Source: Matt Higgs
Shape Shift With Me is the seventh Against! Me album – one that has made space for a neglected and much-needed narrative. After getting a glimpse of the impassioned crowd at their sold out show at the Electric Ballroom it was clear that fans have been empowered by it. They shredded their way tightly through a politically charged set of poignant punk anthems celebrating gender diversity and being alive.
Joined by support bands that put representation on stage every night, Against Me! went out of their way to champion inclusivity inside the venue. First up were Winnipeg punk duo Mobina Galore who thrashed out high energy tracks that engaged the audience from start to finish. Then Milk Teeth tore up the stage with Joan Jett’s ‘Bad Reputation’ and celebrated Billy Hutton’s first year on guitar with the band. By the end of their set they had gained a swarm of new fans following the live success of tracks like ‘Swear Jar’ and ‘Crows Feet’.
Source: Matt Higgs
After nearly 20 years as a band, this is Against Me! at their collaborative best. Energy surged forward through the crowd as they opened with ‘True Trans Soul Rebel’. Hearing each word chanted back at Laura Jane Grace was surreal. It was proof that the personal really is political – especially when it comes down to societies stance on gender.
Grace was beaming out at the crowd from the moment they stepped on stage. Filled with pride at facing an audience who don’t shy away from embracing diversity, she lets the them know that “the best thing about touring in the UK is I can say with absolute certainty that none of you voted for Donald Trump!”
Source: Matt Higgs
Seeing them draw strength from the response to new tracks like ‘Crash’ and ‘Rebecca’ was as potent as seeing older songs such as ‘Pints Of Guinness Make You Strong’ still resonate with the crowd and take on new meanings. Performed alone, Grace stripped ‘Baby, I’m An Anarchist’ back to its roots and every word she sung had company from the crowd. An atmosphere of pride and positivity never once subsided and the room felt like an inclusive safe space in which any one could enjoy the show.
