Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/678/12367
From The Socialist newspaper, 6 July 2011
Review
Endgame by Rise Against
Hannah Bastow
In 2010, Rise Against's lead singer Tim McIlrath said the band's motivation to tour almost continuously for the past eleven years was to influence the social conscience. This motivation is apparent in their latest album, Endgame.
Rise Against's fan base may have grown beyond the disenfranchised youth and politically aware but they have not lost the cutting lyrics that make their message so powerful.
'Help is on the Way' is based on the devastating Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Many people were forgotten about by the government and promised help which never arrived, summed up by the lyrics "Can nobody save us, will anyone try?" This song highlights the devaluing of human life, especially in the poorer states.
'Disparity by Design' incorporates the tempo and spirit of punk rock but every word is resonant with the inequalities in society. McIlrath sings: "In which access depends on who you know or where you came from, whose daughter are you? Whose fortunate son?"
'Make It stop (September's Children)' confronts homophobia. Sadly, the song was influenced by a wave of suicides of young people who were bullied because of their sexuality. Chillingly it asks "too much blood has flown from the wrists of the children shamed for those they chose to kiss, who will rise to stop the blood?"
The song also contains a positive message to those in this situation, "It's always darkest just before the dawn, so stay awake with me let's prove them wrong".
The band's willingness to bring issues neglected by the mainstream media to their audience shows that McIlrath's claims of motivation are true. For Rise Against, the message is important.
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In The Socialist 6 July 2011:
30th June strike and after
Next time - strike together...
24-hour public sector general strike as next step to beat the Con-Dems
Standing up to a weak government
Labour - condemned for condemning strike
Walkout at Wormwood Scrubs prison
30 June pension strike reports
Socialist Party news and analysis
Leaked memo shows government lied over its homeless policies
Dilnot report: A disservice to disabled and older people
Durham Miners' Gala: Miliband pulls out
Stop the racist and divisive EDL
Time to defend abortion rights... again
Socialist Party workplace news
Southampton council workers strike on same day as teachers, lecturers and civil servants
Birmingham - the fightback begins
Leeds Unison members decisively reject the council's final offer
Fawley refinery construction engineers summarily sacked
Fighting pension cuts and the anti-union laws
Successful NSSN meeting in Coventry
International socialist news and analysis
East Belfast riots: Only united working class action can prevent further attacks
Kazakhstan: Striking oil workers attempt to break news blockade
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
All workers: unite to fight for decent jobs
High street job cuts: Jane Norman worker speaks out
Socialist Students meeting prepares for new term
Youth Fight for Jobs: campaign moving forward
Day-Mer festival support for 30 June pensions strike
Socialist Party reviews
Socialist Party
Building the socialist alternative on 30 June
Socialist Party youth meeting: Successful and insightful
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