Over the years Slam Dunk festival’s introducing stage has always showcased the best up and coming artists nationwide and this year is no exception, with Rock Sound’s breakout stage providing an absolutely stellar lineup. Here’s a breakdown on some of the bands you’ll be able to catch tearing it up over the bank holiday weekend. HOLDING ABSENCE Cardiff’s Holding Absence are truly epic and are a must see at this years Slam Dunk. They’ve already had a busy 2018 so far with the release of their new split EP, This Is As One, with label-mates Loathe. Their live performance conveys just as much emotion as their recordings and it’s quite astounding to witness. Holding Absence are solid proof that the future of the rock scene is in more than capable hands. DREAM STATE Also hailing from Wales are Dream State. This quintet had a whirlwind 2017, inking a record deal with UNFD just minutes before hitting the stage at Reading Festival for the first time. Having just wrapped up an incredibly successful headline tour after the release of new single ‘In This Hell’ it’s no wonder that Dream State are constantly being tipped as one of the breakthrough bands of 2018. MILESTONES Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of pop-punk? Well there’s plenty of it on this years Rock Sound stage including Milestones. Their debut album Red Lights dropped in February and it’s a fantastic collection of bouncy tunes and heartfelt ballads. Having honed their live performance touring with the likes of Mayday Parade and Knuckle Puck over the past year, and, with an array of new tunes to add to their set, they’re bound to get you moving. SLEEP ON IT Slam Dunk will be the debut UK performance for Chicago pop-punkers Sleep On It and the reveal that they’d finally be coming to our shores was met with delight from many fans. Their debut album Overexposed was released back in November and met with extreme praise from fans and rock critics alike. Their set is bound to be one of the most fun of the day so definitely don’t ‘sleep on it.’ Hopefully, State Champs Derek Discanio may even make an appearance for a performance of ‘Fireworks.’ GRAYSCALE One of the most exciting upcoming pop punk bands in recent years, Grayscale, are currently sharing the stage with As It Is, WSTR and Like Pacific on their first ever trip to the UK. This years Slam Dunk will be their debut UK festival appearance and it’s shaping up to be a great one. Their debut album Adornment was released last summer and is sure to be rendered as a pop-punk classic in years to come. STAND ATLANTIC Aussie pop-rockers Stand Atlantic have been making waves in the past few months with their new EP Sidewinder and they’ve been mentioned in numerous ‘ones to watch’ lists. As well as making their international festival debut at Slam Dunk, they’ll also be headlining London’s Camden Assembly on May 25th so get down and see what all the well deserved hype is about. CHAPEL The world was introduced to indie pop duo, Chapel last November when they released their debut EP Sunday Brunch. A colourful, infectious sound created from a wide range of influences. They’re definitely one of the poppier acts featured on the lineup but Slam Dunk’s variety of genres is what makes it one of the best UK Festivals. We can’t wait to have a dance during their set. PALAYE ROYALE Palaye Royale are perhaps one of the most unique bands around at the moment. Describing themselves as ‘fashion art-rock’ and citing artists including David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and T-Rex as major influences, as well as classical music. While it’s easy to hear their influence, it’s more difficult to compare them to any current artists in the scene. Palaye Royal are completely aware of their identity and this is what makes them so captivating. THE FAIM Rock Sound’s breakout stars The Faim were bought to the alt rock scenes attention when producer John Feldmen flew them out to LA to work on a record before they were signed. They have since signed to BMG and released their banging debut single ‘Sainte Of The Sinners’. In the build up to Slam Dunk the three-piece will be supporting Lower Than Atlantis on their April UK tour. Fancy going to one (or more!) date of the infamous Slam Dunk one-dayer? Grab yourself a ticket! Tickets for all dates of Slam Dunk 2018 are still on sale over at http://slamdunkmusic.com/tickets.
