Against Me! - We're Never Going Home (DVD)

Two years ago, I never would have projected Against Me! to get where they are today. The band has a DVD documentary! I mean, when I first heard this band, they were simply an up-and-coming Gainesville punk band on No Idea Records. And while No Idea Records has some amazing bands, it's rare that any member of their roster can rise above that level. Against Me! surprised everyone though with a move to Fat Wreck Chords in early 2003, ending up releasing a record for the label that fall, which, while it was well received, didn't quite live up to the acclaimed Reinventing Axl Rose from the previous year. But anyway, I'm here to discuss the band's first and only documentary, entitled We're Never Going Home. And while I'm not too keen on music DVDs (I still only have a VCR), this one has proven to be rather enjoyable. Jake Burghart's film featuring Against Me! isn't a display of exceptional live performances, nor is it an outstanding introduction to the band. What the film does do, though, is document a month in the band's touring life and give what proves to be a pretty entertaining view. The band discusses typical life on the road, pulls pranks, locks Taking Back Sunday in a dressing room, and peruses the ups and downs of major label-dom, among other things. Live performances rotate video from show to show for each song, all while giving the viewer a feel of how much energy an Against Me! show can yield; the passion exuded by this band is at one of the highest levels I've ever witnessed. So I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to do with a DVD review, this being my first and all, but I'll just say that this is a necessity for Against Me! fans, and if you don't like the band...then it matters none to you. [www.againstme.net]