This past weekend was my fourth time at the awesome pop punk, emo, ska punk and otherwise alternative party that was Slam Dunk!

As always, a great range of upcoming and long-established bands from across the UK scene and beyond graced Hatfield Park and Temple Newsam with their presence. I gallivanted around the latter, and present to you my recap of a brilliant day in Leeds.

Enjoy! Or don’t! Up to you.

Lake Malice | Kerrang! Stage

One of the first bands on at Temple Newsam were a prosperous two-piece hyperpop/metal act from Brighton called Lake Malice (formed of Blake and Alice – big fan of that name formation!).

Having enjoyed a few of their songs prior to the fest, it was great to see them getting familiar fans and the curious alike warmed up, alongside quite the sci-fi-themed choreographed dance backdrop.

While the band brought tracks including Magic Square and Scatterbrain, about the anxiety that can come with unrelenting speed of life events, I found much of their stuff reminiscent of latter-day Pendulum, which is a good thing. Unless you don’t like Pendulum, in which case I don’t know what to tell you 🤷‍♂️

All in all, great start to the day, and an act to keep an eye on, as they continue the growth they started when forming during the pandemic.

Save Ferris | Monster Energy Stage

Another first time for me, but this time for a band that has satisfied my love for ska music for many years now.

Back in Blighty for the first time since 2019, and begging the Slam Dunk faithful “Don’t make me go back to that fucking country” were Southern Californian fun packets Save Ferris. And it’s safe to say Ferris certainly was saved, again.

Fronted by the ever-energetic Monique Powell, the band began their set with new single Lights Out in the Reptile House, and interspersed regular set list features like The World Is New with lots of stage banter.

As well as concluding with their cornerstone cover of Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ Come On Eileen, there were further takes on Operation Ivy’s Artificial Life and (pleasantly surprisingly) Dead Kennedys’ Too Drunk to Fuck.

Buzzing to see the band again in Islington this August!

Kid Bookie | Key Club Stage

Next up was Kid Bookie, a trap metal act from South London who I was only vaguely familiar with. I barely know anything about this trap metal malarkey, honestly.

Encouraging attendees to stick the middle finger up to austerity and adversity, Bookie – alongside stand-in bandmates who only had two days to learn his set – battled through some unfortunate technical snags to deliver a set that was refreshingly raw.

Along with tracks like Scars, Get Out and Stuck in My Ways (the latter two being collaborations with Griffin Taylor, and his father Corey, respectively), there was also a rousing sing-a-long of Wonderwall.

Another talent in the UK alternative scene with much room to grow, don’t be surprised to see Kid Bookie grace similarly sized stages (in terms of large festivals and, you know… the physical stage, because they mostly come in that size), soon.

Mouth Culture | The Key Club Stage

Next on The Key Club Stage was Leicester-based alt rock outfit Mouth Culture, who I was quite excited to see live after getting into a lot of their stuff lately.

As with the last set, there were some technical issues (was The Key Club Stage cursed? No. Shut up, Aaron), but the lads cracked on as best they could in that situation.

Alongside rocking tracks like the recently released Ratbag and Cherry Red Rage (the latter of which was greeted with the largest pit I’d seen so far) was the more ballad-y Everyday, accompanied by many phone lights (crazy how we used literal fire, indoors, for such purposes, isn’t it?).

Having previously toured with major inspirations You Me At Six, Jack, Todd and Mason are back in the same city for Leeds Festival, along with Reading Festival, this August.

Gyozas and the Sticky Rice | The Grass

Pork ones. Needed those. Lovely.

Other gyoza places are available. Not an ad.

The Aquabats! | Monster Energy Stage

I almost fell into a gyoza coma and missed these long-time crime-fighting ska/pop punk legends, but I’m glad to say I didn’t!

Back in the UK for the first time since 2018, The Aquabats! presented their particular brand of comedic, energetic entertainment, sending the crowd into a float-surfing frenzy.

The set featured set staples (I imagine they are usually part of the set, anyway), including Pizza Day and their TV show theme song. Additionally, The MC Bat Commander showed our government who’s boss by orchestrating a circle pit spread from one column to the other.

The Aquabats!’ appearances at Slam Dunk were part of a six-day UK and Ireland tour, which was followed up with gigs in Islington and Dublin. I wish I was going – it’s frankly mad how good those guys still are, over thirty years on from forming.

Zebrahead | Monster Energy Stage

I then saw three more bands in a row at the designated ska punk-ish stage for the year, continuing that streak with Slam Dunk furniture items Zebrahead (or, if you’re accent-inclined, ‘Zebrahead’).

As with every year, the California punky rap rock veterans (jeez I sound like an AI band description generator right now, should probably stop that) had us Slam Dunkers in the palms of their hands, right from their Team America intro.

The set featured Falling Apart (which introduced me to the band, having heard it on the Smackdown vs Raw game soundtrack), and When Both Sides Suck, We’re All Winners. More float surfing ensued, with Ali Tabatabaee and co on top form.

It’s also worth mentioning that vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adrian Estrella gets a lot of good will from fest goers for his active engagement with fans in person, and also on the festival’s Facebook group. What a guy. Oh, and the band are back touring the UK this August!

Streetlight Manifesto | Monster Energy Stage

Full disclosure: Streetlight Manifesto are one of my top seven-ish bands of all time, so there may be some bias joining this post-fest party.

This was the band’s third Slam Dunk appearance – and first time in the UK since the passing of long-time trumpeter Matt Stewart – and this was a super tight set, with a familiarly large sax and brass combined section.

The set began with A Moment of Violence as usual (personally I would love to see its counterpart Silence get performed immediately before one day, but time is always of the essence with these things), with another first album track in Here’s To Life, along with Somewhere in the Between also receiving enthusiastic sing-a-longs.

Given Tomas Kalnoky and co’s appearances at Slam Dunk began their tour to promote their new album The Place Behind the Stars, I thought we would get a cheeky new song or two. But I can’t be disappointed, and understand if it needs more fine-tuning.

Less Than Jake | Monster Energy Stage

Another long-time favourite of mine is Less Than Jake, who made just their sixth Slammy D appearance. It’s safe to say the fest faithful are nowhere near tired of seeing the Gainesville, Florida natives perform over here.

Opening their set as usual with Gainesville Rock City, the gang brought a combo of certified, *clears throat* ‘Anthems‘ and new tunes that took us into *clears throat again* ‘Uncharted‘ territory! (Chris DeMakes already made that pun, and it was really cool.)

It was great to hear Sunny Side and Walking PipeBomb from the latest EP live for the first time, and their rendition of the Animaniacs theme song (gleefully introduced by Roger Lima) was also delightful.

Basically, if you’re not already familiar and hate fast, sentimental ska/pop punk combinations, these lads will be insufferable.

A Day To Remember | Main Stage West

Last up for me at Slam Dunk North was some up-and-coming group of budding musicians – another first live experience for me – called A Day To Remember (I think?).

Debuting at the fest and fronted by the ever-present Jeremy McKinnon, the band included Fit for a King’s Bobby Lynge on bass – still relatively new, having started touring with the group last year.

It was a tough choice between the North Central Florida metalcore legends and fellow headliners Alkaline Trio this year. But myself (and about a billion others, it felt) were treated to a set featuring 2nd Sucks, their cover of Kelly Clarkson’s Since U Been Gone, and All I Want (soooo much nostalgia with that latter hit, every time!). Oh, and the branded beach balls were a nice touch.

The band are back in the UK on the 24th and 25th June, with two shows in Brixton.

Closing Remarks

A video footage compilation of each of the above bands is below – apologies in advance for any close-ups of the backs of people’s heads!

Much love to all the bands, organisers, sound crew, security and volunteers that tirelessly make both days of the festival possible. And a massive thanks to you for reading.

Roll on the 20th anniversary of Slam Dunk in 2026! Up the Posh, and up the Punx 🤘