The Warped Tour 2009 record popped through my letterbox the other day.
51 bands! A plethora of punk rock, post-hardcore and pop-rock, there were so many P's I almost wanted to p-p-p-pick up a penguin.
Er yea so I decided to round up the best ten new bands that are playing Warped this year.
This list excludes all the age-old classics which we already know are great: NOFX, Bad Religion, Anti-Flag etc yadda yadda yadda...
Runners up: Aiden, Blackout, Attack! Attack!, Murderland, Dance Gavin Dance and Underoath
10. The Flatliners
"Eulogy"
I wasn't too fussed when people started raving about these guys, but I like this song. It's a decent uplifting tune with nice lyrics.
9. Vanna
"Into Hell's Mouth We March"
Decent post-hardcore act, combining the good old screams and catchy singing with OK riffs. They've been going since 2004 and are on Epitaph - nice going guys! Amazing breakdown halfway through.
8. Tat
"Pessimist"
I saw these support NOFX in London a couple of years ago. Decent three-piece with female frontwoman. Nothing that'll blow your socks off but pretty good nonetheless. Kids will like them.
7. A Skylit Drive
"Eva the Carrier"
Decent female-fronted band. That's what I thought til I just found out the lead vocalist is a bloke. Damn. Someone must be pinching his balls. Permanently.
Jokes aside, decent enough band.
6. Chiodos
"Two Birds Stoned at Once"
I first heard of Chiodos on the Warped 06 comp, and they've followed up with a wicked second song. I really should think about getting one of their records soon.
Chiodos - Getting Two Birds Stoned at Once from Brent Cole on Vimeo.
5. Meg & Dia
"I'm Going Away"
I have no idea what a female pop duo are doing at Warped, but I like! It's an over-produced song but it's bloody catchy - think Kelly Clarkson mixed with Katie Melua. Sexy and cool.
4. Streetlight Manifesto
"What a Wicked Gang are We Below"
Ah, ska-punk. It's good to know there are still some decent bands out there putting out this kind of music with such skill, style and fun. Streetlight Manifesto are definitely up there.
3. Silverstein feat. Scott Wade (ex-Comeback Kid vocalist)
"Born Dead"
God DAMN. Get that man from Comeback Kid into a new band. I forgot how fucking awesome and distinctive he sounds with a fast beat and quickfire guitar in the background. He gels with Silverstein perfectly. More more more.
2. A Day to Remember
"I'm made of wax, Larry, what are you made of?"
Easily the catchiest chorus off the 2-disc comp, A Day to Remember blend melodic post-hardcore with gang vocals, powerful riffs and breakdowns. Awesome backing vocals going on here.
1. Pour Habit
"Institution"
Fuck yes. A new band who remind me exactly what punk rock is.
Any punk band with a pun for a name has to be influenced by NOFX. Pour Habit probably are. And you know what? It's a very, very good thing.
This band are absolutely breathtaking. They represent what punk rock should be: fast, angry, energetic, enthusiastic and Fucking United - let's not forget it.
Some people are calling them "Offspring with a double-bass pedal" but they're just jealous fools who only know how to talk out of one hole - and it's not their mouth.
I've just ordered this record from Fat Wreck. Stay tuned for a review soon.
Who are your favourite newcomers at the 2009 Warped Tour?
