RVIVR (photo: Alexsandra Wiciel)
By Amanda Starling
Prepare for the best five days of music of the year. At least that’s how fans of punk rock see the Fest in Gainesville, FL. The niche-music playground for punk lures the loyal veterans of the 13-year-old festival (as well as newbies) into what can only be described as a cultural and musical experience.
The Fest stretches across two Florida cities, with two days in Little Ybor, Tampa and three days in Gainesville. Everything from hardcore to post-rock bands swell the lineup, but it’s mostly a punk’s paradise, with more than 365 bands playing in a total of 16 venues in the two cities.
The best part of Fest is in discovering and following favorites bands from across the globe. Unsure of where to begin? Well, start by checking out last week’s round one of Fest must-sees and then, aside from popping into random shows (which is also highly recommended), check out round two of our Fest picks:
Spraynard
The Mark, Tom and Patrick Show was reborn (and reunited) in early 2014 after a two-year hiatus. Spraynard of West Chester, PA sweeps into Fest with that contagious energy we’ve known, loved, and missed. The trio of Pat Graham, Mark Dickinson and Pat Ware return with that unique Spraynard growl that shakes up pop punk and their hometown DIY scene. Their masterwork lies in 2011 album Funtitled, and there are high hopes that the band will play tracks from it in their appearances at Pre-Fest and Fest.
Pre-Fest set time: Thursday, October 30, 12:30-1 am @ Tequilas
Fest set time: Saturday, November 1, 2:40-3:20 pm @ 8 Seconds
Prawn
Consistent energy and variety are the two best products of every Prawn show. The New Jersey band has been cranking out albums with indie, post-rock flair since 2011. The self-proclaimed “dad band” dips into your core with poignant lyricism and emotional waves. It’s impossible to leave one of their shows in a bad mood. Prawn is one of those bands that take a small gig and transform it into the utmost intimate performance, so catch them the first night of Fest in Gainesville.
Fest set time: Friday, October 31, 11:20-11:50 pm @ High Dive
Signals Midwest
It’s been quite a year for the Cleveland punks; jumping across the Midwest United States and even across the pond for a European tour. Lead singer Maxwell Stern has been juggling Signals Midwest and his folk-punk side-project, Meridian Ohio, expanding his performance. It’s been a year since Florida has seen the Ohio punks, and it’s about time for a Fest return. Signals Midwest plays Pre-Fest and Fest, but don’t miss the Meridian Ohio set—it’s highly recommended.
Pre-Fest set time: Wednesday, October 29, 9:40-10:10 pm @ The Orpheum
Fest set time: Friday, October 31 1-1:30 am @ Rockey’s
Fest acoustic set time (Meridian Ohio): Saturday, November 1, 11:30 pm-midnight @ Civic Media Center
Lemuria
The Buffalo, NY band swirls into genres to invent a distinctive sound. Indie, punk, rock and pop coexist in a way that transcends harmony. The trio have adapted over many full-length albums and EPs, refining to a whimsical, unforgettable presence. Most fan favorites stem from the 2008 release, Get Better. With comparable energy to Slingshot Dakota, the bouncing vocals between Sheena Ozzella and Alex Kerns stretch across a quicker drum tempo.
Fest set time: Friday, October 31, 8:20-9 pm @ Bo Diddley Plaza
Wolf-Face
Looking for a show with some bite? Ha! St. Petersburg, FL punks Wolf-Face are all show and energy. Michael J. Wolf and his pack surge with pop-culture references and sharp social criticism, underneath those basketball jerseys and furry masks. There’s a growl that rolls with every riff, including Michael J.’s literal growl to match the rapid-fire guitar. There are shows and then there are performances, and Wolf-Face is a performance you won’t want to miss.
Pre-Fest set time: Thursday, October 30, 7:30-8 pm @ Tequilas
Fest set time: Saturday, November 1, 8-8:30 pm @ Durty Nelly’s
You Blew It!
You Blew It! is the best product of Orlando, FL besides Disney World. Or maybe we can let them have the title of the best punk products of Orlando. You Blew It! have rolled in as second-year performers at Fest with some solid cred, they even recently released a cover EP of Weezer’s The Blue Album. Tanner Jones’ scratchy wail is chilling; just take a listen to “Award of the Year Award,” from their latest full-length, Keep on Doing What You’re Doing. After producing their third album, You Blew It! have mastered their voice and performance, providing automatic intimacy with every show.
Fest cover set time (Weezer): Saturday, November 1, 2-2:30 pm @ High Dive
Fest set time: Sunday, November 2, 4:30-5:10 pm @ 8 Seconds
RVIVR
Consider RVIVR to be a Fest favorite. Fans flock and lineup around venues to see the regular double-header show between the Olympia, WA band and their New York pals in Iron Chic. The four-piece punk set provides an arresting, provocative performance that adds some edge to the blanket term pop-punk. Dual vocalists Erica Freas and Matt Canino toss back and forth, but it’s Freas that brings extra grit into the band. Enter the show aware of the gender politics that RVIVR is known for, but be surprised by their kinetic energy that’s both classic and memorable.
Fest set time: Sunday, November 2, 1:30-2:10 pm @ Bo Diddley Plaza
Dads
Expect to feel something tug at your chest while listening to New Jersey/Michigan duo Dads, featuring John Bradley and Scott Scharinger. The bounce and stomp energy switches to melancholy waves, easing anxiety and setting a tone for contemplation. Though the duo considers their name a dumb joke from their early days, their sound is far from it. As the band has progressed, Dads has become more contemplative, which is a refreshing roll after diving in and out of high-energy hardcore shows.
Pre-Fest set time: Wednesday, October 29, 12:50-1:20 am @ Crowbar
Fest set time: Friday, October 31, 8:50-9:20 pm @ High Dive
Awkward Age
So, I might be biased. I have a special place in my heart for Tampa Bay bands. But local pop punk is a sort of specialty in our neighborhood. Awkward Age is big on influences: Jimmy Eat World, Fugazi, Jawbreaker, to name a few. But listening to the band is like a well-blended melody of these influences (a heightened ‘90s rock feel), but with a new twist on pop punk.
Pre-Fest set time: Wednesday, October 29, 7:30-8 pm @ Tequilas
Fest set time: Saturday, November 1, 4:40-5:10 pm @ Durty Nelly’s
Wet Nurse
Bouncing and shaking are instinctive when listening to tracks by Wet Nurse. The Orlando band, influenced by ‘60s-style pop-rock, carries real pride in being garage. But the energy this band produces goes beyond what a garage could ever contain; it’s something more durable. I had a chance to see Wet Nurse live once, showed up late and instantly regretted it. The band deserves your full attention to their set. After all, it’s impossible to deny their vitality once you’re in.
Pre-Fest set time: Wednesday, October 29, 7:30-8 pm @ Tequilas
Fest set time: Sunday, November 2, 8:40-9:10 pm @ 1982
The Fest takes place in Gainesville, Florida on October 31-November 2.
Pre-Fest takes place in Tampa, Florida on October 29-30.
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