Slam Dunk Festival 2019 is nearly upon us, and if you’re going, then you’ll no doubt be salivating at the thought of getting your fix of various flavours of punk (ska, pop, etc.) and all things ‘-core’. This year’s heavyweights All Time Low, NOFX and Bullet For My Valentine are sure to end the day in fine style, but there are plenty of smaller, less well-known names on the bill that are equally worthy of your time. Here’s our pick of the best…

MILK TEETH (Dickies Stage, 12:15pm)

Gloucestershire’s finest are now down to a trio, following some recent line-up changes, but whatever trauma this may have caused them has clearly been twisted around and channelled as inspiration. Comparisons to the leading lights of 90s grunge seem lazy now; this is simply a band with an ear for a great melody and a love of loud, raw guitars, and they should also make short shrift of any remaining cobwebs in your head. Video.

CRUEL HAND (Right Key Stage, 11:45am)

This Maine quintet deal in hardcore punk anthems with a metallic twist, enough to whip any self-respecting crowd into a maelstrom and also give you a sore throat from singing/shouting along. Circle pit before lunchtime? Unlikely, but if it’s gonna happen, then the smart money’s on these guys. Video.

THE BOMBPOPS (Punk In Drublic Stage, 11:55am)

In need of a a gloriously melodic pop-punk soundtrack to the mistakes you (indeed, most of us) have made in life? The Bombpops are here for you, with self-deprecating lyrics and buzzsaw guitars in abundance. You’ll be singing along in empathy in no time. Video.

CHAS PALMER-WILLIAMS (Acoustic Stage, 3:25pm)

These days, it seems as if just about every other former ska-punk or pop-punk frontman is grabbing their nearest acoustic guitar and ‘going folk’, but few of them are doing it as well as Chas Palmer-Williams. Always a great lyrical observer, the former Lightyear vocalist’s latest songs are as heart-warming as they are amusing, and damn catchy to boot. Video.

WALLFLOWER (Right Key Stage, 1:45pm)

Considering the post-hardcore baton must be worn down to a nub by now, it’s good to see bands like Wallflower going off-track with it. Sure, jagged guitars and screams are present and correct, but they’re given space to breathe among the kind of understated, melancholic guitar melodies that worm their way into your subconscious without you even realising. Trust us, you won’t mind. Video.

Slam Dunk Festival takes place at Leeds Temple Newsam Park on Saturday 25th May, and at Hatfield House Park on Sunday 26th May. Check www.slamdunkfestival.com for tickets and more info.