Warped Woof
It sounds like such a good idea: 50-some “punk” bands, a dozen stages, pro skaters and acres of overpriced concert wear. But in addition to having an appreciation for teen rebellion, surviving the daylong Warped Tour extravaganza requires comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
Purists may argue that, outside of perennial headliners Bad Religion, there’s not much real punk left on Warped. The roster does lean heavily in the TRL direction. But there’s plenty of good hardcore, emo and indie rock to behold. Here are a few acts worth the sunburn.
Underoath
Maybe, like Fat Mike of NOFX, your faith and politics don’t jive with Underoath’s. But you don’t have to convert to Christianity just to listen. Regardless of the religious content, it’s hard not to be impressed by Underoath’s metalcore intensity. Drummer Aaron Gillespie sings the pretty parts (he also fronts his own, more emo Warped Touring band, the Almost); Spencer Chamberlain does the growling.
Vincent Black Shadow
Last year, the Vincent Black Shadow played on a ramshackle stage in the middle of the merch area, and the dudes in the band wore hot-pink dresses. The spectacle was gawkworthy, even if sexy, feisty frontwoman Cassandra Ford hadn’t been there tossing insults at the crowd. Named for a motorcycle, the VBS is more cabaret than ska, but fans of old-school No Doubt should take note: VBS radio hit “Metro” could have been on Tragic Kingdom.
Circa Survive
Saosin fans know this as former singer Anthony Green’s new project. He has one of those girlish voices well-suited to atmospheric indie rock.
Coheed and Cambria
The girliest voice on Warped obviously belongs to Claudio Sanchez, Coheed and Cambria’s singer and mastermind. Unfortunately, hitting those castrati-high notes on a steamy summer day has proved difficult for Sanchez in the past. But when he stays on pitch to relay tales of gruesome, otherworldly adventures, it makes for an incredible prog experience.
Jonezetta
The moody indie pop created by these four Mississippi boys probably epitomizes what DIY punks hate about Warped. Jonezetta could be on tour with Snow Patrol. But there ain’t no shame in that.
