The final May Bank Holiday holds a very special place in most people’s hearts as it’s the weekend where one of the UK’s most beloved festivals comes back. Slam Dunk is a firm favourite here at Punktastic, as it’s a festival where you can catch up with bands that are old favourites and find new treasures amongst the stages.
To get you warmed up for Slam Dunk, Jess and Chris are bringing you their top bands you shouldn’t miss and a playlist of what you can expect.
Beartooth
Jagermesiter Stage 17:40 – 18:20
Off the back of their two albums ‘Disgusting’ and ‘Aggressive’ and their insane live shows, Beartooth are definitely ones to catch this year. The area by the main stage will be absolutely packed with people who want to witness the carnage this Ohio quartet will bring to Slam Dunk, which includes crushing speed and aggression to create some truly awe-inspiring anthems. [Jess Tagliani]
Deaf Havana
Jagermesiter Stage 18:45 – 19:35
The Norfolk rockers have had a huge year so far, and their latest album ‘All These Countless Nights’ proved to be the bands most successful yet reaching no.5 in the UK album charts. Coupled with a huge UK and European tour the guys have gone from strength to strength with the emotionally engaging subjects of their new material. The main stage is the perfect setting for what’s sure to be a special set for the band and their fans alike. [Chris Lee]
Boston Manor
Key Club Stage 16:20 – 16:55
Slam Dunk always manages to book some of the best pop-punk acts around and Blackpool’s Boston Manor is one of them. Their catchy melodies and huge vocals always create a fun, sweaty atmosphere – get ready to sing your heart out to these guys.[Jess Tagliani]
Less Than Jake
Fireball Stage 20:20 – 21:20
Less Than Jake are the very definition of a band that need no introduction. The Gainsville Ska Punk outfit have been no strangers to the UK recently and they return to play the Fireball Stage along with the likes of Reel Big Fish and Bowling for Soup. With bands like this up all day you can expect one thing and one thing only from this stage and that’s fun, fun and more fun. [Chris Lee]
Black Foxxes
Key Club Stage 15:25 – 15:55
Black Foxxes have got a rather busy festival season ahead of them, which is why Slam Dunk will be the perfect starting point for them this summer. If you’re a fan of emotional lyrics that are incredibly raw and heart-felt, paired with slick riffs, then don’t miss this trio.[Jess Tagliani]
WSTR
Monster Energy Stage 15:35 – 16:10
The Liverpool 4 piece return to Slam Dunk for the second time and bring with them killer riffs and vocals. Playing the Monster Energy stage the guys certainly have energy in abundance, you can expect moshpits and bouncing a plenty as their brand of self-loathing but movement inducing pop punk is sure to be one of the sets of the weekend. [Chris Lee]
Madina Lake
Impericon Stage 20:40 – 21:25
If you’re looking to feel 14 years-old again, head over to the Impericon Stage to watch Madina Lake. The room will most likely be filled with adults in their early- to mid-twenties all screaming along to the band’s earlier material, but it’ll be a sight to behold and be a part of.
[Jess Tagliani]
Counterfeit
Counterfeit – Milan – Tunnel
Impericon Stage 17:30 – 18:05
If their recent run of show is anything to go by Counterfeit will likely spend more time in the crowd than on the Impericon stage itself, but that’s in no way a bad thing. The London rockers are one of the breakthrough bands of the year to date and they more than live up to that title with their live shows. Crushing breakdowns, brutal riffs and vocals that’ll have you singing at the top of your lungs are what these guys are all about and who doesn’t love those. [Chris Lee]
VUKOVI
Rocksound Breakout Stage 15:20 – 15:50
This Scottish quartet are incredibly quirky and fun, which is all the more reason to check them out at Slam Dunk this year. Vocalist Janine possess an incredibly vocal range, ranging from biting and ferocious to emotional and soft – she and the rest of the band will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. [Jess Tagliani]
The Gospel Youth
Rocksound Breakout Stage 19:55 – 20:25
South Coast pop rock outfit The Gospel Youth managed to release a single every month last year and recently announced they’d signed to Rise Records. They promptly hit the studio to begin recording their debut album much to delight of their fans. Vocalist Sam Little boasts an incredible set of pipes and possibly the best voice on display over the weekend. Coupled with their expert song writing and catchy melodies these guys are not to be missed. Make sure you grab the chance before they head over to the states to spend the summer on the Warped Tour. [Chris Lee]
Slam Dunk Festival takes place across the May Bank Holiday weekend at the dates and venues below. A few remaining tickets are on sale now from the official Slam Dunk website.
May
27 BIRMINGHAM NEC
28 LEEDS City Centre
29 HATFIELD The Forum