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DS Record Review – Split System – “Vol.2”

April 12, 2025 | 10:30 am

Admittedly, I only know anything about Australia through pop culture, so if the place isn’t as cool as the picture I’ve painted in my mind, forgive me. If nothing else, it’s given me good bands like Royal Headache and Rose Tattoo and the television show Mr. Inbetween. Upon my first listen to Split System, I […]

From Melbourne, Split System have released two albums since 2022. Their debut, Vol. 1, and 2024’s follow-up—you guessed it—Vol. 2. Tidy and categorizable. Sonically, they’re a little harder to place. They do share some similarities to the aforementioned Australian punk touchtones, minus the often soulful and melody-first vocals of those bands. Here, depending on the track, the vocals move between a borderline hardcore bark and a smirky rasp similar to (last Australian reference, I swear) Chris Bailey of The Saints.

No frills, tough guitar riffs. The album doesn’t let up over its 11 tracks. Hardcore influences mixed with some party-punk energy. A drone-y quality to some of the repeated guitar parts and the driving rhythm section that adds a bit of post-punk darkness to the recipe. There’s an economical tightness akin to modern punk like Radioactivity and classic street punk in the vein of The Partisans. There’s a lo-fi warmness to the guitar tone that keeps things veering too far into maxed distortion territory. It’s heavy but keeps some clarity in there.

They don’t rely on big, bright choruses to carry the tunes but that’s not to say there aren’t hooks to be found. The lead guitar and the chanted chorus of “The Wheel” will have you fist-pumping if you’re more extroverted than myself. The standout track to my ears is “Alone Again”. It brings to mind The Saints again with a real head-bobber of a lead line and probably the poppiest vocal delivery on the album (even with a throat shredder of a shouted refrain). It is a well earned restart-before-its-over song.

While it is difficult to place exactly what they sound like, they’ve found a sound that is completely natural and unique. Anywhere you land on the punk Venn Diagram, this band has something you can latch onto. Listen here and pick up the record from Goner Records.

by Staff Writer Lanny Durbin

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DS Premiere: The Jack Knives unveil video for new track “Kill Me First” from upcoming album “Into The Night”

April 11, 2025 | 4:29 pm

Anaheim’s The Jack Knives are back! The foursome recently spent some time in Asbury Park working with the one-and-only Pete Steinkopf, and the result is probably their tightest and most focused work to date – though given that they worked with Pete at Little Eden, you’d expect nothing less. The new album is called Into […]

Anaheim’s The Jack Knives are back!

The foursome recently spent some time in Asbury Park working with the one-and-only Pete Steinkopf, and the result is probably their tightest and most focused work to date – though given that they worked with Pete at Little Eden, you’d expect nothing less.

The new album is called Into The Night and it’s out May 2nd on digital platforms, and you can check out the lead video, “Kill Me First,” below!

The Jack Knives will make key festival appearances this summer, including: Punk Rock Bowling’s 25th Anniversary — a special club show appearance with Hot Water Music Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival in Rochester, NY — sharing the stage with Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. In an effort to reward their loyal fanbase, Into the Night has been exclusively available on vinyl for the past three months ahead of the digital release.

by Staff Writer jaystone

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DS Feature: Who the Hell is Sammie Augusto?

April 11, 2025 | 11:00 am

Image created by Golden Amplifier (Monica Ritchie) A Young Punk Dynamo Sometime last year, a friend told me, “You won’t believe the voice of this 14-year-old I’m producing.” Naturally, I expected to hear some raw talent, but what I got completely floored me. Sammie Augusto hit me like a power chord. The passion, the grit, […]

Image created by Golden Amplifier (Monica Ritchie)

A Young Punk Dynamo

Sometime last year, a friend told me, “You won’t believe the voice of this 14-year-old I’m producing.” Naturally, I expected to hear some raw talent, but what I got completely floored me. Sammie Augusto hit me like a power chord. The passion, the grit, the soul in her voice weren’t just impressive for her age; it was powerful, period. I found myself asking, “how is this kid singing with so much intensity and wisdom beyond her years?” It made me think back to what I was doing at 14, and man… I wish I had focused on something as cool as being in a punk band. Sammie isn’t just dabbling in music — she’s living it.

I’ve been lucky enough to catch her live a few times now, and each appearance has been unforgettable. Watching her go from a giggling teen off-stage to a full-blown punk powerhouse onstage in a matter of minutes is something else. The switch flips, and suddenly she’s leading the room like she was born to do this. It’s out of this world.

Sammie Augusto is a name rapidly gaining traction in the punk scene. Raised in San Diego, she stands out not just for her raw musical talent but for her fierce stage presence and her ability to front two distinct bands: Flailing Idiot and The Cherry Bombs. While some artists are chasing fame, Sammie is building a reputation through unapologetic performances and uncompromising punk ethos.

Image created by Golden Amplifier (Monica Ritchie)

Early Life and Musical Origins

Sammie grew up immersed in punk from day one. Her parents regularly brought her to shows around San Diego, and her father plays in the local punk band Dead on the Wire. At just six years old, she watched him perform live—and that was the moment it all clicked. The energy, the crowd, the music—it sparked something in her.

By age eight, she was already fronting her first band, Wasted Years, a metal group covering Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slayer. Those early years helped her build confidence onstage and sharpen her skills as a vocalist and performer. Sammie’s connection to punk has always been personal, shaped by community, family, and a DIY spirit.

Flailing Idiot

Formed in 2020, Flailing Idiot is a pop punk trio born out of North County San Diego’s DIY scene. The band features Sammie Augusto on guitar and vocals, Miya Schultheis on bass, and Lillee Gillee on drums. In early 2025, the band reunited its original lineup by welcoming Lillee back into the fold, reinforcing their chemistry and solidifying their core sound.

Flailing Idiot’s sound blends the rawness of classic punk with a sharp pop sensibility. Their fan-favorite, “Is It Just Me,” released in 2024, has become their most popular track to date, earning them a loyal following. Other standout songs include “Queen of Hearts,” “Murder Kitty,” and their most recent single, “Insomnia,” which dropped in January 2025.

Known for their chaotic, high-energy shows, Flailing Idiot has performed at more than 50 fairs, festivals, and venues across Southern California. They’ve shared stages with acts like Jax and Punk staples Bad Cop Bad Cop, and are slated to open for The Dickies later this year. Whether in a packed venue or at a local all-ages show, the band delivers a performance that captures the urgency, humor, and heart of modern punk.

Illustration: “F is for Flailing Idiot” by @hecreative, from My Very First Women in Punk ABC Book.

The Cherry Bombs – A Melodic Counterpart

In 2023, Sammie Augusto formed The Cherry Bombs alongside her close friends Bella Novak and Evelyn Boren. The project gave Sammie a creative outlet to explore a more melodic, pop-punk sound while keeping her punk roots intact.

Unlike the raw energy of Flailing Idiot, The Cherry Bombs lean into catchy riffs, theatrical stage presence, and anthems about youth, identity, and rebellion. Their most recent release, “20/20 Vision,” showcases this evolution — blending melody and grit with a rebellious charm that still hits hard live.

Their performances are just as intense, but with a different flair — Sammie brings a playful, engaging persona to the stage that reflects the band’s glam-punk spirit and tight-knit friendship.

Photo: @cherrybombsofficial / Instagram

Creative Duality and Vision

Sammie’s ability to balance two distinct musical projects — Flailing Idiot and The Cherry Bombs — speaks to her versatility and creative vision. With Flailing Idiot, she channels raw emotion, tackling political unrest and personal grit with fast, unapologetic energy. In contrast, The Cherry Bombs allows her to explore a more melodic and theatrical side of punk, blending vulnerability, rebellion, and catchy, glam-infused hooks. This duality showcases Sammie’s growth as both a songwriter and a performer. Few artists can dominate a chaotic pit one night and deliver a glam-punk anthem the next — Sammie does both with ease, staying true to her craft in each project.

Her philosophy toward life and music is simple: “Live Like Jamo.” This mantra, inspired by her late uncle, embodies living fully and doing what you love. For Sammie, that’s music, and she brings that energy to everything she does, whether she’s rocking out with Flailing Idiot or bringing theatrical flair with The Cherry Bombs. Sammie’s journey is about more than just the moment — it’s about perseverance. Her advice to young women wanting to break into punk? “Just do it! Pick up an instrument and practice every day! You will only get better.” It’s this drive that has brought Sammie to where she is today, and it’s clear she’s just getting started.

Looking ahead, Sammie has big plans. Flailing Idiot is gearing up for shows at Doll Hut in Anaheim on April 12th and Harvard and Stone in LA on April 19th. Fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next, as Sammie’s creative spark continues to push boundaries. She has big aspirations: touring with her bands, stepping into Broadway, and releasing a book she’s been working on for years. There’s no limit to where she’s headed.

If you’re new to Sammie’s music, check out “My Love”, a solo track she wrote at just 11 years old. It’s the perfect introduction to her undeniable talent and the passion she’s been pouring into her music from the start. Ultimately, Sammie’s mission is clear: she wants fans to leave her shows feeling alive and wanting more. Whether it’s a high-energy punk anthem with Flailing Idiot or a melodic, anthemic moment with The Cherry Bombs, her goal is the same — to make you feel something, to make you feel everything.

Image created by Golden Amplifier (Monica Ritchie)

Punk Isn’t Dead— It’s Just Getting Louder

Sammie Augusto isn’t here to play it safe. With the maturity and grit of a seasoned performer, she’s carving her path through raw talent and unapologetic authenticity. Whether leading the charge with Flailing Idiot or belting anthems with The Cherry Bombs, she refuses to blend in. At just 14, Sammie is already showing the world that age doesn’t define artistry— drive, passion, and fearlessness do! It’s a rare thing to witness someone so young yet so fully committed to their craft. With every performance, she leaves a mark. As one fan put it: ‘You don’t just watch Sammie Augusto—you survive her set.’ She’s proving that the future of punk is in more than capable hands. I can’t wait to see where she takes this.

by Staff Writer Monica Ritchie

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all female Female Fronted Flailing Idiot punk rock san diego punk

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DS Gallery: Refused are fucking dead…and this time they really mean it. (Chicago 3/25/25)

April 10, 2025 | 1:38 pm

Refused are fucking dead…and this time they really mean it. The hardcore punk band just finished their North American farewell tour after initially reuniting in 2012, with plans to continue the tour in Europe and the UK in the summer and fall. Joining Refused on this leg of the tour is New York’s post-hardcore punk […]

Refused are fucking dead…and this time they really mean it.

The hardcore punk band just finished their North American farewell tour after initially reuniting in 2012, with plans to continue the tour in Europe and the UK in the summer and fall. Joining Refused on this leg of the tour is New York’s post-hardcore punk band Quicksand. Chicago’s own Racetraitor also joined the lineup for this show at the Salt Shed.

Racetraitor is a hardcore punk/metalcore band formed in 1996 and kicked off the night of steadfast punk rock energy with powerful political rally cries. They are known for addressing a variety of issues through their music, such as systemic racism, inequality, and social justices.

Quicksand played next with legendary frontman/guitarist Walter Schreifels. He is known for being the main visionary charge behind the Gorilla Biscuits and Rival Schools, and the bassist for Youth of Today. Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits and Rival Schools all played sets at Riot Fest 2023.

Formed in 1991 in Umeå, Sweden, Refused are renowned for their creative fusion of hardcore, punk, and metal, which has left a lasting impact on the music scene. Their 1998 album, The Shape of Punk to Come, is often hailed as a fundamental album that influenced numerous bands spanning many genres.

The lyrics of Refused emphasize far-left politics, with influences from anarchism, socialism, and other related principles. Between songs frontman Dennis Lyxzén gave inspiring speeches on today’s political climate, with the backdrop behind him read the daunting message of “THIS IS WHAT OUR RULING CLASS HAS DECIDED WILL BE NORMAL.”

They performed “Hate Breeds Hate” for the first time in 30 years and paid tribute to Iggy Pop’s Stooges by covering “Loose” who played at the Salt Shed the night before.

Refused has always been one of my all-time favorite bands and they will dearly be missed by all their fans…I certainly would not complain if they decided to rise from the dead once again, especially in an era where their resonating message of social justices are needed now more than ever. Refused may be fucking dead but their legacy will live on forever.

Check out the full galleries below!

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by Staff Writer Mary_Sunde

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Refused (band) performing at Ogden Theatre in Denver (photo by Tay Hansen for Soundboard)

DS Feature: Refused Are (Still) Fucking Dead: Refused’s Enduring Legacy & Farewell Tour

April 9, 2025 | 12:30 pm

Words and photos by Tay Hansen, founder of Soundboard, a music media collective and creative studio based in Denver, CO. Refused set the Ogden Theatre on fire last week in Denver. It was one of those rare shows that feels both like a funeral and a resurrection. As part of their 2025 farewell tour, the Swedish […]

Words and photos by Tay Hansen, founder of Soundboard, a music media collective and creative studio based in Denver, CO.

Refused set the Ogden Theatre on fire last week in Denver. It was one of those rare shows that feels both like a funeral and a resurrection. As part of their 2025 farewell tour, the Swedish hardcore legends stormed through a set that spanned decades, tearing through songs with razor-sharp precision and raw emotion. Dennis Lyxzén moved like a man possessed, like someone trying to squeeze every drop of life from this tour.

If this is the end, it’s a damn good one.

But to talk about Refused as just a band that rages on stage would miss the point entirely. Refused were, and still are, a political act. Their music is a manifesto, a call to arms, and a confrontation. With their 1998 landmark album The Shape of Punk to Come, they did more than break up the sound of punk rock—they broke open its ideology, structure, and future.

Formed in Umeå, Sweden, in 1991, Refused quickly carved a name for themselves in the European hardcore scene, fueled by radical politics and an unapologetically Marxist outlook.

When they dropped The Shape of Punk to Come, they were fed up with punk’s stale repetition and co-opted aesthetics. So they made something that didn’t just stand out—it veered hard left, both sonically and ideologically.

Jazz, techno, classical, ambient, metal, hardcore—it’s all there, chopped up and restitched into a Frankenstein of genre. At the time, no one knew what to make of it. Now, it’s regarded as one of the most influential hardcore albums ever recorded.

The irony, of course, is that they broke up almost immediately after releasing it. Their U.S. tour was chaotic—marked by modest turnouts, rising internal tension, and, in what now feels like a perfectly on-brand finale, a final show shut down by police mid-set in a Virginia basement.

“Refused Are Fucking Dead,” the now-legendary breakup letter was less of a press release and more of a middle finger to commodified punk and anyone still clinging to its rotting corpse.

But you can’t kill ideas. And Refused was always an idea more than a band. So, of course, they came back.

Their 2012 reunion was met with both elation and skepticism.

Could a band so radically anti-capitalist return to play Coachella and maintain credibility?

They answered the question the only way they could: with more fire. Freedom (2015) and War Music (2019) didn’t try to recreate Shape…. They just continued the mission—uncompromising, anti-fascist, anti-capitalist, intersectional punk that refused (yes) to go quietly.

Last week’s show proved that nothing about that mission has changed. Lyxzén’s stage presence is unmatched—part frontman, part preacher, part performance artist. He joked about how many times they used the word “revolution” in their songs, but the laughter was knowing. That word still means something in a world drowning in disinformation, corporate corruption, and fascist creep. And in a genre that often sways into apathy, Refused never stopped standing for something.

The band’s influence is everywhere. From post-hardcore to metalcore to politically charged punk, Refused blew open a portal for everyone else to walk through. Bands like Rise Against, Thursday, letlive., Gallows, and even Paramore have cited them as foundational. They proved that punk didn’t have to sound a specific way to mean something.

As Refused closes this final chapter with blistering shows across the U.S. and a 25th-anniversary reissue of The Shape of Punk to Come, it’s hard not to feel like they’ve come full circle.

But this isn’t nostalgia.

This is a reminder that Refused’s vision is still terrifyingly relevant. The co-opted aesthetics Refused once railed against have seeped into everyday life—where radical messaging is repackaged as branding, and rebellion is sold back to us as lifestyle content. Social media platforms reward spectacle over substance, turning even protest into performance. Donald Trump rode memes and outrage into the presidency, and corporations now sponsor Pride floats while lobbying against our rights.

In a time when everything feels corrupted and commodified, Refused’s refusal to play along still resonates. Punk can be intellectual. Anger can be visionary. And music—when it isn’t sanitized or stripped for parts—can still be revolutionary.

Refused didn’t just predict the shape of punk to come; they challenged us to shape it ourselves. And in 2025, surrounded by algorithms, ad campaigns disguised as activism, and an endless feed of capitalist ideas, their music feels less like a time capsule and more like a warning.

Read my full concert review—including more photos of post-hardcore legends Quicksand and local opener Cleaner—now live on the Soundboard site.

Or catch me Instagram!

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by Staff Writer Tay Hansen

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DS Show Review: Linda Lindas, Be Your Own Pet, and Chicano Mosh at The Glass House in Pomona, CA (4/1/2025)

April 8, 2025 | 4:00 pm

My family and I have gone to see the Linda Lindas play at least once a year for the last four or five years. It’s been good to see them grow as musicians in that time and still stay humble. Whether they’re opening for staples of the scene like Green Day or Jawbreaker or playing legendary venues varying in size and history, they always give a good show full of energy and positivity. Something that is much more present in the scene and not always so much outside of the venue walls.

This was my first visit to the Glasshouse in Pomona, mostly out of laziness, which can be a pain to get to due to traffic. Please note: it is not lost on me that my first time there would be on a Tuesday in my forties. It’s a pretty basic venue, with a bar on the back wall and a second story for merchandise and bathrooms, the decor is plain white walls with a wood floor and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling, placed directly in the middle of the venue. The downtown area around the Glasshouse has grown over the years with specialty stores and restaurants, art galleries, and even a pinball arcade carving out a nice little space in Downtown Pomona.

The night opened with the band Chicano Mosh from Corona, CA. These kids put on a pretty fun set with their reverby indie surf rock. Lead singer Bryan Bugarin led the band through songs like “Brown Cats” and “Ojos Flojos,” sung in both English and Spanish. Chicano Mosh held their own throughout their forty-minute set with varied moods in their songs, but always full of emotion and excellent arrangements. They would make a great addition to any lineup, and I can’t wait to see more from them.

Nashville, TN’s Be Your Own Pet was second on the bill. I had heard very little from them before, but was blown away by their energy. They played punk rock and riffy garage rock that reminded me of Black Flag in some places, especially on songs like “Goodtime!” They were fast, fun, and kept their set interesting with an urgent need to keep moving, even in the few mid-tempo songs. Lead singer Jemina Pearl’s constant moving and marching to the songs kept the set unpredictable in all the right places.

The Linda Lindas played a No Obligation album-heavy set; in fact, they played all of it. This would be a problem if the album wasn’t so damn good. It was the band’s first time headlining the Glasshouse, and they took full advantage. On top of playing all of No Obligation and hits from their first album, they fit in a few covers includin their Talking Heads cover, “Got a Job,” and “Tren al Sur” from Los Prisioneros. It’s great seeing them play their Spanish songs from their albums; they have become highlights, and I love seeing them incorporated into their set. They ended the set proper, as they do, with “Racist, Sexist Boy,” but came out for an encore, melding Green Day’s “When I Come Around” with Jawbreaker’s “Want,” “All in My Head,” and closing the night with their cover of Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl,” with all the bands joining them onstage to help sing. That summer with Green Day really tightened up their sound and helped with their nerves.

The crowd was great for the most part. It’s always endearing to see some of the Linda Lindas watching the bands with their fans in the crowd, no matter the size of the venue. As sometimes happens, a drunk guy tried to ruin the show by running up and grabbing people to jump into the pit, but he was dealt with very quickly when most of the people pointed him out to the band and got security to kick him out. The Linda Lindas pride themselves on trying to keep their shows safe spaces, despite how aggressive the music can get sometimes. The scene is evolving in more ways than one, and The Linda Lindas seem more than content to help.

by Staff Writer Forrest Gaddis

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DS Show Review & Photo Gallery: C.O.I. in Chicago with Society’s Waste, Missile Strategy, Urban Guerilla, and Cueball

April 8, 2025 | 11:51 am

The underground scene hardcore scene in Chicago is alive and thriving. New DIY venues seem to pop up constantly and old established venues have a constant lineup of shows. The shows at these venues are usually minimally promoted through Instagram fliers and word of mouth and unless you know who to talk to or where to look you’ll never find them. These spaces are whatever people can throw together, whether it’s an empty apartment where rowdy crowds pull the HVAC ducts out of the walls or the back room of a restaurant with moshers pushing up against stacked tables and chairs.

The DIY scene is a breath of fresh air and an incredible testament to the resilience of the punk rock community to falling prey to the corporate greed and focus group-think that has taken over a lot of modern music especially as hardcore is probably as mainstream as it has ever been. They are and always have been a key part of the culture and many provide the younger generation an opportunity create and perform their music and tap into the community. To quote Ceremony the community is “sick of Black Flag, sick of Cro-Mags” and it’s time to pass the torch to a new group of hardcore artists to step up and decide the trajectory of the genre. Most of the bands discussed below have played few shows, with one being their first live performance. Regardless, they packed the space.

This particular show was headlined by C.O.I. (Conflict of Interest), out of Bloomington, Indiana. Until now they have mostly played local shows, getting on the line up of Bloomington’s Sound and Substance festival that put together up and coming bands from the area.

Society’s Waste (seen in the cover photo) also out of Bloomington went on before C.O.I. with a mix of original songs and covers. C.O.I. and them have played a lot together and have gotten on some bigger name lineups opening for Destiny Bond last September when they came through.

Missile Strategy out of Northwest Indiana was on before them.

Urban Guerilla, out of Chicago, showed up to play their first gig ever and it came with some first gig bumps. Cycling through three heads and two different guitars they finally got going before the guitar strap broke and they had to play from their knees.

Cueball, out of Kankakee, got things going. They were also playing one of their first shows but you wouldn’t have known. They brought the intensity that set the tone for the rest of the night. Starting out as a “what-if” scenario between two friends eventually turned into the band organizing and setting an example for small-town suburban Chicago bands inspiring other local groups to get together. Since this show they’ve been hitting Chicago opening for Lead Spirit and Matter of Fact coming up later this month.

by Staff Writer Max Rubin

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Bloomington Indiana C.O.I. chicago Chicago hardcore Cueball

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DS Slam Dunk 2025 Edition: Our Must See

April 8, 2025 | 8:00 am

For nearly two decades, Slam Dunk has been itself an ultimate cornerstone for pop-punk, emo, and alternative music fans. Through the years, its lineups have struck the perfect balance between nostalgia and new musical discoveries. Whether you were looking to relive your teens or just there to see what other bands had to offer, Slam Dunk brought bands that could pretty much please everyone. From having You Me At Six, Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack, The Wonder Years, to Reel Big Fish, Architects, Hellogoodbye, Slam Dunk has proved countless times why they deserve to be visited and enjoyed with friends.

And this year makes no expectations. Slam Dunk 2025 has been something I’ve looked forward to since they started dropping announcements last year. This year’s lineup, in my personal opinion, promises to be one of the strongest yet. So whether you’re a longtime attendee or heading to your first ever Slam Dunk, many acts will demand your attention. And for that, I have looked over the line-up and written some words on what I am looking forward to this year.

Karina’s picks

Free Throw – The Key Club Stage

Many of us can agree that over the past decade, Free Throw has made an incredible mark in the emo and pop-punk scenes. With their creative lyrics, soaring melodies, and punchy instrumentation, they have become an unstoppable band that continues to grow and evolve. They have an exceptional talent for capturing the raw chaos of life—whether it’s the messy emotions of growing up or the sheer joy of finding relief, their music feels so relatable. If you haven’t had the chance to see them live yet, now is such a fantastic opportunity for us to catch them and soak in those 30 minutes of magic!

Heart Attack Man – The Key Club Stage

Honestly, Heart Attack Man is one of those bands that brings so much fun and excitement to pop-punk and emo. Their loud and gritty sound has kept their music top-notch over the years, and I can’t help but feel excited about what’s to come!

Hot Mulligan – Main Stage West

I think most people know how much I adore Hot Mulligan, but for those who don’t, this is a band I’ve longed to see live! From what I’ve gathered, their energy on stage perfectly reflects the vibes from their records. There’s something truly special about their rawness, confessional lyrics, and infectious melodies that makes it feel like they’re speaking directly to you, almost as if they understand whatever challenges you might be facing. Their music balances angst and vulnerability beautifully, inviting you to connect deeply. Imagine their live shows being cathartic, with every song feeling like an uplifting moment of release. So, if you’re at Slam Dunk, don’t think twice – make sure to catch them! I have no doubt they’ll leave a lasting, positive impression on you.

Knuckle Puck – Main Stage West

This show is a must-see because it celebrates the tenth anniversary of their album Copacetic. It’s one of the best albums of the 2010s, and I can only imagine what delights await us at their performance.

Movements – Main Stage West

Fun story: Sidsel and I attended a concert together, and I found myself reminiscing about my end-of-the-year list back in 2023. I had only just dipped my toes into Movements, barely catching a single song here and there. On our walk to the metro, Sidsel encouraged me to check out their new album, RUCKUS! From that moment on, everything changed, and now I’m so looking forward to soaking in their energy live, outdoors, surrounded by good company.

Neck Deep – Main Stage West

I can hardly contain my excitement about catching Neck Deep at Slam Dunk this year! Their self-titled album truly blew me away—it takes us back to their early roots while proving they’re still at the top of their game. I’ve already declared “Heartbreak of the Century” a real gem, and if that energy lights up the stage, we’re absolutely in for a treat! Neck Deep has a knack for delivering massive sing-alongs and crowd-moving anthems, so getting to experience them in a vibrant festival atmosphere like Slam Dunk is simply essential.

Scowl – The Key Club Stage

The year they played the Roskilde Festival, I was down with COVID. Now is my chance, and I can’t wait!

Split Chain – The Key Club Stage

I had the fantastic experience of seeing them support Trophy Eyes in October, and they truly blew me away! Their energy is phenomenal—fast, powerful, and the kind of set that makes it impossible not to move. They bring a refreshing twist to heavy music, blending hardcore, metal, and punk in such an authentic way. The riffs hit hard, the breakdowns are relentless, and you can feel the crowd buzzing with excitement. Their stage presence is simply electric, making each performance feel delightfully unpredictable. I’m really looking forward to seeing them again at Slam Dunk and losing myself in the moment!

Nick’s picks

Hot Mulligan

I’m excited to see Hot Mulligan at Slam Dunk Festival because their high-energy mix of emo and pop-punk is everything I love about live music. Their lyrics hit deep, their chaotic yet tight performances are always a blast, and I know the crowd is going to be screaming every word along with me. There’s something special about hearing songs like “Shhh! Golf is On” or “Drink Milk” and “Equip Sunglasses” live, with all the passion and humour that makes them so unique. It’s going to be loud, emotional, and absolutely unhinged in the best way possible—I can’t wait!

Scowl

Their live shows always feel raw and chaotic in the best way. Their blend of hardcore punk with a fresh, almost grungy edge makes them stand out, and Kat Moss is an incredible frontwoman who brings so much intensity to every performance. I can’t wait to be in the pit, screaming along to tracks like Bloodhound and Psychic Dance Routine, surrounded by a crowd that’s just as hyped as I am. Seeing them tear up the stage at a festival like Slam Dunk is going to be unforgettable.

Stray From The Path

Stray From The Path live is their raw, explosive energy that turns every show into an intense, high-energy experience. Their politically charged lyrics, heavy riffs, and groovy, chaotic breakdowns hit even harder in a live setting, making the crowd go wild. Their stage presence is relentless, and they have a way of making every person in the room feel fired up and part of something bigger. Whether it’s the mosh pits, the call-and-response moments, or just the sheer aggression and passion in their performance, a Stray From The Path show is always an adrenaline-fueled riot from start to finish. Slam Dunk can’t come fast enough!

South Arcade

I’ve seen the hype online and their songs are catchy as hell, but can they pull it off live? I’m desperate to say they can! One to watch this year at Slam Dunk.

Graphic Nature

The aggression in their music, combined with their unpredictable stage presence, makes for a show that feels visceral and cathartic. Tracks like Killing Floor and Into The Dark are built for moshing, and I know the crowd is going to go absolutely wild. It’s that perfect mix of heaviness and emotion that makes their live performances unforgettable!

Split Chain

Their mix of hardcore, metal, and punk influences creates an atmosphere that’s aggressive, fast-paced, and impossible to stand still in. The riffs are crushing, the breakdowns hit hard, and the crowd always goes off—mosh pits, two-stepping, and pure adrenaline. Plus, their stage presence is electric, making every performance feel unpredictable and wild. If you’re into heavy music with a DIY spirit, Split Chain live is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Alkaline Trio

THE og emos! Enough said!

Mouth Culture

Hot off the back of their shows with You Me at Six. Their blend of alt-pop and indie vibes creates such a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. Their tracks have this infectious energy that just makes you want to move, and their live performances bring an extra level of rawness and emotion that you don’t get from just listening to their recordings. The way they blend dreamy melodies with punchy rhythms makes for a set that feels both euphoric and deeply personal. Plus, their stage presence is always engaging, making the whole experience feel intimate yet electrifying—like you’re part of something special in that moment.

by Staff Writer Karina Rae Selvig

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england Free Throw Hatfield Hot Mulligan Knuckle Puck

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DS x Soundboard: Movements’ Spring Tour Hits Denver (w/ Citizen, Scowl & Downward)

April 6, 2025 | 11:00 am

Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium was packed Thursday night as Movements rolled through Denver on their spring tour with Citizen, Scowl, and Downward. What followed was one of the most well-balanced, high-energy lineups we’ve seen in a while—each band bringing something different to the table without slowing the pace. Downward opened early with a set of hazy […]

Downward opened early with a set of hazy shoegaze and slow-burn tension. Scowl followed with a performance that was impossible to ignore—Kat Moss ripped the stage like she owned it, and by the time their set ended, it was clear the crowd wanted more. With their new album Are We All Angels dropping Friday, that buzz will only grow.

Citizen delivered a career-spanning set with crowd vocals nearly swallowing Mat Kerekes whole at times. And Movements? They gave Denver what it came for—opening with “Afraid to Die” and closing with “Daylily,” pulling the night to an emotional high without ever letting up.

Check out some pics from the show shot by Brock Marlborough—check that out below. For more pics and the full review, head over to our friends at Soundboard.

Scowl

Citizen

Movements

by Staff Writer Tay Hansen

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Are We All Angels citizen emo movements Punk

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DS News: New Bomb Turks and The Drowns Announce US Dates

April 4, 2025 | 2:04 pm

New Bomb Turks are coming out of the garage and getting back in the van for a run of shows along the east coast this Summer! They will be joined by Seattle punk rock ‘n ‘rollers The Drowns! Check out the dates listed below! New Bomb Turks w/ The Drowns 7/25 Magic Stick – Detroit, […]

New Bomb Turks w/ The Drowns

7/25 Magic Stick – Detroit, MI

7/26 Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH

7/27 TBA *

7/28 Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY

7/29 Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto, ON

7/30 Bug Jar – Rochester, NY *

7/31 Sonia Live Music Venue – Cambridge, MA

8/01 The Meadows – Brooklyn, NY

8/02 TBA*

8/03 The Crafthouse Stage & Grill – Pittsburgh, PA

*The Drowns Only

by Staff Writer Andy Wylie

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