Photo: Pete Shepherd
With the news that rock festivals are in decline as big players like Sonisphere closed their doors this year, it's no wonder that Slam Dunk festival came back bigger and better than ever. Held at both Leeds and Hatfield universities, over 40 bands descend on seven stages in an 'intimate' environment which makes Slam Dunk an utter gem.
Camping? No. Drinking,sun and heavy sweating? Yes! With the UK having a rare glimpse of hot weather - rock, punk-pop and ska fans descended onto Leeds' University for Slam Dunk (North) 2012.
Like many music festivals the intentions of seeing as many bands as possible is always a good start but due to Leeds' labrinth system this turned out to be difficult. Plus the distractions of the glorious beer terrace had to be taken into consideration.
Kicking things off Straight Lines took to the Atticus / Jägermeister Stage at 2.45pm and previewed tracks from their latest effort 'Freaks Like Us'. Having already seen the young Pontypridd quartet a few weeks prior I knew that I was yet again ready to witness one of the finest rising bands around.
Refuelled by cider, San Francisco’s Heartsounds pulled us to the Macbeth stage for their debut UK show. Live they are second to none and it can't harm that the band's bassist Laura Nicho is one hot young lady with an enviable Thrice t-shirt.
Cancer Bats' 'Dead Set On Living' is probably one of the greatest releases of the year so far for rock fans. Liam Cormier and co reeked havoc on the Honour Over Glory stage. It may have been their debut Slam Dunk appearance but from the smiles reflected back from the packed-out audience, they loved every second as much as we did. As Cormier dives into the crowd during 'Sabotag', a tribute to Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch, their fans can't wait till the band return for a full UK tour later this year.
Transit and The Story So Far were next on the list. As sunburnt students soaked up the rays and booze replaced food, the afternoon rolled on. California’s The Story So Far launched into their energetic and aggressive pop punk with fans craving more by the minute. Their final track, 'Quicksand', was a highlight, with its infectious chorus.
Headliners Taking Back Sunday packed out the University's main stage, while others headed to see the the Gallows new material with new frontman Wade McNeil. They may have left fan favourites 'Cute Without The E' and 'Make Damn Sure' till the very end of their hour set but their was some moments along the way.
Spending most of the set on ground level and then heading to the balcony (destroying a glass table on the way) frontman Adam Lazzara looked like he'd been enjoying the northern beer prices. And as the festival rounded we all certainly had too.
Yet again Slam Dunk delivered. Bring on next year!
