DON’T MISS OUT: Upcoming Bands To Catch At Riot Fest

Riot Fest aka the punk rock pilgrimage to the city of gritty guitar breaks and d-beats: Chicago. One of the most revered festivals where the counterculture becomes the mainstream, where the old and young intermix and reminisce about their favorite records. A three day triumph of beer, bands and belting out your favorite songs with your friends by your side. This year, we are bringing you full-stop Riot Fest coverage all three days via our Instagram @highlightzine. In honor of our favorite fest, we bring our annual Riot Fest preview of bands to catch when you’re in Douglas Park this weekend. Aside from the bands we all know and love who will be present (e.g. Paramore, Nine Inch Nails, Jawbreaker, Real Friends, The Menzingers, New Found Glory, etc), we have some bands to share who you might not know, but will definitely need to see this weekend.

Turnspit

Chicago dwellers Turnspit are equal parts quirky and gritty. They’re heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies are not to be missed this weekend. Catch them at The Heather Owen Stage at 1:00 p.m. CST on Saturday.

 

Sleep On It

Another Chicago native band, Sleep On It are quickly climbing to the top of the pop punk scene. In a year’s time they signed to Pure Noise Records, ran with Four Year Strong on tour plus numerous other gigs and now they’re taking the stage again at Riot Fest. They play at 1:50 p.m. CST at the Radicals Stage on Friday.

 

Grayscale

Currently signed to Fearless Records, the band are not to be missed with their anthemic pop punk hooks coupled with indie-pop sensible instrumentation. Grayscale are playing The Heather Owen Stage at 12:00 p.m. CST on Friday.

 

Like Pacific

Fresh off their tour with Senses Fail earlier this year, the band are ready to show Chicago another good time a la Canadian pop punk. Signed to Pure Noise Records, Like Pacific are playing at 1:00 p.m. CST on The Heather Owen Stage on Friday.

 

RVIVR

Advocates for gender equality and safe spaces for LGBTQA in the punk scene, RVIVR are playing at 12:05 p.m. CST on Saturday at the Roots Stage.

 

The Regrettes

A little Courney Barnett, Bleached and Karen O, The Regrettes are fresh and ready to rock Riot Fest. Fronted by Lydia Night who is sixteen years old, The Regrettes are not to be missed and are playing The Heather Owen Stage at 6:00 p.m. CST on Saturday.
Downtown Boys

Rhode Island natives Downtown Boys are grungy with a side of hype as Rolling Stone featured the group and dubbed them “America’s Most Exciting Punk Band.” The band recorded their third LP Cost of Living to be release on Sub Pop Records. Downtown Boys are playing at 1:00 p.m. CST on the Rise Stage on Sunday.

 

You can buy your tickets for Riot Fest here.