Photo: Luke Hannaford
53 acts, seven performance areas, three cities, one incredible hard rock feast of a day. Here are 10 reasons why Slam Dunk does exactly what it says on the tin. What a weekend.
1. Lovely Leeds
First off, we went to Leeds - and that goes a long way to explain why we had such a brilliant time. The people are friendly, not backward in coming forward, and dance as liberally as a pot of jelly on washing machine. We like that.
This is the superlative festival site for those with a terrible sense of direction and a phone that can’t load Google Maps - the furthest stage is no more than 10 minutes walk, in a straight line from the festival epicentre, making it super possible for you to see as many bands as possible, and lose your mind as often as possible.
2) Pvris
Second on the bill were Pvris at the heart of the festival. Performing with the conviction of a headline band, the trio's commanding and ethereal tones resounded in Leeds’ Millennium Square, transforming it into a cityscape of cutting tunes.
With a solid human wall of fans, it seems that there’s no stopping Pvris in their pursuit of becoming Rock Royalty.
3) We Are The Ocean
These four-strong rockers were only ever going to charm the face off of Slam Dunk. Penultimately playing 'Young Hearts', before finishing with' The Waiting Room', a signature track from their 2011 album, Go Now and Live, was of course met with rapture by Millennium Square dwellers.
We are a little bit in love with We Are The Ocean.
4) Cartel
For a small venue, they brought big sound, dominating the Macbeth Stage with beat-filled American pop punk vibes. Wasting no time, Cartel started as they meant to go on - playing an impressively comprehensive set crammed with classic cuts from debut album Chroma like 'Luckie Street', 'Honestly', 'If I Fail', and many more from their self-titled follow up, including 'The Fortunate' before treating us to 'The Perfect Mistake' from Cycles.
"Pardon me if we’re not telling you how much we love you, but we’re trying to play as many songs as possible!" were the only unsung words from frontman, Will Pugh.
You could be forgiven for forgetting you were standing in a car park, and not the most friendly street party in the world as the sun beamed down on the music lovers. Bringing unfathomable energy, they are an ultimate live band at Slam Dunk this year. More of this please.
5) Lower Than Atlantis
“Hi Leeds, you little fuckers!” lead singer Mike Duce shouted, gleefully greeting an adoring crowd.
“Is everybody having a good time? Good, we’re about to play a sad song,” but not sad enough to dampen the amplified, relentless buzz of this city.
By far, 'English Kids In America' received the warmest and loudest rapture. Their distinctive sound poured from the main stage, through Millennium Square and beyond. A solid performance, as per, from Lower Than Atlantis, pulling their audience from every corner of the festival.
6) Don Broco
With the swag of Jagger and energy to rival a crate of Red Bull, Don Broco gave Leeds their all. Playing for their fans and fans alone, these guys clearly put all their passion into their time on the main stage. They'll be headliners in no time, that's a promise.
7) Goldfinger
“England is where music still lives, it still fucking lives!” declared John Feldmann, wearing an exquisite black suit with blindingly bright red lining.
Reel Big Fish teased the crowd by taking up the trombone section to make a truly remarkable and memorable atmosphere. If you weren't in the dancing mood already, Goldfinger made certain that you were. Without a doubt, Goldfinger are the band to boogie to this year.
“Spokesman, Spokesman”, the chants grew louder and more forceful until of course, Goldfinger obliged much to the delight of the eager ska crowd. Not satisfied with this, everyone went wild, busting out dances moves too embarrassing for public view when the final song, '99 Red Balloons' erupted from the Desperados Stage.
“Whenever we play in the UK, it’s the best fucking audience!” Thanks, John. We are flattered.
8) Taking Back Sunday
“My mum would be so proud right now, look at me- I’m on the TV!” frontman Adam Lazzara, happily announced while on the main stage watching himself on the huge TV monitor to his right.
TBS fans were nothing but determined to show their appreciation and they didn’t disappoint - the crowd roared chorus after chorus back at the stage with palpable intensity, as Lazzara showcase his signature move with the microphone, launching it as high as the lighting rig before casually catching it in perfect time to take back to the song from the fans.
9) While She Sleeps
There was no chance for rest or respote when this metalcore quintet stormed the Monster Energy stage in Leeds’ 02 Academy.
From the first to last moment the black tee-shirt, black jeans wearing crowd hefted their arms becoming a sea of sky punching fists.
The first brutal cord of 'Crows' from The North Stands For Nothing forced a mosh pit to erupt, further fuelling the electric atmosphere.
“We’ve got one more song, please turn this room into a fucking hell hole!” roared vocalist Lawrence Taylor. His command was obeyed, proving that metal has a well deserved place in the heart of Leeds.
10) You Me At Six
Let’s face it, most of the world has now seen You Me At Six play live by now, it seems as though these lads are never not on tour. This though, was not just another performance. With the electric blue sky severing as their backdrop, they made sure Leeds on ended on a high. Thank you.
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