After more than two years of waiting, it’s about to return! (No) thanks to that wretched virus, Slam Dunk Festival has had to be postponed three times over the last two years, but a combination of the festival team’s hard work and all the love from the notoriously loyal fans meant that there was never any question of throwing in the towel. Big names like Don Broco and NOFX are sure to bring the festival to a thrilling close, but how about the lower reaches of the bill? Here are five of our favourites…
Days N’ Daze (Punk In Drublic Stage, 12:35)
These Texas natives play what they call ‘H-Town Thrashgrass”, which translates to our ears as a kind of gloriously ramshackle folk-punk sound, replete with some seriously bold brass. If you’re feeling fragile after a late night session and can’t yet stomach the more hardcore-oriented bands on offer, DN’D will be just what you need to blow those cobwebs away.
Deez Nuts (Jagermeister Tent, 13:45)
Speaking of hardcore, this Aussie crew have what it takes to whip any self-respecting crowd into a moshing frenzy. They’ve previously earned themselves something of a reputation as the court jesters of the genre, with a plentiful supply of songs about drinking, smoking weed and partying - but don’t let that (or their name) fool you. These guys are for real, and they’ll take no prisoners.
The Bottom Line (Rock Scene Stage, 11:30)
If the sun needs a bit of persuading to come out, The Bottom Line are arguably the best band on the bill for such a job. Slices of punchy pop-punk like ‘Long Time Coming’ and ‘Broke’ are so catchy they should be illegal, and would make a fine soundtrack to a sea of people bouncing like their lives depended on it. Appropriately enough, the South Coast quartet are out to “make jumpy music, and remind people that not everything sucks”. Mission accomplished!
The Baboon Show (Punk In Drublic Stage, 11:45)
This Swedish quartet deal in raw yet melodic punk rock that recalls the genre’s late 70s glory days, and they’ve certainly got a way with an anthemic chorus to boot. There’s no pretension in what they do, just a load of great songs to sing yourself hoarse to, and the kind of riotous live performances that could well kick-start the festival’s earliest circle pit.
Blood Youth (Jagermeister Tent, 11:40)
In the mood for some seriously brutal, unhinged metalcore? This Leeds crew are breathing new life into a well worn sound, with all the granite-hewn riffs and double bass drum action that even the most seasoned pit-warrior could wish for. Fingers crossed that the Jagermeister Tent is solidly constructed, because the low end on the likes of ‘Iron Lung’ will give it one hell of a testing.
Slam Dunk Festival takes place on Saturday 4th September at Leeds Temple Newsam, and on Sunday 5th September at Hatfield House Park. Check www.slamdunkfestival.com for details and tickets.
Days N’ Daze (Punk In Drublic Stage, 12:35)
These Texas natives play what they call ‘H-Town Thrashgrass”, which translates to our ears as a kind of gloriously ramshackle folk-punk sound, replete with some seriously bold brass. If you’re feeling fragile after a late night session and can’t yet stomach the more hardcore-oriented bands on offer, DN’D will be just what you need to blow those cobwebs away.
Deez Nuts (Jagermeister Tent, 13:45)
Speaking of hardcore, this Aussie crew have what it takes to whip any self-respecting crowd into a moshing frenzy. They’ve previously earned themselves something of a reputation as the court jesters of the genre, with a plentiful supply of songs about drinking, smoking weed and partying - but don’t let that (or their name) fool you. These guys are for real, and they’ll take no prisoners.
The Bottom Line (Rock Scene Stage, 11:30)
If the sun needs a bit of persuading to come out, The Bottom Line are arguably the best band on the bill for such a job. Slices of punchy pop-punk like ‘Long Time Coming’ and ‘Broke’ are so catchy they should be illegal, and would make a fine soundtrack to a sea of people bouncing like their lives depended on it. Appropriately enough, the South Coast quartet are out to “make jumpy music, and remind people that not everything sucks”. Mission accomplished!
The Baboon Show (Punk In Drublic Stage, 11:45)
This Swedish quartet deal in raw yet melodic punk rock that recalls the genre’s late 70s glory days, and they’ve certainly got a way with an anthemic chorus to boot. There’s no pretension in what they do, just a load of great songs to sing yourself hoarse to, and the kind of riotous live performances that could well kick-start the festival’s earliest circle pit.
Blood Youth (Jagermeister Tent, 11:40)
In the mood for some seriously brutal, unhinged metalcore? This Leeds crew are breathing new life into a well worn sound, with all the granite-hewn riffs and double bass drum action that even the most seasoned pit-warrior could wish for. Fingers crossed that the Jagermeister Tent is solidly constructed, because the low end on the likes of ‘Iron Lung’ will give it one hell of a testing.
Slam Dunk Festival takes place on Saturday 4th September at Leeds Temple Newsam, and on Sunday 5th September at Hatfield House Park. Check www.slamdunkfestival.com for details and tickets.
