13 bands we can’t wait to see at Slam Dunk 2016
Festival season is finally here – this Sunday, 29 May, Slam Dunk is coming to the NEC in Birmingham, and we’ll be there to cover it too.
While it wouldn’t be practical to mention every single band, we’ve picked out a few acts from across the eight stages that we’re especially excited to see.
Panic! at the Disco (main stage, 9.25pm)
It only seems fair to include the main stage headliners, who kicked back into action this year with album ‘Death of a Bachelor’, seen by many as a welcome return. On their day, Panic can be absolute mega stars and they have a clutch of hits that are built to be sung by huge crowds – can they top off a fairly decent 2016 so far with a triumphant set at Slam Dunk?
Of Mice & Men (Atlas stage, 9.30pm)
Another stage, another headliner. Of Mice & Men are slowly but surely becoming shedding their metal skin and turning into a hard rock outfit that has the real potential to start bothering big venues, honing the chops they learnt on a stint supporting Linking Park in arenas. This headlining opportunity could be a huge step for Of Mice & Men towards the promised land.
New Found Glory (main stage, 7.45pm)
We really don’t need to add much here – it’s New Found Glory, at a festival and they’ll be brilliant, just like they always are – make sure you’re there with them!
Every Time I Die (Impericon stage, 9.45pm)
Talking of always being brilliant, the way of the world tends to be that, whatever bill they’re on, regardless of who else is playing, Every Time I Die usually end up being the band of the day. They might be proper adults now with children and other interesting creative endeavours, but they still school almost every other band you put them up against. The prospect of them playing for an hour is mouthwatering – especially as they had to cancel their planned show in Birmingham last November in the wake of the Paris attacks.
The Story So Far (Key Club stage, 9.55pm)
This one could be interesting – we’re expecting security to be pretty tight for this set, so as not to allow a repeat of the recent ‘incident’ with a crowd surfer being ejected from the stage by TSSF’s singer’s foot. It caused a whole load of controversy online – on both sides of the argument – so any uninvited people on the stage will certainly not be welcome. Fingers crossed they just concentrate on playing a great set instead.
The King Blues (Desperados stage, 9.45pm)
Talking of controversy, we can’t not mention The King Blues, who’s reunion this year has been far from plain sailing. An underwhelming EP and their guitarist leaving were probably not on the script. However, The King Blues are not the kind of act to shirk a challenge and, like a caged animal, this could bring out the best in them.
The Beat (Desperados stage, 8.30pm)
Sticking with this stage for a moment, Slam Dunk have pulled off a real coup landing 2 Tone ska legends, and local heroes The Beat. Now, this might not the most obvious demographic for the Beat to be taking aim at, but if a load of people go home with a newfound interest in proper ska then it’ll be a genius booking. Whip out your skanking shoes.
Creeper (Fresh Blood stage, 7.20pm)
If you only see one band on the Fresh Blood stage, make sure it’s Southampton goth punks Creeper. Quite simply, they’re one of the most talented and excited British bands for some time. They’ve only got three EPs out and already have a collection of songs that would wipe the floor with most albums you could put forward as competition – underlined by the brilliance of their most recent release The Stranger and its stadium-ready anthem Misery. They’re a terrific live band and they look set to be huge – catch them and see what the fuss is about.
Gnarwolves (Impericon stage, 4.10pm)
Another British band on the up and well worth your time are punks Gnarwolves who are building a happy habit of turning everyone who watches them into a fan. They showed at Download last year what a good live act they are – even if they did call the entire crowd sausages, in one of the less rock and roll shout outs of the year – and they are still building momentum. Expect scratchy guitars, catchy hooks and great songs.
Issues (Atlas stage, 7.10pm)
Issues has all the elements to go really big – the crunchy, nu metal guitars mixed with funky basslines, boyband vocals and darned great songs should appeal to a wide range of fans. Their imminent new album is undoubtedly a really important one, but they seem to going in the right direction at a decent speed. If their slot supporting Pierce the Veil and Sleeping With Sirens last year is anything to go by, their set will be full of energy, riffs and fun – perfect festival fodder.
Yellowcard (main stage, 4.55pm)
Another band made for festivals is Yellowcard, who showed the third stage at Download last summer just how to go about putting on an incredible show. How might they top that you ask? Well, for Slam Dunk they’re playing classic album Ocean Avenue in full. Awesome.
Cane Hill (Fresh Blood stage, 2.20pm)
If you start digging in the metal world at the moment, you’re likely to come across the name Cane Hill. Their 2014 self titled EP showed huge promise, especially the song Sunday School, and their debut album is due to land this summer, so this feels like it could a very special moment. This is an ideal opportunity for Cane Hill to show us what they’re about and give us reason to back that album.
Moose Blood (main stage 1.30pm)
The last band on our list is the act that we strongly suggest should start your day. Moose Blood are another quite brilliant British band who make heartfelt, captivating music that sucks you in and leaves you feeling great. It’s fantastic that, ahead of the release of their highly-anticipated second album this summer, they’ve being given a main stage slot at Slam Dunk. This is the equivalent spot that PVRIS had last year and look where they are now – let’s get behind Moose Blood and help get them where they deserve to be.
The full line up is available at http://slamdunkmusic.com/festival/.
Who are YOU excited to see at Slam Dunk? Let us know in the comments!