On May 25th, NDR will be attending Slam Dunk North! As someone who has attended the festival for many years, I’d like to shine a light on a few lesser-known acts in this year’s lineup, artists who deserve just as much recognition as the headliners. While the Temple Newsam fields will understandably be buzzing with excitement over major names like A Day to Remember, The Used, Alkaline Trio, and Electric Callboy, it’s definitely worth delving deeper into the roster to discover bands you might not be familiar with yet.
1. Free Throw
For enthusiasts of Midwest emo and post-hardcore, Free Throw is an act that demands your attention. Scheduled for a brief but impactful set at 16:05 on the Key Club stage, Free Throw may not have reached the iconic status of genre heavyweights like Modern Baseball or American Football, but their influence is undeniable. The band is commemorating the 10th anniversary of their debut album, Those Days Are Gone, a remarkable contribution to the genre and arguably one of my top 50 albums ever. Expect the crowd to erupt during their hit, “Hey Ken, Someone Methodically Mushed The Donuts.” Yes, that really is the name of the song!
2. South Arcade
Following a series of sold-out performances in Manchester and London, alongside a notable appearance on the Introducing Stage at Leeds Festival, South Arcade is poised for continued success. Formed in 2021, the band is making impressive strides, closing in on the headlining slot with their set at 19:25 on the Key Club stage. With a sound rooted in pop-punk, their music evokes early 2000s nostalgia akin to playing Tony Hawk games in your parents’ basement. If acts like Pale Waves or Avril Lavigne resonate with you, South Arcade is a must-see.
3. Scowl
Hardcore enthusiasts should not overlook Scowl—a band deserving of greater recognition despite holding the headline slot on the Key Club stage at 20:20. Even within the hardcore scene, many are yet to discover this potent force. Their new album, Are We All Angels, released last month, promises an electrifying experience of pure hardcore chaos. Competing with Electric Callboy and Neck Deep at the festival, Scowl deserves every ounce of support you can offer.
4. The Ataris
In contrast to other bands featured here, The Ataris is a long-standing group established in 1996, often underrated despite their quality and influence. Inspired heavily by Descendants, their performance at 14:40 on the Monster Energy stage promises a deservedly large audience, as they face no significant scheduling conflicts. Any pop-punk aficionado will want to catch these seasoned musicians at the festival.
5. The Meffs
Lastly, The Meffs bring an invigorating, no-holds-barred punk essence rooted in the favor of renowned musician Frank Turner. Since their 2019 emergence, they’ve captivated stages worldwide. Despite a notably early performance at 11:45 on the Monster Energy Stage, this band warrants as much support as possible. Fans of legendary punk bands like NOFX and Dead Kennedys ought to start their day early for this compelling act, it will be well worth it.
These five recommendations represent merely a fraction of the exceptional talent gracing the festival. Embark on a musical exploration and ensure that you experience at least one new band. While major acts draw significant attention, smaller acts are equally deserving of appreciation.
Slam Dunk Festival 2025 will take place on the late May bank holiday at the following locations:
Slam Dunk Festival South > Saturday 24th May 2025 > Hatfield Park
Slam Dunk Festival North > Sunday 25th May 2025 > Temple Newsam, Leeds
Get tickets over at here
