5 Acts Not to Miss at Slam Dunk Festival 2018

Slam Dunk Festival 2018 is a pop-punk, rock, and alternative music festival that takes place from 26-28 May 2018 over the Bank Holiday weekend in Leeds, Birmingham, and Hatfield. With one of the best-looking line-ups of the 2018 festival season, there’s certainly no shortage of bands to see at this year’s event – but if you had to pick just five? Here’s our suggestions…

Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World is an American rock band from Mesa, Arizona, that formed in 1993. The band’s breakthrough came with their album Bleed American (2001) – four singles from the album charted within the top twenty positions of the Alternative Songs chart, with “The Middle” reaching number one. Their distinctive rock sound has gained a loyal following, with “Bleed American” and 2004 record Futures selling over one and a half million records between them, and sixth album Chase This Light (2007) peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, making them perfect for more mainstream audiences and classic rock fans alike.

Good Charlotte

Another American rock band, Good Charlotte originate from Waldorf, Maryland, and formed in 1996. After a four-year-long hiatus, the band announced its comeback in November 2015 and released their sixth studio album Youth Authority, on 15 July 2016, with guest appearances from Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens and Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro. Good Charlotte has been mainly described as a pop-punk band as well as alternative rock and emo, making them ideal for a wide audience. Writer Bruce Britt details the band as combining “the fury of skate-punk, the melodiousness of pop, and the spooky sensibilities of 80s goth”.

PVRIS

PVRIS (pronounced Paris) is an American rock band from Lowell, Massachusetts, formed by members Lynn Gunn, Alex Babinski, and Brian MacDonald. This stylish band showcases an electropop sound, particularly in their debut album White Noise (2014), and has also been described as post-hardcore, with a balance of aggression and intensity, and creative expression. In addition, an AllMusic (online music guide) biographer wrote that the group “blend dreamy electronica with dark, beat-heavy rock”, making them an interesting act to look out for at this year’s Slam Dunk Festival.

Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are an English punk rock band formed in 2015 by former Gallows and Pure Love frontman Frank Carter. They launched their debut album Blossom in August 2015 which featured a heavy rock style that is perfect for hardcore fans, with an aggressive sound and intensity to their music. However, their latest album Modern Ruin (2017) displays a change in their sound with accessibility to a wider audience – the single “Spray Paint Love” in particular is reminiscent of the music and visual style by bands such as Arctic Monkeys.

Taking Back Sunday

Taking Back Sunday is an American rock band from Long Island, New York, formed in 1999. They have delved into a few different genres over their time including alternative rock, emo, post-hardcore, and pop-punk, so their music is appealing to a diverse audience. Louder Now (2006) was the band’s breakout mainstream album, notably because of the success of its lead single “MakeDamnSure” and its popularity with teenagers. The album sold over 900,000 copies and peaked at No. 2 on the United States Billboard 200 – the nostalgia of older fans and classic rock lovers will be palpable at Slam Dunk Festival 2018.