcony. There was also crowd surfing and a mini mosh pit right in the middle on the floor! Not to mention as well this night was sold out at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. At the end of it, all the lights and band members went off the stage and performed an encore not for 1 song but 3 songs which were Audience of One, Black Masks & Gasoline, and the fan favorite Savior! Rise Against is a MUST-see if they come to a town near you!

Royal Oak Music Theatre | Royal Oak, MI
Writer/Photographer: Lauren Carlsen
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