{"id":60428,"date":"2018-05-23T13:00:21","date_gmt":"2018-05-23T12:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/?p=60428"},"modified":"2019-05-13T20:05:13","modified_gmt":"2019-05-13T19:05:13","slug":"festival-preview-slam-dunk-festival-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/festival-preview-slam-dunk-festival-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Festival Preview: Slam Dunk Festival 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

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PREVIEW<\/a> | ESSENTIAL PLAYLIST<\/a> | SET TIMES<\/a><\/p>\n

Emo rock legends? Check. Metalcore destroyers? Check. Some of the best and most influential names from the world of pop-punk? Check. Party-made ska-punk icons? Check.<\/p>\n

If you want all of this and more, then there is nowhere else to be than the Slam Dunk Festival<\/strong> this weekend. Once again, a whole host of names from rock, pop-punk, ska-punk, metalcore, hardcore, punk rock and beyond will be taking over Leeds, Hatfield and Birmingham for three days full of Slam Dunk<\/strong> goodness.<\/p>\n

With so much on offer, set clashes are inevitable but don’t worry, your good pals at Already Heard<\/strong> are here to offer a helping hand as we highlight 17 must-see bands to check out at Slam Dunk<\/strong> 2018.<\/p>\n

View more of\u00a0Already Heard<\/strong>\u2018s\u00a0Slam Dunk Festival<\/strong>\u00a02018 coverage\u00a0here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"\"Jimmy Eat World<\/h2>\n

Although Slam Dunk has a tendency to highlight the here and now, it’s also not afraid to nod its snapback cap to the bands that have influenced a generation. Step forward Jimmy Eat World<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For a quarter of a century, the Arizona quartet have been producing emo rock classics in abundance. As they make their Slam Dunk debut, and as headliners, you can expect Jimmy Eat World<\/strong> to finish off your day on a high. Of course, you can expect them to (probably) close with ‘The Middle’<\/em> but Jimmy Eat World<\/strong> are far, far more than a “one-hit wonder”. ‘Big Casino’<\/em>, ‘Work’<\/em>, ‘Bleed American’<\/em>, ‘Sweetness’<\/em> and ‘Pain’<\/em> are just some of the massive tunes Jimmy Eat World<\/strong> will been blasting out at Slam Dunk. With the combination of heartfelt hooks and a stellar catalogue of songs to choose from, Jimmy Eat World<\/strong> are essential viewing. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Monster Energy Stage – North (21:30 – 22:45) \/ South (21:05 – 22:20) \/ Midlands (21:35 – 22:50)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Good Charlotte<\/h2>\n

No introductions needed here but these godfathers of pop-punk have been touring regularly since their impressive comeback album ‘Youth Authority’<\/em> in 2016. Their first album in six years, many of the songs have already become firm fan favourites, particularly ‘Life Changes’<\/em> and ‘Makeshift Love’<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Closing out the Jagermeister Stage, you can also expect to hear all the old classics that make you feel as though you’ve gone back in time to the mid-2000s such as ‘The Young And The Hopeless’<\/em>, ‘Riot Girl’,<\/em>\u00a0‘The Anthem’<\/em>, ‘The Chronicles Of Life And Death’<\/em>, and at least one inspiring speech about how you need to follow your dreams and never give up. If you don’t have a nostalgic tear in your sweaty eye by the end, you haven’t got a heart. (BS)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong>\u00a0J\u00e4germeister stage – North (21:35 \u2013 22:50) \/ South (21:05 – 22:20) \/ Midlands (21:35 – 22:50)<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Joshua Halling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Every Time I Die<\/h2>\n

This year\u2019s Impericon Stage boasts a highly impressive calibre of hardcore and metalcore bands currently dominating our club venues, but it\u2019s headliners are the godfathers of the genre\u2019s past 19 years.<\/p>\n

Every Time I Die<\/b> are the perfect fit for Slam Dunk\u2019s all-phasers-on-fun mosh mentality. More energetic than Killswitch Engage and tongue-in-cheek than Converge, their pink-splattered back catalogue is the perfect soundtrack to an evening spent in the pit adorned with a massive grin. Still riding the wave from their most accomplished effort to date in 2016 \u2018Low Teens\u2019<\/i>, expect plenty of combustive pace from tracks like \u2018Glitches\u2019<\/i> and \u2018The Coin Has a Say\u2019<\/i>, while \u2018Two Summers\u2019<\/i> and planet-sized \u2018It Remembers\u2019<\/i> are set to gain the biggest sing-alongs of the Impericon Stage.<\/p>\n

But with seven albums of pure gold, there\u2019s no shortage of firepower in Every Time I Die\u2019s<\/b> cannon, and if you want your festival to end with a riot of moshing, stage diving and crowdsurfing, you\u2019re not going to find anyone do it better than when you\u2019re decayin\u2019 with the boys. (AD)<\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0<\/strong>Impericon Stage – North (21:20 – 22:20) \/ South (21:05 – 22:05) \/ Midlands (21:00 – 22:00)<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Shamus Coneys<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taking Back Sunday<\/h2>\n

Making their third Slam Dunk appearance, Taking Back Sunday<\/strong> have a proven track record of stealing the crown of being ‘band of the day’. Although guitarist and founding member Eddie Reyes recently departed the band, that won’t deter the Long Island-based band from soldiering on.<\/p>\n

Just like fellow Monster Energy stage band Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday<\/strong>‘s influence runs far and wide across alt-rock and emo rock. You just have to listen to bands such as Mayday Parade, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, A Will Away and many more to hear it. With a trio of classic albums; ‘Tell All Your Friends’<\/em>, ‘Where You Want to Be’<\/em> and ‘Louder Now’<\/em>, along with plenty of other standout songs in their back pocket, don’t be surprised if they deliver wall-to-wall bangers. From ‘Liar (It Takes One to Know One)’<\/em> to ‘A Decade Under the Influence’<\/em> to ‘Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut from the Team)’<\/em> to ‘MakeDamnSure’<\/em> and everything in between. You won’t be disappointed. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Monster Energy Stage – North (20:00 – 21:00) \/ South (19:35 – 20:35) \/ Midlands (20:05 – 21:05)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Northlane<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Australian progressive metalcore outfit\u00a0Northlane<\/strong>\u00a0are a force to be reckoned with. Since 2011’s\u00a0‘Discoveries’<\/em>, the band have been touring the world near constantly with the likes of Architects and The Amity Affliction, as well as stopping off at a number of festivals. A change in singer after 2013’s\u00a0‘Singularity<\/em>‘<\/em>\u00a0only invigorated the band, who, since then, have released two of their most complete and stylised albums in\u00a0‘Node’<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0‘Mesmer’<\/em>, the latter of which being surprise released early in 2017.<\/p>\n

Expect to hear cuts from all across\u00a0Northlane’s<\/strong>\u00a0discography, particularly older cuts like\u00a0‘Masquerade’<\/em>\u00a0and the earth-shattering\u00a0‘Dispossession’<\/em>. Newer tracks like\u00a0‘Citizen’<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0‘Solar’<\/em>\u00a0provide excellent choruses for a live setting, while also displaying Marcus Bridge’s incredible versatility when it comes to clean and unclean vocal styles.<\/p>\n

One of many incredible bands on the Impericon Stage this year,\u00a0Northlane<\/strong>\u00a0are not ones to be missed. (BM)<\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0<\/strong>Impericon Stage – North (20:00 – 20:50) \/ South (19:45 – 20:35) \/ Midlands (19:40 – 20:30)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes<\/h2>\n

Since launching just three years ago, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes<\/strong> have gone from strength to strength. Amongst their achievements are two Top 20 albums and went from playing clubs to selling out Brixton Academy. With the charismatic Carter at the forefront, FC&TR<\/strong> have become of the must-see bands in UK rock.<\/p>\n

Having left a big impression at a host of festivals across the world in recent years, Carter & The Rattlesnakes’ Slam Dunk debut is highly-anticipated. Arriving with an arsenal of ferocious punk songs, Carter and co are sure to bring their explosive show and then some at Slam Dunk.<\/p>\n

Even though they’re playing one of the major stages, don’t be surprised if Carter decides to take a stroll in the crowd (or on top.) Songs such as ‘Juggernaut’<\/em>, ‘Wild Flowers’<\/em>, ‘Devil Inside Me’<\/em> and ‘Snake Eyes’<\/em> are explosive, boisterous and captivating in equal measure. They have all the traits to show how and why their rise has been so rapid. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> J\u00e4germeister Stage – North (19:00 \u2013 19:50) \/ South (18:30 – 19:20) \/ Midlands (19:00 – 19:50)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Creeper<\/h2>\n

A year on from the release of their debut album, the rich, critically lauded ‘Eternity, In Your Arms’<\/em>, Creeper<\/strong> are no longer that upstart theatrical punk group.<\/p>\n

They are the name on the lips of all, a deserved world away from obscurity and, hell, even praised by NME. Sub-headliners of 2016’s Fresh Blood Stage, those who fell in love with them back then will feel vindicated, yet with no option but to share their treasure with the (black) masses \u2014 who have not always been as sold.<\/p>\n

While unsavoury reports of All Time Fans booing them tainted their recent shows supporting ATL, there is little chance of a repeat of that at Slam Dunk. With the J\u00e4germeister boasting a stacked bill among which, for many, Creeper<\/strong> will be a delicious highlight. (PS)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> J\u00e4germeister stage\u00a0– North (15:35 \u2013 16:15) \/ South (15:05 – 15:45) \/ Midlands (15:35 – 16:15)<\/p>\n

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\"\"As It Is<\/h2>\n

With the engaging single ‘The Wounded World’<\/em> released last week and frontman Patty Walters suddenly sporting a very early-noughties-emo new look, it appears Slam Dunk darlings As It Is<\/strong> are turning a corner of some variety.<\/p>\n

Last year’s ‘okay.’<\/em> promised a political\/conceptual angle in its imagery and marketing, but what it delivered was \u2014 although perfectly solid \u2014 essentially more of what we’ve come to expect from the Brighton pop-punks.<\/p>\n

‘The Wounded World’<\/em> suggests upcoming album ‘The Great Depression’<\/em> will have rougher edges, minor keys and more expansive lyrical content. Slam Dunk could see more of it debuted, and it will be intriguing to see how, in a headlining performance, the new material stands up alongside favourites from ‘okay.’<\/em> and ‘Never Happy, Ever After.’\u00a0<\/em>(PS)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Signature Brew – North (21:30 – 22:30) \/ South (20:05 – 21:05) \/ Midlands (20:30 – 21:30)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Counterparts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hailing from Toronto, metalcore\/hardcore giants\u00a0Counterparts<\/strong>\u00a0are making their first Slam Dunk appearance at 2018’s iteration of the festival. An aggressive, emotion-driven sound is what makes the band a favourite for many, as well as their hard graft over the years to achieve the success they’ve found today.<\/p>\n

With a number of albums to build a setlist from, the band could play any number of songs. Expect fan favourites like\u00a0‘The Disconnect’\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0‘Outlier’<\/em>,\u00a0as well as a handful from latest album\u00a0‘You’re Not You Anymore’<\/em>, including\u00a0‘No Servant of Mine’, ‘Bouquet’<\/em>, and\u00a0‘Rope’<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This long overdue performance will be one to watch, just don’t expect there to be any slow numbers. (BM)<\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0<\/strong>Impericon Stage – North (16:35 – 17:15) \/ South (16:20 – 17:00) \/ Midlands (16:15 – 16:55)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Reel Big Fish<\/h2>\n

Despite what some of you might think of ska punk, you have to admit it’s irresistibly fun. And that is what festivals like Slam Dunk should be. Fun. For those wanting their fill of ska punk and straight up punk rock, then you’ll probably be making the Fireball stage your temporary home for the day, and we can’t blame you.<\/p>\n

With Goldfinger, Zebrahead, The Skints, Capdown and King Prawn set to play, it will all come to ahead with Reel Big Fish<\/strong>. Considerably one of the most enjoyable festival bands around, they’re no strangers to Slam Dunk. Having headlined the whole thing in 2007, they’ve come back three times since with 2018 making it their first appearance in succession.<\/p>\n

They’re clearly a band in demand and it is easy to see why. With bright brass bursts, jangly guitars and infectious ska-laden songs, you’re sure to be walking (or should that be skanking?) away with a big smile on your face. And if you’re not, you’re probably from the anti-fun police.<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Fireball Stage – North (21:30 – 22:40) \/ South (21:10 – 22:20) \/ Midlands (21:10 – 22:20)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Knuckle Puck<\/h2>\n

Making a first Slam Dunk appearance since 2015 is Chicago’s Knuckle Puck<\/strong>, who three years ago appeared on a cramped Macbeth Stage early in the afternoon. They now do so again but enjoy a promotion to the centrepiece schedule.<\/p>\n

Typified by Joe Taylor’s heart-on-the-sleeve fronting, Knuckle Puck<\/strong> have recently shown they possess depth and subtlety beyond the old-school, emo-tinged pop-punk of their early material. Out last month, EP ‘Shifted’<\/em> took songs from last year’s ‘Shapeshifter’<\/em> album and reworked them into something that, well, doesn’t sound like Knuckle Puck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Yet it is unlikely any of those versions will appear here, with raw gems from early releases such as ‘No Good<\/em>‘ and ‘But Why Would You Care?’<\/em> ensuring the huge crowd at the J\u00e4germeister are hoarse by 2 o’clock. (PS)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> J\u00e4germeister Main Stage\u00a0– North (13:30 \u2013 14:05) \/ South (13:00 – 13:35) \/ Midlands (13:30 – 14:05)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Astroid Boys<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Metal and rap have long been combined, often with results that music fans look back on and wince with embarrassment. When it comes to\u00a0Cardiff’s\u00a0Astroid Boys<\/strong>, however, their seamless blend of grime and metal makes for some of the most energetic live shows in the UK today. Off the back of their debut album,\u00a0‘Broke’<\/em>, a full European tour with Enter Shikari, as well as a massive UK headline run, the band make their return to Slam Dunk.<\/p>\n

Benji, Traxx, and Dellux’s clever vocal interplay on stage is something to see, as they rap over a mixture of hardcore inspired riffs, as well as more grime-centric tracks. The former is what has earned them a spot on the heavy-music-mecca of the Impericon stage, with songs like\u00a0‘Dirt’<\/em>,\u00a0‘Dusted’<\/em>, and\u00a0‘Cheque’<\/em>\u00a0sure to bring the moshers out.<\/p>\n

Their live show is a spectacle, but certainly not one for the lighthearted. Expect the pits to be huge for this one. (BM)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong>\u00a0Impericon Stage – North (14:40 – 15:10) \/ South (14:25 – 14:55) \/ Midlands (14:20 – 14:50)<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Adam Webb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trash Boat<\/strong><\/h2>\n

St. Alban’s pop punk\/hardcore punk crew\u00a0Trash Boat<\/strong>\u00a0have been making huge strides in the UK scene. Their slot as openers for the festival in 2015 was a momentous occasion for the band, who played to an overflowing room at the South date. This will be the band’s third appearance at the festival, now with a record contract under Hopeless Records, a debut album produced by The Wonder Years’ Dan Campbell, and new album\u00a0‘Crown Shyness’<\/em>\u00a0just around the corner.<\/p>\n

Over the last few years, the band have been working hard on honing their blend of Have Heart-influenced punk rock, and the quality of both their musical output and live show has vastly improved. Expect to hear tight renditions of EP cuts like\u00a0‘Perspective’<\/em>\u00a0alongside some huge album tracks including\u00a0‘Strangers’<\/em>,\u00a0‘How Selfish I Seem<\/em>‘<\/em>, and lead single from their new album,\u00a0‘Shade’<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Near impossible to get bored of,\u00a0Trash Boat<\/strong>\u00a0are a\u00a0band to see whenever they come through, and their Slam Dunk performances always take it to the next level. (BM)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong>\u00a0Signature Brew Stage – North (17:45 – 18:30) \/ South (16:35 – 17:20) \/ Midlands (16:45 – 17:30)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Comeback Kid<\/h2>\n

An appropriate name for the band who just keep coming back; despite a number of lineup changes over the years Comeback Kid<\/strong> are still going strong. It seems you can’t keep a good hardcore band down and we’re pleased to see the Canadian staples on the line up for Slam Dunk 2018.<\/p>\n

Their sixth studio album, ‘Outsider’<\/em>, was released last year but the band have been pretty active throughout 2018 too with a brand new double A-side single ‘Beds Are Burning’<\/em> and ‘Little Soldier’<\/em> dropping earlier this month, the former of which is a cover of the Midnight Oil classic. (BS)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Impericon stage – North (17:40 – 18:25) \/ South (17:25 – 18:10) \/ Midlands (17:20 – 18:05)<\/p>\n

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Say Anything<\/h2>\n

It’s been six whole years since Max Bemis and company visited the UK. In that time, Say Anything<\/strong> have delivered the guitar-less ‘Hebrews’<\/em> in 2014 and its 2016 follow-up ‘I Don’t Think It Is’.<\/em> While in recent months Bemis’ band have toured America and Australia, performing ‘…Is a Real Boy’, ‘In Defense of the Genre’<\/em> and their self-titled albums in full.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately (and understandably) we won’t get the same treatment at Slam Dunk, but surely we’d like to think nicely warmed up to delve into back catalogue. With Bemis’ distinctive vocals and lyrical wit weaved into Say Anything<\/strong>‘s diverse and varied history, their set will be intriguing but certainly entertaining. Nevertheless, we’re sure Bemis will know what the Slam Dunk crowd will want; a heavy dose of nostalgia with a hint of their recent eclectic output. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Fireball Stage – North (15:20 – 16:00) \/ South (14:50 – 15:30) \/ Midlands (15:25 – 16:05)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Me Vs Hero<\/h2>\n

There is something intriguing about a band who were but a fleeting presence, rapidly garnering attention and plaudits, only to disappear too soon. There is usually a record that becomes synonymous with their memory, a seminal work associated with their time in the spotlight and attaining near-mythical status as the year’s pass.<\/p>\n

Exhibit A: Me Vs Her<\/strong>o. The Blackpool easycore five-piece disbanded in 2015 after an eight-year career spanning two EPs and two albums, the music produced in the shadow of the tragic passing of founding guitarist Alex McCulloch in 2008.<\/p>\n

Spiky debut LP ‘The Days That Shape Our Lives’<\/em> arrived in 2010, boasting a pile of heavy pop-punk and coinciding with a second successive Slam Dunk appearance. Me Vs Hero<\/strong> will, one last time, perform it in full and exclusively for their 2018 set. Expect carnage when that opening riff of ‘Can You Count Suckers’<\/em> ignites the Signature Brew Stage late in the day. (PS)<\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0Signature Brew – North (20:15 – 21:00) \/ South (18:55 – 19:40) \/ Midlands (19:15 – 20:00)<\/p>\n

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\"\"Stand Atlantic<\/h2>\n

With their first ever European headline show coming the night before Slam Dunk in London, Sydney’s Stand Atlantic<\/strong> can be assured it will be the first of many on this side of the world.<\/p>\n

Heralded as one of pop-punk’s brightest hopes, Bonnie Fraser follows in the footsteps of Tonight Alive’s Jenna McDougall in leading a vibrant, exciting young band from Down Under that look set to conquer the world.<\/p>\n

She and bandmates David Potter and Jonno Panichi have already delivered airtight anthems such as ‘Coffee at Midnight’<\/em> and ‘Push’<\/em> on last year’s ‘Sidewinder’<\/em> EP, and they impressed enough to land a primetime spot on the Breakout Stage. The trio are certain to leave these shores having won hearts. (PS)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Rock Sound Breakout – North (20:05 – 20:35) \/ South (18:35 – 19:05) \/ Midlands (18:00 – 18:30)<\/p>\n

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ESSENTIAL PLAYLIST<\/h2>\n