Vans Warped Tour
July 21st, 2007
Bicentennial Park
11:00 a.m.
Warped Tour is celebrating its 13th birthday this year. The main stages have been appropriately renamed to “Lucky” and “13” for the occasion. South Florida did hit some bad luck, though, with bands such as Alkaline Trio, Mxpx, and Valencia skipping out on the Miami date. Despite these absences, there are still plenty of bands playing that are worthy of your attention.
Sounds like: Powerspace, The Higher
Listen to: “She’s a Lady”
They might have the worst band name ever, but this six-piece from Texas is surprisingly good. One of Alternative Press’ “22 Best Underground Bands That Likely Won’t Stay Underground For Long,” FTSK is producing some infectiously catchy tunes. Their debut EP, Television Off, Party On, was just released on Universal Records. They put on an energy-filled show, so check it out!
Sounds like: Blink-182, Yellowcard
Listen to: “Situations”
New Found Glory are not only veterans in the scene, but they’re South Florida natives. Miami Warped should be a nice homecoming show for the band, who I daresay has had one of the biggest impacts on the other bands on this year’s tour. In addition to their regular set, NFG will be playing a special acoustic set for AbsolutePunk.net.
Sounds like: The Starting Line, Holiday Parade
Listen to: “The Permanent Rain”
The band self-released their first EP, There’s No Such Thing as Science, earlier this year. Labels started to take notice of this young group of boys from Maryland, and in May they were signed to Hopeless/Sub City Records. They are releasing a new EP on August 21, which features both old and new songs. This band is definitely one to keep an eye on. They will also be playing an acoustic set for Absolutepunk.net.
Sounds like: Just Surrender, Halifax
Listen to: “We Add Like Crazy Wizards”
Hailing from West Palm Beach, Upper Class Trash is one of this year’s local bands that will play on the Kevin Says Stage. In addition to being an awesome opportunity for the band, their show at Warped Tour will be their lead singer’s last with the band. Even more reason to check them out! Word is they are looking for a new vocalist; so if you like what you hear, hit them up!
Sounds like: Rancid, NOFX
Listen to: “Honest Goodbye”
Unlike the many bands getting their big break on this year’s Warped Tour, Bad Religion has been a punk rock staple since the early 80s. Their fourteenth full-studio album, New Maps of Hell, was released on Epitaph Records on July 10th. If anyone can take the sweltering heat of this summer tour, it’s these dudes.
Sounds like: Saosin, The Sound of Animals Fighting
Listen to: "The Difference Between Medicine and Poison is in the Dose"
Anthony Green, former front man of Saosin, does not disappoint as vocalist for Circa Survive, a much more experimental project than his previous band. The release of their sophomore album, On Letting Go, confirmed that this band is doing something special. Green’s vocals are outstanding, and I sure hope he can hit those high notes in the heat and humidity.
Sounds like: Motion City Soundtrack, Alkaline Trio
Listen to: “Papercut Skin”
In my opinion, The Matches is one of the most underrated and under appreciated bands out there right now. They are clever and catchy, a combination that is sometimes hard to find in this scene. They are set to release the follow up to 2006’s Decomposer later this year. If you’ve never heard of them, give them a listen and check them out on tour, you won’t be disappointed.
Sounds like: Cancer Bats, The Bronx
Listen to: “Come Friendly Bombs”
This English punk band is taking the world by storm. The band has gained the attention of both music lovers and industry folks with the release of their debut album, Orchestra of Wolves, which has received rave reviews. It looks like we can expect to see a lot more from these Brits, who just signed a pretty sweet deal with Warner Bros. in the UK. It’d be worthwhile to check them out, if only to see if all the hype is deserved.
Sounds like: The Early November, The Secret Handshake
Listen to: “Anhedonia”
After winning MTVu’s Freshmen contest, it’s apparent that this band is going places. The band has been the subject of much praise over the past year, having been featured in College Music Journal and being named one of Spin.com’s band of the day. After hearing their first full-length, Anhedonia, I understand why. Hopefully their live show is as good as their music.
Sounds like: New Found Glory, Yellowcard
Listen to: “Direction”
I know, I know, The Starting Line is old news. Many think the band peaked early with Say It Like You Mean It, the band’s first full-length album. The band has finally reached its full potential with Direction, which features fast-paced summer anthems we’ve grown to expect from the band, solid vocals, and more mature lyrics. Direction is this summer’s best release, and might very well be one of my favorite albums this year. I can’t wait to hear the new songs live.
Other bands I plan on checking out: All Time Low, Anberlin, Bayside, Paramore
Bands I wish were on the tour: 2*Sweet, 1997, Fireworks, Four Year Strong
