Rebelution | 01.20 | San Francisco

Words by: Sam Martin | Images by: Kelsey Winterkorn

Rebelution :: 01.20.09 :: The Fillmore :: San Francisco, CA

Rebelution :: 01.20 :: San Francisco

Santa Barbara-based Rebelution may have been at the front end of its Winter Tour, but there was no rust during the band’s performance. Maybe it’s because touring is something this veteran road act is known for; it is the method by which they paid their dues and built up such a loyal fan base. Selling out The Fillmore in San Francisco two nights in a row is not an easy task, especially mid-week, but Rebelution did it. The first of these two shows was a perfect cross-section of what this reggae-rock band is all about. They play very catchy, almost pop-like songs with lyrics that are easy to relate to, and even easier to sing-along with. Think somewhere along the lines of 311 and the lighter side of Sublime and you’re on the right track.

After two opening acts – Oakland hip hop duo Zion I and the reggae heavy Soja from D.C. – the lights dimmed and the crowd starting chanting, “Rebelution! Rebelution! Rebelution!” Within moments, the smiling quartet came out and delved into a high-energy show.

They catered to the local crowd by referencing the Bay Area on multiple occasions. Switching between punk-influenced reggae songs and soft ballads that could easily be out of Jack Johnson‘s catalog, their range is formidable and their setlist was well put together. Where the studio versions are very accessible, they expanded on that at The Fillmore, getting the crowd riled up and then slowing things down just at the right time. Segueing songs into each other and jamming out at times, Rebelution showed an appealing command of the stage. They played their hits, and explored songs from their latest release, 2009’s Bright Side of Life. With such a devout following – created by heavy touring, raw talent and tight clean tunes – Rebelution’s Fillmore show was just another step in the right direction.

Rebelution :: 01.20.09 :: The Fillmore :: San Francisco, CA
Attn. Span, Feeling Alright, Running, From the Window > Suffering, Lazy Afternoon > Too Rude, Wake-Up Call, Otherside, Night Crawler, Book by the Cover, So High, Safe and Sound, More Than Ever > Green to Black > Hip-Hop > Bump, Outta Control, Bright Side

Rebelution tour dates available here.

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