The Fest is almost upon us and we couldn't be more excited over here at Punktastic. Celebrating its 15 year anniversary (woah), the seminal punk festival held annually in Gainesville, FL comes around each Halloween weekend and brings with it sunshine, beers, friends, hugs, smiles and some of the best music the punk/emo/hardcore scenes have to offer. There are hundreds of bands playing all weekend with something for everyone, but we've picked ten bands that we think you simply can't miss this year. Ready? Here we go:
Alaska
When: Sunday, 6:30pm â 7:00pm
Where: Palomino
Hailing from Henderson, Nevada, this four-piece plays a unique blend of math and post-hardcore that sets Alaska apart from a lot of their contemporaries. Since the release of their sophomore album âShrineâ in October 2015, the band has relentlessly toured over the US and recently completed an EU/UK jaunt with the wonderful Gulfer from Montreal. With an incredibly intense live show, and one of the tightest drummers in the scene in Nick Strader (seriously, just peep this guy when you watch them), Alaska should be one of the first bands on your schedule. You wonât be disappointed.
Arms Aloft
When: Friday, 9:50pm â 10:30pm
Where: The Wooly
Fest veterans Arms Aloft return once more and bring with them a new record, the impeccable âWhat A Time To Be Barely Aliveâ. Released through a plethora of DIY labels all over the world, plus a US release with Red Scare Industries, the record sees Arms Aloft perfect the sound theyâve been crafting over the past nine (yup, nine) years. Each year, the show at Fest feels more and more like a homecoming party for these four scamps from the Midwest. Youâre all invited, and youâll have the best time. Come down, the bar isnât gonna drink itself dry.
Cayetana
When: Sunday, 12:30pm â 1:10pm
Where: Bo Diddley Plaza
Philadelphia trio Cayetana were a breath of fresh air in the punk scene when they dropped their debut LP âNervous Like Meâ back in September 2014. Fast forward two years and theyâre opening the biggest stage on the final day of The Fest. Cayetana are clearly three best friends who are just having a blast playing music together and the fact this music is so goddamn good makes watching this band an unbelievably fun time. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and help get you ready for the final day, thereâs really no better way to start your Sunday than with Cayetana.
Frameworks
When: Sunday, 2:20pm â 3:00pm
Where: The Wooly
Another bunch of Gainesville natives, Frameworks will tear The Wooly down bright and early on Sunday morning. With their explosive blend of screamo, Frameworks are an unbelievably fun band to watch. Surrounded by a group of their friends and family in Gainesville, what better chance do you have of clearing that hungover than having your ears pummelled and body shaken by one of the best screamo bands around?
Free Throw
When: Saturday, 3:40pm â 4:20pm
Where: Cowboys
Last year at High Dive, Free Throw played one of the sets of Fest 14. There were kids crowdsurfing on top of each other, hands in the air and, for some weird reason, tons of Jello shots being launched at the stage (weird, huhâŚ) This year at Cowboys is sure to see more of the same and Free Throw absolutely deserve your time. Always a heart-warming and collaborative show, Free Throw form a connection with the audience in a way that most bands can only strive for. A real and immediate bond is formed and, I promise you, you wanna be part of this. This band is doing something special.
Gouge Away
When: Friday, 7:10pm â 7:40pm
Where: The Atlantic
Gouge Away are one of the most important hardcore bands in the world right now. Yup, I know, I know, bold claim, but go watch them at Fest this year and youâll understand why. Their debut album â, Diesâ (released in February this year) is a brutal, ferocious debut and announced Gouge Away to the world, kicking and screaming. Their live show lives up to the energy of their recorded material and if you only feel like watching one hardcore band this year, I beg you to make it Gouge Away.
Kamikaze Girls
When: Sunday, 5:50pm â 6:20pm
Where: Looseyâs
Kamikaze Girls have had a wild year. Releasing their debut EP âSadâ to critical acclaim, the band went on tour all over the UK and Europe and are currently on a North American tour on their way down to Fest. Their emotional and honest take on mental health has won them fans across the globe, and rightly so. With an emotional, personal and evocative live show, Kamikaze Girls are confirming their place at the front of UK DIY punk scene and, if youâve never had the chance to catch them before, rectify that mistake at Fest this year. Theyâll make it worth your time.
Ratboys
When: Sunday, 3:10pm â 3:40pm
Where: Palomino
Chicagoâs Ratboys just completed a two-month tour of Europe and the UK and are back on home soil, touring their way to and from Fest. Signed to the prolific Topshelf Records, the band play a wonderful mix of country-tinged indie and (despite how much of a mouthful that goddamn genre description is) absolutely delight every time they play. With a confidence and assuredness that can only come from months on the road, Ratboys will subtly but completely blow you away. Forging their own path in this alternative music scene we call home, Ratboys are making things happening and weâd all be wise to pay attention.
Vasudeva
When: Sunday, 3:50pm â 4:20pm
Where: Durty Nellyâs
Allegedly the only instrumental band playing at Fest this year, Vasudeva are more than worthy of your attention. The three-piece from New Jersey play a relentlessly groove-filled take on math-rock, with more than a handful of electronic and dance influences thrown in. Having previously toured with bands like Gulfer and Totorro and with a new album on the way, take your chance to see them now and get to be all smug and like âI saw them at Fest 15!â when your friend asks if youâve heard this sick new album from that band Vasudeva.
The Winter Passing
When: Sunday, 5:00pm â 5:30pm
Where: Looseyâs
The Winter Passing are back at Fest once more and, man, arenât we all just the luckiest? Currently writing a new record, the Dublin based band never fail to impress with their unique brand of indie-punk. Playing at the awesome Looseyâs on the Sunday, theyâll be sure to inject you with that final burst of energy to get you through the night. This band are real, real cool. You should listen to them.
Fest takes place at various venues around Gainesville, Florida between October 28th – 30th. Further information can be found at the official Fest website.