Slam Dunk Festival: Top Five Acts To Check Out
Slam Dunk Festival is finally upon us, and with it’s mammoth line up how do you choose who to see? Let us help you with our top five acts to check out -
grandson
Topping the list of must-see acts for me is Canadian-American Jordan Benjamin, better known as grandson. I could list the millions of streams he has; the almost poetic lyricism of his entire back catalogue of songs, which includes a cover of Bob Marley and the Wailers; the political activism that he fronts to make a change in the world; his hugely loyal fanbase; or even his sold out EU tour that’s taking place right now. I could. But instead I’ll simply say that he is stunning live and this is undoubtedly the last chance you’ll get to see him in a small(ish) venue. Don’t miss it.
I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME is made up of Dallon Weekes and Ryan Seaman, and was previously described as ‘the hottest unsigned band in the world’ by Rock Sound before being snapped up by Fearless Records. Their recent EP, ‘1981 Extended Play’, is a work of art as much as it is a collection of songs, and it’s one that’s heavily influenced by 70s and 80s culture. The band recently played O2 Brixton supporting Deaf Havana, and their live show sounds as unique as they look. Plus, their set often has covers of their previous band, the Brobecks, as well as a multitude of other bands. So really, you get to see four bands for the timeslot of one! Plus, they’re one of the headliners, which says a lot!
The Plot In You
The Plot In You are an ‘American Metalcore Band’, but they’re so much more than that. They’ve released four studio albums — the latest of which, DISPOSE, is also with Fearless Records — and each one is different to the last. Their latest, which will probably make up the majority of their set, is one of the best albums I’ve heard in a phenomenally long time. They’ve got enough heavy songs to appeal to even the most hardcore metal/ mosh fans but enough variance that anyone would enjoy them. Plus, they’re on at the start of the day! Nothing like a brilliant opening band to set up the rest of Slam Dunk!
Lights
Canadian Lights Poxleitner-Bokan is a gold-certified singer/songwriter with four albums, numerous awards and a graphic novel to her name. More than that, though, she’s one of the most interesting acts of the day, not to mention a phenomenal talent. She’s got a back catalogue jammed with bangers, and all of her albums have been either nominated for or won Juno awards for ‘Pop Album of the Year’. Her set at Slam Dunk comes before an acoustic tour around the US and lands right in the middle of a UK headline tour, with nights at the Garage in London and Thekla in Bristol. Not one to miss!
Trophy Eyes
Trophy Eyes are my last must-see act of the day. American punk rockers Trophy Eyes have three albums to their name, ranging from their hard-core punk roots to a softer sound on their latest, ‘The American Dream’, with songs harking back to their origins as well as ones that wouldn’t sound amiss on an album by The National! Slam Dunk comes before a sold-out show at The Borderline, and is the last chance for a while to see them before they return to the US. Another set early in the day, they’re sure to have the crowd brimming with energy and will undoubtedly leave them wanting more! Do yourself a favour and be part of it!
Slam Dunk Festival takes places at the following -
SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL NORTH - SATURDAY 25TH MAY - TEMPLE NEWSAM PARK, LEEDS
SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL SOUTH - SUNDAY 26TH MAY - HATFIELD PARK, HATFIELD
