by Rise Against

Reviewed by Angie Lau, age 17


Fans of Strike Anywhere should check out Chicago's Rise Against. This album is filled with energy and melody along with a good amount of real screaming (not screamo crap) for the angry kids. Singer Tim McIlrath sounds pissed, but not in the apathetic whiny way; more like the .I'm pissed at the world, but I've grown to handle it" way.

I admit that I was a bit disappointed upon popping this into my stereo after listening to their previous album, "The Unraveling," which was more aggressive. Although this one is more radio-friendly, there are a couple of faster songs ("Dead ringer"). The fifth track ("Like the Angel") is the most mellow song and perhaps what caught the attention of DreamWorks. I.m not bashing this album; I think it's a good thing their music is catchy because it opens up more people to different political ideas and views, although only tracks 1, 7 and 10 are the actually political.

This CD ends with a bonus track, which is a cover of a popular song that I am not going to name because that would give away too much. I also like how their CD booklet says: "Real revolution starts at learning. If you're not angry, then you are not paying attention" and lists some great books and websites (including PETA) that we should check out.

Buy this CD now!