Home Tours Videos Interviews Reviews Photography Featured Artist Contact THEME

10 Bands to Check Out on Warped Tour 2016

image

Oh, Warped Tour, is there a better time of year? Not only do we get to spend a day listening loads of our favourite bands, but we also get to discover new music whilst trying not to get sunburnt (we’re still trying to figure out that last part). This year, the tour’s lineup is the best we’ve seen in years, with loads of genres being represented, and that’s a lot to navigate.

Luckily for you, we’ve sifted through this year’s act and compiled a list of 10 bands we think everyone needs to check out. Whether you’re a fan of pop, metalcore, pop-punk or something in between, there’s a band on our list for you. So grab a pen and paper, some headphones and prepare to discover your new favourite band!

Against The Current - Whole Tour

Against The Current have easily become one of the fastest-rising acts in the scene today. Seeing their beginnings as a cover band on YouTube, the three-piece went on to sign with Fueled By Ramen (Paramore, Panic! At The Disco), and released their debut album late last month. The band’s take on pop-rock is infectious, loud and full of energy, and vocalist Chrissy Costanza has one of the strongest voices you’ll probably ever hear. Their lyrics are geared toward those who feel as if they don’t belong, offering an uplifting and inspirational escape - things that are often needed in this day and age.

With a sound like theirs, Against The Current are destined to play in front of thousands, so you better see them on the small stage while you still can. We can guarantee that these guys will be all everyone’s talking about by the end of the year.

I See Stars - Whole Tour

I See Stars aren’t newbies on the Warped Scene, having played the tour many times in the past. However, this year is different, as it’s the first time the band will be performing without screamer Zach Johnson and guitarist Jimmy Gregerson, who left the band a few months ago. So it will be interesting to see the new stage dynamic between the remaining members.

The band have a new album out via Sumerian Records, titled Treehouse, and it’s a release that sees less emphasis on screams and more on the energy of the instrumentation as a whole. It’s heavy, energetic, melodic - everything needed to create an eye-catching set, so you can bet I See Stars will be on the must-see list of many.

If you’re interested, the band were featured in our latest #MusicMonday column.

In Hearts Wake - Whole Tour

A list about Warped Tour acts wouldn’t be complete without including a few metalcore bands, and our favourite on the lineup is without a doubt Australia’s In Hearts Wake. The Byron Bay four-piece are known for their concept albums (Earthwalker and Skywalker) and will be bringing the albums to life on Warped for what is sure to be one of the summer’s best sets. The band know how to put on a show, so be prepared to be mesmerized.

Plus, the band are from Australia, so you know they’ll know how to handle the heat the American summer has to offer.

Psst… Did you know we interviewed the band last July?

Like Pacific - Whole Tour

If there’s one thing we can say about Warped Tour, it’ that it’s never devoid of pop-punk - and this year is no exception. Honestly, have you looked at the lineup? It’s a pop-punk fan’s dream!

One band we feel pop-punk fans need to check out is Toronto’s Like Pacific. 2016 has already been a pretty big year for the band, with them having released their debut album in February and later embarking on The AP Tour with Knuckle Puck, Neck Deep and State Champs. With Warped just a few days away, it can be guaranteed that the band will be one of the tour’s rising stars, so you best make sure to add them to your list.

Distant Like You Asked is one of the year’s best albums, and we spoke to bassist Chris Thaung about it!

ROAM - Whole Tour

Warped Tour just wouldn’t be Warped Tour without a few Brits showing US fans what those across the pond have to offer, and this year, the British invasion includes Hopeless Records’ own ROAM.

The band’s appearance on Warped is their first and we can guarantee they’ll be bringing all they’ve got to the tour. With an EP and album under their belts, it can be assured you’ll fall in love with the Eastbourne lot (and downloading every song they’ve recorded once you get home). So make sure to show up early for their set - you’ll end up wishing it never ends.

Sum 41 - June 26 to August 7

Want a blast from the past? Then make sure to check out Sum 41′s set on this year’s tour! The band rose to fame in the early 2000s with their infectious pop-punk and are back on the touring circuit to bring fans a taste of what true pop-punk is. Sum 41 are a staple in the pop-punk scene and are one of the acts to cement the genre’s popularity, with tracks like “Fat Lip” and “In Too Deep”.

They’re set to release their new album later this year via Hopeless Records and it’s a release that’s highly anticipated. Whether you’re a long-term fan who rocked spiked hair and wristbands or a new one looking to see the origins of pop-punk, Sum 41′s set is definitely the one for you. Prepare for the nostalgia.

The Summer Set - July 30 to August 13

The Summer Set have been a staple on Warped for years now, having performed on the tour multiple times, but did you know that this year’s appearance almost wasn’t?

The band briefly broke up last year, after the five-piece began feeling low about its future. However, the guys - and gal - decided they couldn’t just abandon the band and came back with their best album to date. With high-energy and infectious pop hooks, the music on Stories For Monday showcase a renewed drive, a drive that will definitely translate into some of the band’s best sets they’ll ever play.

The Summer Set are known for their energetic shows and Warped Tour 2016 will be no exception.

Waterparks - Whole Tour

Is it just us or have Waterparks seemingly come out of nowhere in the past year and exploded onto the scene? The Texas three-piece have a strong following behind them and it’s pretty easy to see why. Their unique and catchy alternative rock draws comparison to the likes of Simple Plan and Good Charlotte (who strongly endorse the band), and the trio’s enthusiasm for music has them determined to make this summer one of the best.

Their new EP, Crave, was released on Equal Vision this past January and features five tracks that are sure to be a hit on the Warped scene. So make sure to check Waterparks out this summer. You might find your new favourite band.

With Confidence - Whole Tour

In Hearts Wake aren’t the only ones representing Australian on Warped this summer - With Confidence will also be there to bring the sunshine.

The Hopeless Records quartet released their debut album earlier this month and it’s a released filled with summer-esque tracks - perfect for Warped Tour. If you’re a fan of 5 Seconds of Summer, All Time Low or pop-inspired alternative rock, these guys are definitely a band to put on your list. We promise you won’t be disappointed with the music they have to offer.

Hey! Did you know we featured Better Weather in our latest #MusicMonday?

Young Guns - Whole Tour

Young Guns have been on a whirlwind of a journey since the release of their last album, Ones and Zeroes. 2015 saw the band touring the US on both a headlining tour and supporting Breaking Benjamin, as well as appearing at some of the country’s most popular rock festivals. This year, their journey sees them playing Warped, and we can’t think of a better band to fit the bill.

Warped Tour is all about energy, which is something Young Guns are known to bring. With a heavy-hitting rock sound that blends the likes of melody and well-written lyrics with vocalist Gustav Wood’s enviable vocals, the band are sure to be a hit this summer and we really hope you’ll give their set a watch.

What bands are you excited to see on Warped this summer? Let us know by tweeting us at @LKPress.

By Clare Fitzgerald