Now that 2014 is at an end and we’ve had our nostalgic look back over the year, before we despair and start shedding tears, 2015 is on the horizon and there’s a hell of a lot to look forward to. New records, new bands, new tours, new festivals, you’re mouth should be watering already.
So here’s a guide to what we’re looking forward to in 2015 for you to keep your eye on
Neck Deep w/ Knuckle Puck + Seahaven + Trophy Eyes
Neck Deep seem to be that ‘Marmite’ band at the moment, polarising the pop punk community, however, even if they’re not your cup of tea, the rest of the line up includes some of the best bands of the genre. Australian boys, Trophy Eyes will tear it up with their brand of post-hardcore whilst Seahaven and Knuckle Puck will remind you why you love pop punk.
Pure Noise Records Tour w/ Four Year Strong + Hit The Lights + Light You Up + Forever Came Calling.
Before the line-up was announced, there was a lot of speculation about which bands on the label would be coming over…well, they haven’t disappointed. Veterans, Four year Strong return with fan favourites Hit The Lights as well as Light You Up and Forever Came Calling for a massive show case for a label that is continuously growing in popularity.
The Early November (support TBA)
I’m fully aware it’s not 2003 any more and we need to get over our obsession with Drive Thru bands, however, after The Early November’s comeback album ‘In Currents’ hit us with a twisted indie-punk- rock vibe, they deserve another chance. They also played a solid set at Slam Dunk 2013 with a perfect mix of old favourites and new gems.
Saves Your Breath Farewell Tour w/ As It Is + Cardinals
It’s always difficult when bands call it a day, however, when they have a farewell tour it gives us one last chance to appreciate their work and Save Your Breath certainly warrant your appreciation. So go see them one more time whilst you sing “Stay Young” at the top of your lungs and try and catch As It Is and Cardinals, two very good young bands who won’t disappoint.
Slam Dunk 2015
One thing that we can’t wait for is the new set up for Slam Dunk 2015 and the new opportunities this can bring to the festival. All we know at the moment is that rather than being situated inside the university where it has been for the last few years, it is expanding across the city centre. Those of you who remember the first Slam Dunk will be accustomed to Millennium Square, however this time this will serve as just one of the venues, The O2 Academy and The university being the others…so far. So what does this mean? Is it a sign that bigger bands will be named next year? So far opinions seemed reserved rather than divided as most people seem to be worrying about walking across town to avoid clashes. Nonetheless, it is going to be exciting to see what they will have in store for 2015.
The pop punk scene hasn’t been this strong in a long time, twelve years ago it was difficult to get a room together with people that had all heard of New Found Glory, even the term “pop-punk” wasn’t all that familiar. Now there is a resurgence, and not just Stateside, the UK Pop Punk scene hasn’t ever been this active, or at least recognised. This is a great time to be a fan of the genre and we have a great number of bands that can stand toe to toe next to our American cousins, the key to elevating these bands is support.
Let’s make 2015 a year we can smash the glass ceiling of pop punk and make sure this isn’t just a cycle or a fad, but a long lasting genre with real credibility that still at heart doesn’t take its self too seriously. Forget about the pizza and snapbacks and let’s get behind our local scenes by promoting and supporting pop punk bands by giving them the success they deserve. There’s a list of bands already that we’re excited about and we can’t wait for them to get out there and make 2015 a year we’re proud of.
