Slam Dunk Festival (North) returns to Leeds’ Temple Newsam Park this coming Sunday 26th May, with a line-up full of the biggest and best alternative bands set to play across the five stages. The line-up features the likes of The All American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, The Wonder Years, Waterparks and many more, including headline sets from You Me At Six and I Prevail.
The weekend is a well-mixed combination of up-and-comers, rock and pop-punk artists that exist in the current scene, and well-known bands performing anniversary sets and celebratory shows, including a 20th anniversary Decadence set from Head Automatica and You Me At Six’s final ever UK festival. Below, you can find a rundown of the artists you should definitely catch at this year’s Slam Dunk Festival.
STATE CHAMPS
Pop-punk powerhouse State Champs are returning for another year at Slam Dunk. They plan to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their album, The Finer Things, playing it through in its entirety – this is the only time that this is occurring in the UK, and a must-watch for anyone who grew up with songs like ‘Elevated’ and ‘Secrets’ from the East Coast band on their playlists.
FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND
Funeral For a Friend are a Welsh post-hardcore band that have been legendary within the scene since the early 2000’s, in part for the level of intensity that they bring to their live performances. Since vocalist Matthew Davies-Kreye has recently departed the band, Lucas Woodland of Holding Absence will take his place this weekend. For tunes such as ‘Roses for the Dead’ and ‘Juneau’, Woodland’s voice will only further intensify their live performance and it provides a unique opportunity to see a crossover of two Welsh rock juggernauts.
MALLORY KNOX
Mallory Knox are returning for an exclusive reunion show at this year’s Slam Dunk. The alternative outfit bring a dynamic blend of strong choruses and powerful melodies in their sound and have been known to deliver a deliciously raw energy to their live shows. With hits like ‘Lighthouse’ and ‘Sugar’ sure to make an appearance, this is an exciting, if not bittersweet, opportunity to see them one last time.
GUILT TRIP
Guilt Trip are an up-and-coming hardcore band from Sheffield. They’ve been powering their way through shows across the UK over the past few years, including support shows with the likes of While She Sleeps and Malevolence. With intense riffs and raw vocals, expect mosh pits and an adrenaline-fueled experience as these ‘ones to watch’ leave their unique live stamp on this year’s Slam Dunk.
ARM’S LENGTH
While Arm’s Length are less heavy than some of the aforementioned band, what they lack in weight they more than make up for with their blend of heartfelt lyricism and feel-good melodies. Their insanely catchy hooks will be stuck in your head for days, even weeks, after their Slam Dunk appearance, as they open the Key Club Stage on Saturday afternoon.
Slam Dunk returns to Hatfield Park on Saturday 25th May and Leeds Temple Newsam on Sunday 26th May. Visit slamdunkfestival.com for tickets and more information.
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