Home > Focus On Festivals > Slam Dunk 2018: Top Picks

Slam Dunk 2018: Top Picks

Carrie Humphries

Triangle

Slam Dunk 2018 is back from May 26th – 28th; so for a fun-filled weekend get yourself down to one of the dates in either Leeds, Hatfield or Birmingham. Here are the artists to look out for over the bank holiday weekend.

Pvris
Jagermeister Stage

Slam Dunk 2015 was the first time that I had seen or heard of Pvris, but they must have done something right, as I’ve been a fan of the US trio ever since. Their second album All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell was released last year, boasting dark yet catchy electronic rock anthems powerful enough to fill the largest of stadiums. Make sure you check them out at this year’s festival on the Jagermeister Stage.

Jimmy Eat World
Monster Energy Stage

US-rock giants Jimmy Eat World are the joint headliners of Slam Dunk this year, and will be offering something extra special on the Monster Energy Stage to celebrate twenty-five years as a band. With nine studio albums under their belt, the band are certainly not short of material to choose from when it comes to creating the perfect Slam Dunk setlist; but we can imagine to look forward to old favourites such as Sweetness, The Middle, and Pain, along with their recently released singles Love Never and Half Heart.

The Skints
Fireball Stage

The Skints are arguably one of the hardest touring bands on the British music scene, and they are back at this year’s Slam Dunk to give fans an insane set that’s packed full of their reggae-infused songs. The London four piece have recently had a break from the road and are working on a new album, so this may be the perfect opportunity to hear first-hand what they have been creating for that.

Northlane
Impericon Stage

Following their wonderful performance on the Atlas Stage at Slam Dunk 2016, Aussies Northlane are back to perform the penultimate set each day on the Impericon Stage. The progressive metalcore band offered fans the greatest surprise in March last year, when they released their fourth studio album Mesmer without any prior warning. The album is a certainly a masterpiece in itself, and the band are well worth a listen to live.

Me vs Hero
Signature Brew Stage

At this year’s Slam Dunk, the Signature Brew stage is the place to go to check out the exclusive reunion shows from Blackpool pop-punk band Me vs Hero. The fun five piece may have split in 2015, but they are back at the festival to give fans a hit of nostalgia, as they play their 2010 debut album Days That Shape Our Lives.

Dream State
Rock Sound Breakout Stage

South Welsh alt-rockers Dream State may be relative newcomers on the scene, but already look set to be one of the bands to look out for in 2018 and beyond. Following a whirlwind year in 2017, the band are set to release their new EP Recovery on May 18th on UNFD, as well as already being announced for a plethora of festivals and support slots with As It Is and Babymetal over the summer months. If you like personal and emotional lyrics with catchy guitar hooks and powerful vocals, then check out Dream State on the Rock Sound Breakout Stage.

Cavetown
Key Club Acoustic Stage

Cavetown is nineteen year old Brit Robin Skinner, who has already amassed a huge following over the last few years through his YouTube channel featuring acoustic originals and covers. Earlier this year he released his latest album Lemon Boy, which is packed full of heartfelt lyrics and soulful, charming vocals. He is currently touring the UK throughout May and will be making his Slam Dunk debut on the Key Club Acoustic stage during the festival weekend.

www.slamdunkmusic.com