Until GWAR signed onto the Warped Tour, I hadn’t been interested in attending the all-day pop rock and punk festival. Festivals are a convenient way to see twenty bands you’re halfway interested in seeing live along with two you want to see. It was a bummer finding out Anti-Flag and Suicide Machines were only for select dates. Was it worthwhile otherwise?
Sidenote: “Low priced” 32-ounce bottle of water for $5.50? More disgusting than GWAR! (Try $2.)
Average Rating: ★★☆☆☆ [2/5] [37 stars out of a 90 possible star rating]
Adjusted Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5] [my score]
Fantastic Plastics
Electropunk band with some potential. Didn’t stick around that long.
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]
Doll Skin
Exciting punk. Good opening act. Will keep an ear out.
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]
Emmure
Just kidding! Saw them playing during Doll Skin. Didn’t go.
Bias: Mediocre Mayhem 2013 performance
Rating: no thanks
Bad Seeds Rising
Not terrible. Not worth sticking around versus exploring the festival.
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ [2/5]
Bad Cop/Bad Cop
Fun punk. I’d see them again and listen to more.
Bias: Heard name before
Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]
Microwave
Undercooked rock that could benefit from personality or more sustenance.
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ [0/5]
Valient Thorr
Underwhelming. Lead off with catchy melodies to attract audiences, guys!
Bias: Curious seeing them
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ [0/5]
After The Burial
Skipped opportunity meeting GWAR because they were too atonally abrasive.
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ [0/5]
Local reggae band
Some random buskers with amps playing an Isley Brothers beat.
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]
Strung Out
Engaging punk. I’d attend a show just to see them.
Bias: Dug them before
Rating: ★★★★☆ [4/5]
Save Ferris
Sleeper hit. They were nearly four stars. Maybe next time?
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]
CKY
Nearly unrecognizable. Underwhelming performance of “96 Quite Bitter Beings.” More groove?
Bias: Dug years ago
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ [2/5]
Ataris
Slightly underwhelming. Teenager me might’ve dug them. I was bored.
Bias: Dug them briefly
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ [2/5]
American Authors
Wasting time with radio-friendly pop. Already saw almost everything there.
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ [2/5]
Acacia Strain
Too abrasive. Needs more distinct song structures. Accidental stylistic choice?
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ [0/5]
Hawthorne Heights
Couldn’t say they were interesting enough to hold my attention.
Bias: Heard the name
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ [2/5]
Adolescents
Caught my attention. Unfortunately, had to miss for Goldfinger.
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: Missed
Goldfinger
Really fun. Almost worth missing Adolescents. I’d see both again.
Bias: Really dig “Superman”
Rating: ★★★★☆ [4/5]
Sylar
What’s with all these metalcore bands playing so incoherently fast?
Bias: No preconceived notions
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ [0/5]
GWAR
Guitar work’s astounding! Rocks! Great wardrobes and reception: they’re back!
Bias: Seen twice before
Rating: ★★★★☆ [4/5]
Swag:
Two GWAR shirts.
No decent Strung Out swag and accidentally missed Goldfinger’s booth.
Passed on a tour shirt. Might get a CD later.
Overall, worthwhile.
I’d go again when some bands I want to see are on the bill. Festivals are all about the same, so go check one out if there’s one with bands you’re interested in, otherwise they’re not life-changing. They’re like outdoor flea markets with bands.