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(Eagle Rock Entertainment) Rage Against the Machine, the heavy hitting, leftist, rap-rock group that inspired social consciousness in a generation of youth, are masters of the build up. Each of their songs demands attention and action from the first note; they bring listeners in on a mighty march of music that inevitably explodes in a riot of powerful sound. The campaign that led to the band’s iconic song “Killing In the Name” being the 2009 Christmas #1 single in the UK nearly 20 years after it’s original release had the same remarkable progression. Live At Finsbury Park, the group’s new live concert film, tells the story of the quickly growing movement that cumulated in a once in a lifetime heart rattling free concert in the UK. The vibrant film is a testament to Rage Against the Machine’s powerful live performances and singular crowd rousing abilities.
On June 6th, 2010, RATM, who had not released a new album since 2003, reunited in the UK for their promised free show. In front of 40,000 people the group, comprised of Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk, dominated the stage with a force that had the crowd pulsing with fever. Filmed in high definition, the 24 cameras used to capture the event paint a luscious detailed picture of the unique show.
Playing a wide range of songs like “Bullet In The Head,” “Bombtrack,” and “Sleep Now In The Fire” Rocha’s vocals cut with the same dynamism and ferociousness as when the tracks were first recorded and performed. Morello’s distinct guitar playing and boundless enthusiasm is brilliantly highlighted in the film. From a series of different dynamic angles the director displays how Morello pulls other worldly sounds from his instrument and replicates DJ sounds by scratching his strings instead of a record. Commerford and Wilk play with ceaseless energy throughout the set, they remain flawlessly in sync without the camera ever catching them glancing to one another for a speck of direction.
Culminating in what had to be the final song, the track that had brought tens of thousands together that night, RATM unleashed a rousing performance of “Killing In the Name” to close out a concert that could never be replicated. Though RATM’s musicianship throughout the hour-long show is more than enough to hold viewers’ attention, it’s the pans of the audience that are the most captivating sights to behold. The mass of individuals in the film’s high scanning shots blend together and form a rogue wave of purpose that was somehow remarkably unified for this one moment.
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From those in the very front pressed with frightening tightness against the stage to the attendees on the outskirts of the show, the 40,000 people filling Finsbury Park sing, thrash and jump with an intensity that could fuel a thousand more grassroots campaigns. Watching the film, it feels like you’re a part of the movement too. Even from the comfort of your couch, it’s hard not to cheer and put your fist in the air as RATM takes their final bow.
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