As summer winds down, we have one last big fest–Riot Fest–and it’s packed with bounce and thrash and passion. Punk is an attitude, an energy; there is not just one way to embody it. Though it can be hidden in recordings, when you’re watching a band live, it’s undeniable. Riot Fest 2019’s lineup sports a blend of new and old punks—punks that might also be classified as pop, hardcore, rap, or psych.
There’s something for everyone, whether you can’t enjoy a show without the possibility of a bloody nose or don’t think concert-going should be a contact sport. We used our (completely fallible) crystal ball to predict the mosh-inducing factor of these bands’ performances and shared the highlights below. If we know anything about punks, though, they can turn any music into moshing music. We hope you’ll get in the thick of it and throw your body against another human. This is what it is to feel alive, just come at it with joy and a sense of community and watch out for each other.
Three more (quick) pieces of advice:
- Go early to see some of the best up-and-coming.
- Pace yourself. This fest requires endurance.
- Drink water, not just beer and other people’s sweat.
Pkew, Pkew, Pkew | 11:55 at the Radicals Stage
Mosh Factor: Muscular, but we’re all friends in this mosh pit
These guys have perfected the kind of music you shout with your buddies. They are speaking to the 30s and up punks that realize they are probably too old for this shit, but wouldn’t give it up for anything. It is about drinking away the regrets of a middling life. And having a sense of humor about it.
Thin Lips | 1:00 at the Rebel Stage
Mosh Factor: Happy bouncing with possible contact
Must see punx from Philly. If you like your lyrics thoughtful, melodies with pop-like hooks, and guitar riffs out the wahzoo, this band is for you.
Caroline Rose | 1:40 at the Roots Stage
Mosh Factor: Chillin’ like a villain
Resplendent with keys and jangly guitar, Caroline Rose is very much an indie pop musician. Her music doesn’t quite make you want to mosh, but it has an infectious beat that will get you dancing. We’re very excited to see how her band channels the punk energy of the festival in their performance.
The Get Up Kids | 4:15 at the Rise Stage
Mosh Factor: Frenetic fun
Guitar heavy, driving drums, and vocals that cut through the fuzz, these guys are bringing punk energized garage rock. It is a classic sound that could get lost in the crush of bands at the fest, but I think they have some stand out songs that will make them stick in your memory.
Violent Femmes | 5:30 at the Roots Stage
Mosh Factor: Occasional with a chance of collisions
Acoustic guitar has an innate folk sound to it, but when it is strummed to the point of abuse, it is 100% punk. This Milwaukee band is known for that one song, but they have a great catalog of songs. We will be seriously bummed if we don’t hear this one from their latest album.
Descendents | 7:15 at the Rise Stage
Mosh Factor: The OG punks will be setting the tone
The Descendents formed in 1978, but they have a sound that could be any punk band from the past 30 years. They specialize in being a voice for the frustrated disenfranchised youth. We will be there to see if these OG punks can bring the mosh to a boiling point. And might as well hang at the Rise Stage for headliner.
Riot Fest Official | Facebook | Lineup | Schedule | Tickets