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Slam Dunk Festival (which has absolutely nothing to do with basket ball in any way) is spread over four stages in Leeds’ enormous student union. Combining 4000 fans and over 25 bands there is something for everyone, ranging from self confessed screamo outfit The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to the rock tones of We Are The Ocean.
First up are Flood of Red playing early in the evening on notably the best stage of the day sponsored by Atticus Clothing. Although their blend of 'screamo' and 'ambient rock' doesn't push any musical boundaries, the six Glaswegian lads perfectly set the mood for the rest of the festival. It is going to be fast, loud and very, very hot!
Next up are Ex-Leeds students Brigade. Will, aka ‘the other Simpson’ (younger brother Charlie famous for his stint in Busted) steps out of Charlie’s shadow tonight. Playing a mix of songs from their second album as well as old crowd favourite Queenie the band confirm they should be taken seriously, mixing melodic vocals with hard rock riffs.
Next up is Fightstar, playing to a 1000 strong crowd; they mean business tonight. Their tight rhythm section combined with the roar of Simpson’s vocals and the delicate tone of Alex Westaway prove that they have firmly made their mark on the UK rock/metal scene. Stepping it up a level from their first LPs, the four piece play heavier and louder than ever before. The crowd were clearly approving of this change. With Deathcar closing their 40 minute set the crowd "open up the circle pit” as instructed by bassist Dan and mosh until the bitter end.
Next up on the Atticus stage are The Blackout. With the crowd already chanting single title We Are The Dynamite before the band have even stepped on stage, it is clear that this performance is going to be explosive! The combined lead vocals of Sean Smith and Gavin Butler allow the band to alternate between power ballads such as It’s High Tide Baby to the down right rock of the appropriately named I’m A Riot, You’re A Riot. Peroxide Blonde Sean (clearly the more insane of the two singers) is the perfect showman; climbing speakers, swinging from scaffolds and walking on the crowd! Visually and musically The Blackout are strong contenders as best band of the festival.
Meanwhile on the main (Glamour Kills) stage the biggest disappointment is New York’s Cute Is What We Aim For. With lead singer Shaant stuck passport-less in Los Angeles the three remaining members battle on without him, bassist Dave filling in on vocals. Although putting in a gutsy performance without Shaant’s dulcet vocals the band were relegated from headline position, leaving the road clear for surprise highlight Boys like Girls.
The Boston four piece are worthy headliners, confidently capturing the perfect soundtrack to the summer. Playing a mix of escalating crowd sing a long anthems (reminiscent of All American Rejects) to the more acoustic based chilling Thunder, Boys Like Girls may just be your new favourite band.
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