{"id":93387,"date":"2023-05-10T14:00:34","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T13:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/?p=93387"},"modified":"2023-05-26T13:34:10","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T12:34:10","slug":"festival-preview-slam-dunk-festival-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/festival-preview-slam-dunk-festival-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Festival Preview: Slam Dunk Festival 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

The festival season has begun, and for many,\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk Festival<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is the first major gathering of the summer. The 2023 edition is once again set to be a celebration of some of the best rock, metal, pop-punk, emo, and alternative music today.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to line-ups,\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk Festival<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0never fails to deliver, spoiling festival-goers with an abundance of major players, cult favourites, and up-and-comers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This year follows that trend, and with some much to choose from, I’ve offered a friendly, helpful hand by picking up some of the “essential” acts to watch at\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk Festival 2023<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Enter
Photo Credit: Lukasz Palka<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enter Shikari<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fresh off the back of their critically-acclaimed seventh album,\u00a0<\/span>‘A Kiss for the Whole World’,\u00a0<\/span>Enter Shikari<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/a>return to headline\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0after six years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having transformed from “that MySpace band” to becoming an influential, eclectic rock band,\u00a0<\/span>Enter Shikari<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0have built an arsenal of festival-headlining tracks. The St Albans quartet have constantly produced a sonic palette of sounds, styles, and textures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The aforementioned\u00a0<\/span>‘A Kiss for the Whole World’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0backs up that statement with vibrancy running throughout its 12 tracks. While in a live setting,\u00a0<\/span>Shikari<\/span><\/strong> continues to be a tour-de-force. Having toured up and down the UK in recent months playing a wrath of intimate shows, <\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is sure to give\u00a0<\/span>Enter Shikari<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0the platform where they excel. Expect dynamic, stunning production mixed with a blend of old and new favourites.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a021:00 – 22:15 @ ‘Amazon Music Presents Rock Scene’ Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Movements
Photo Credit: Anthony Purcella<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Movements<\/span><\/h2>\n

California emotional post-hardcore band\u00a0<\/span>Movements<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0have gradually been building a strong following since their debut album,\u00a0<\/span>‘Feel Something’<\/span><\/em>,<\/span><\/a>\u00a0in 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vocalist Patrick Miranda’s songwriting has proved to be captivating while being aligned with a brand of atmospheric emo rock that ebbs and flows with execution. 2020’s\u00a0<\/span>‘No Good Left To Give’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0LP exemplified this through its dark, emotional core.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the quartet continue to evolve. Last year’s ‘<\/span>Cherry Thrill’\u00a0<\/span><\/em>single honed in on a groove-laden sound, serving as probably their most upbeat track to date, albeit with subtle dark context that’s served them so well. More recently,\u00a0<\/span>‘Killing Time’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>‘Lead Pipe’<\/span><\/em><\/a>\u00a0demonstrated their more intense, gritty side.<\/span><\/p>\n

With further new material expected, and returning to the UK off the back of shows in Australia with Boston Manor,\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0marks the start of\u00a0<\/span>Movements<\/span><\/strong>‘ next evolution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>12:35 – 13:10 @ The Kerrang Tent – Right Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Holding<\/p>\n

Holding Absence<\/span><\/h2>\n

This Cardiff four-piece continues to be one of the best up-and-coming bands on these shores. Ever since arriving with\u00a0<\/span>‘Dream of Me’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0six years ago,\u00a0<\/span>Holding Absence<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0have been on an upwards trajectory, adding a wealth of emotionally-ridden bangers to their repertoire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s no surprise the Welsh quartet continues to thrive in a live setting. Led by stunning vocalist Lucas Woodland,\u00a0<\/span>Holding Absence<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0certainly back up any hype that surrounds them with ease. This past winter’s run of intimate shows exemplified their ability to deliver a cohesive and memorable set, serving as a celebration for everything they’ve achieved so far.<\/span><\/p>\n

Returning to\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>for the third time,\u00a0<\/span>Holding Absence<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0have all the credentials to steal the show; heartfelt choruses, towering melodies, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>14:10 – 14:45 @ ‘Amazon Music Presents Rock Scene’ Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
Photo Credit: Jess Flynn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Menzingers<\/span><\/h2>\n

Four years on from headlining one of\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk Festival<\/span><\/strong>‘s “smaller” stages, Philadelphia’s\u00a0<\/span>The Menzingers<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0are set to make their return. Emerging from dive bars and basements, the quartet have become a beloved punk band.<\/span><\/p>\n

Led by the songwriting pairing of Greg Barnett and Tom May,\u00a0<\/span>The Menzingers<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0specialise in heartfelt, introspective songs delivered with anthemic qualities. Last year saw them celebrate the 10th anniversary of\u00a0<\/span>‘On the Impossible Past’,<\/span><\/em>\u00a0an album that grows in influence with each passing year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although not granted a headline spot this time around,\u00a0<\/span>The Menzingers<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0are bound to deliver a crowd-pleasing set with plenty of reflective and anthemic songs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When: <\/span><\/strong>17:40 – 18:25 <\/span>@ The Kerrang Tent – Right Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Spanish
Photo Credit: Hannah Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spanish Love Songs<\/span><\/h2>\n

Having pulled out of last year’s festivities due to that goddamn COVID-19,\u00a0<\/span>Spanish Love Songs<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0will\u00a0<\/span>finally<\/span><\/em>\u00a0return to the UK this month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since\u00a0<\/span>‘Schmaltz’<\/span><\/em><\/a>\u00a0landed in my inbox in 2018, their brand of self-deprecating punk has become a firm favourite of mine. Dylan Slocum and company have built on the momentum since then with 2020’s\u00a0<\/span>‘<\/span><\/em>Brave Faces Everyone’ maintaining the earnest and anthemic punk vibes. Furthermore, the accompanying\u00a0<\/span>‘Brave Faces, Etc’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0allowed the quintet to reimagine and experiment with the record with compelling results.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, it’s been far too long since we\u00a0<\/span>Spanish Love Songs<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0over here and as part of a stage that includes\u00a0<\/span>Creeper<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Trophy Eyes<\/span><\/strong>, and former touring pals\u00a0<\/span>The Menzingers<\/span><\/strong>, you’ll probably will not want to leave the Kerrang! tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When: <\/span><\/strong>13:45 – 14:20 <\/span>@ The Kerrang Tent – Right Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kids<\/p>\n

Kids In Glass Houses<\/span><\/h2>\n

Slam Dunk Festival<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0has a history of delivering reunions and this year they’re are giving us two!<\/span><\/p>\n

First up are Cardiff rockers\u00a0<\/span>Kids in Glass Houses<\/span><\/strong><\/a>. Having called it quits in 2014, the Welsh quintet will be reforming to celebrate 15 years of their debut LP –\u00a0<\/span>‘Smart Casual’<\/span><\/em>. Full to the brim of catchy and cool Brit rock, the record set the standard for many UK bands that followed, making\u00a0<\/span>KIGH<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0an influential band.<\/span><\/p>\n

With standout tracks such as\u00a0<\/span>‘Give Me What I Want<\/span><\/em>‘<\/span>, ‘Saturday’\u00a0<\/span><\/em>and<\/span>\u00a0‘Easy Tiger’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0bound to get a raucous welcome, the pairing of\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>and\u00a0<\/span>Kids in Glass Houses\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>is pretty much perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>17:20 – 18:05 @ ‘Amazon Music Presents Rock Scene’ Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Yellowcard\"<\/p>\n

Yellowcard<\/span><\/h2>\n

The second reunion hitting\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is that of\u00a0<\/span>Yellowcard<\/span><\/strong><\/a>. It doesn’t seem five minutes since we bid Floridia group farewell, but here we are five years later welcoming them back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coincidentally, this year marks 20 years since they released their breakthrough album,\u00a0<\/span>‘Ocean Avenue’<\/span><\/em>. Having become a cult favourite among pop-punk fans, it’s become a record that continues to grow in stature. With an abundance of massive choruses, complemented by swirling violins and emotionally-charged lyricism,\u00a0<\/span>Yellowcard<\/span><\/strong>‘s return to\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is sure to be a celebratory highlight of the weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When: <\/span><\/strong>20:05 – 20:55 @ <\/span>The Kerrang Tent – Left Stage<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Creeper<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Having bought down the curtain on<\/span>\u00a0‘Sex, Death & the Infinite Void’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0(and\u00a0<\/span>‘American Noir’<\/span><\/em>) era last November,\u00a0<\/span>Creeper<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>return to\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0to headline the Kerrang! Tent Right Stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the months since dropping\u00a0<\/span>‘Ghost Brigade’,<\/span><\/em>\u00a0the quintet have been silent but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Southampton theatrical punks start dropping hints about their third album soon.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While\u00a0<\/span>‘Sex, Death & the Infinite Void’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0saw\u00a0<\/span>Creeper<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0expand their sound,\u00a0<\/span>‘Ghost Brigade’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0arguably saw them return to the horror punk origins. Nonetheless,\u00a0<\/span>Creeper<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0are sure to deliver a memorable set at\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0full of massive sing-alongs and punk-fuelled swagger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>19:15 – 20:00 @ The Kerrang Tent – Right Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Static Dress<\/span><\/h2>\n

In the time\u00a0<\/span>Already Heard<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0has been away, there have been a plethora of exciting new bands making a name for themselves with one of them being\u00a0<\/span>Static Dress<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having played shows with Bring Me The Horizon, Knocked Loose, Funeral For A Friend, Creeper, Sleeping With Sirens, and a host of others, it’s safe to say this Leeds-based lot have put the work in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With vocalist Olli Appleyard as their creative leader,\u00a0<\/span>Static Dress<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0have built a unique narrative to everything they do, both musically and visually (including comic books). It’s a world you can easily get lost in. Last year’s debut full-length,\u00a0<\/span>‘Rouge Carpet Disaster’,\u00a0<\/span><\/em>proved to be a thrilling post-hardcore ride. Rooted in their influences from the 2000s, their use of ambient undertones showed they’re not tied down to genre.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having injected post-hardcore with a hint of nostalgic adrenaline,\u00a0<\/span>Static Dress<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0are the epitome of “ones to watch” when it comes to breakthrough bands at\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>15:05 – 15:35 @ Knotfest Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Less<\/p>\n

Less Than Jake<\/span><\/h2>\n

What would\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk Festival<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0be without ska punk? Throughout its history, some of the best ska punk bands have graced the festival, brightening up the day rain or shine. And there is no better than\u00a0<\/span>Less Than Jake<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gainesville gang have repeatedly shown their ability to become a festival highlight with their brand of fast-paced, brass-blasting punk rock. While they are considerably\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0regulars, this year’s appearance is extra special as they’re celebrating 25 years of\u00a0<\/span>‘Hello Rockview’<\/span><\/em>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having become a cherished favourite amongst fans, it’s sure to be a party-like atmosphere as\u00a0<\/span>LTJ<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0blasts through\u00a0<\/span>‘History of a Boring Town,’ ‘Last One Out of Liberty City,<\/span><\/em>‘ and of course,<\/span>\u00a0‘All My Best Friends Are Metalheads’<\/span><\/em>. Trust me, you’ll have the best time getting wrapped up skanking away carelessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When: <\/span><\/strong>18:25 – 19:15 @ Dickies Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

\"girlfriends\"<\/p>\n

girlfriends<\/span><\/h2>\n

Meet\u00a0<\/span>girlfriends<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0aka Travis Mills (vocals and guitar) and Nick Gross (drums). Before coming together, they had their own musical ventures. Most notably Mills performed as a rapper during the 2010s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having come together in 2020,\u00a0<\/span>girlfriends<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0have quickly churned out loads of new material with the forthcoming<\/span>\u00a0‘Over My Dead Body’<\/span><\/em>\u00a0EP being added to their catalogue which includes two albums. With producer extraordinaire John Feldmann being a frequent collaborator,\u00a0<\/span>girlfriends<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0stylistically provide an accessible take of pop-punk that has seen them share the stage with Avril Lavigne and Machine Gun Kelly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Californian duo wrap bold, energetic hooks around lyrical themes of self-expression and catharsis. Appearing on\u00a0<\/span>Slam Dunk<\/span><\/strong>‘s Key Club stage alongside other rising names such as\u00a0<\/span>Sueco<\/span><\/strong>, <\/span>NOAHFINNCE<\/span><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>JXDN<\/span><\/strong>, and\u00a0<\/span>Maggie Lindemann<\/span><\/strong>, expect\u00a0<\/span>girlfriends\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>to deliver an abundance of irresistibly catchy powerpop-punk bangers like ‘Life’s a Brittany’<\/em>, ‘Where Were You<\/em>‘, and ‘Toaster For a Swim’<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where & When: <\/span><\/strong>12:35 – 13:05 @ Key Club Stages – Right Key<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s the full\u00a0Slam Dunk Festival 2023 Line-Up<\/h2>\n

\"Slam<\/p>\n

Slam Dunk Festival 2023 Clashfinder<\/h2>\n

\"Slam<\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to our Slam Dunk Festival 2023 Playlist<\/h2>\n