Leeds University
28/05/11
It may not have been the nicest day for it, but Slam Dunk Festival North attracted a huge queue – the streets of Leeds were transformed into a sea of crazy fringes, red hair and tattoos as far as the eye could see.The day kicked off with Me Vs Hero (8/10), whose infectious punk/popcore went down with great vigour, building a human pyramid two songs in. A quick pint and a short acoustic set from Hit The Lights (7/10) ensued; they paled slightly in comparison, but were accompanied by a hearty singalong. Over on the Jagermeister Stage, we shared some anti-war leftist protest with Anti-Flag (8/10). ‘The Press Corpse’ sounded thunderous, and beyond their ideals, the band’s committed ethic and huge sound won them the crowd.
Next, a trip towards more metal/hardcore proceedings – Bury Tomorrow (7/10), While She Sleeps (9/10) and Yashin (8/10). Technical glitches marred Bury Tomorrow slightly, but their dual assault of brutality and soaring clean vocals made for utter mosh-pit madness. WSS are renowned for their terrific live energy and savage intensity, and today was no exception. Every anthemic song sounded tremendous, with lead singer Lawrence Taylor being totally muffled, even tearing a portion of the ceiling down at one point. Followers Yashin flowed fantastically, with both singers weaving vocals together flawlessly. Their spot-on post-hardcore made for total crowd pleasure. For the main attraction, a ska-punk menagerie was served – first up, Goldfinger (9/10). They may look old, but this doesn’t stop 43-year-old vocalist John Feldmann climbing a balcony and diving off, with much aplomb.
Headline act Reel Big Fish (9/10) have been in the ska punk game for nigh-on 20 years, without a hint of letting up – received as an absolute storm by a fatigued crowd, their contagious tunes and hilarious banter made them the day’s most entertaining act. Set Your Goals (7/10) closed with their pop-punk/hardcore hybrid – the crowd were undoubtedly shattered, but gave them a good send- off, especially for a mass toilet paper fight during closer ‘Mutiny’. Roll on next year.