We’re heading to both Hit The Deck and Groezrock this month, and to rub it in, we’re going to give a list of our highlights in song form.
Hopefully it’ll inspire you to sell your kidneys for a ticket to either, as there’s plenty to see at both!
Our top 20 for both goes as follows:
Kids In Glass Houses – Hunt The Haunted
One of the finest tracks from one of the reigning kings of South Wales Powerpop and Hit The Deck headliners Kids In Glass Houses, ‘Hunt The Haunted’ is a party banger and always welcome in any KIGH set.
Rancid – Journey To The End Of The East Bay
Rancid have untold numbers of hits, but there’s something about ‘Journey…’ that will just kick the Groezrock main stage party on Saturday off big-style. It’s got the signature basslines, the slurred vocals and the big chorus that ‘…And Out Come The Wolves’ is so famous for, and you’d be silly not to be there with a beer in your hand, singing along.
Deaf Havana – The Past Six Years
Deaf Havana’s recent album ‘Fools And Worthless Liars’ has seen them move on from shit haircuts and gimmicks to having an arsenal of megatunes, and album opener ‘The Past Six Years’ is the perfect example of how to do the thing right.
Refused – Summerholidays vs Punkroutine
Well, we could have picked New Noise for this, but fuck it, ‘Summerholidays…’ is just as great a song, and there’s no doubt that by this point in Refused’s set at Groezrock, jaws will be on the flooor.
Cancer Bats – Rally The Wicked
This absolute belter from Cancer Bats is exactly the sort of reason that people will go and do things like watch them six times in a day and watch them do an entire set comprised of Black Sabbath covers. Big stomper and a surefire hit at Hit The Deck.
The Bronx – History’s Stranglers
There’s not much we can say about The Bronx apart from “ARAHGJKHSDGJH, they’re really good”. If you’ve any sense at Groezrock, you’ll be near the front nodding your head profusely.
Lower Than Atlantis – Deadliest Catch
Swiftly rising, newly Island Records band Lower Than Atlantis are a) very good at boozing and b) capable of producing some smash hits. This is one of them. If you’ve somehow avoided them so far, correct your mistake right now!
Alkaline Trio – Steamer Trunk
Possibly one of our favourite Trio tracks, it’s always great to have Matt Skiba and co over, and their set at Groezrock should be an excellent afternoon watch!
The Wonder Years – Local Man Ruins Everything
The Wonder Years are one of the best loved bands on PT, and ‘Local Man Ruins Everything’ is one of the finest from their recent ‘Suburbia…’ album. Groezrock loves a bit of them too, so expect some big crowd invasions on the Etnies stage!
Lagwagon – Razor Burn
It’s been absolutely ages since we’ve managed to catch Lagwagon live, and we get to see them sub-headline to the mighty Rancid, which will give them a chance to wield some mega hits at Groezrock this year!
I Am The Avalanche – I’ll Be Back Around
EDIT: They’ve now pulled out of Hit The Deck, so we’re just going to leave this here with a big frown on our faces.
Yellowcard – With You Around
‘With You Around’ was easily the biggest track off of Yellowcard’ recent ‘When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes’ album, and there’s no doubt that their pop punk is more than welcome on Groezrock’s main stage.
The Dangerous Summer – War Paint
The Dangerous Summer have the ability to split audience opinion down the middle, but ‘War Paint’ is just one of their many big tunes that we’re looking forward to hearing at Groezrock and Hit The Deck.
Motion City Soundtrack – Her Words Destroyed My Planet
We’ve got LOADS of Motion City Soundtrack to look forward to in 2012, and with this banger from ‘My Dinosaur Life’ showing exactly why they’re so loved, we can’t wait to catch them on the main stage at Groezrock this year!
Straight Lines – Runaway Now
Straight Lines are one of the true unsung heroes of the UK scene, and we can’t wait to see the cheeky Welsh chappies deliver the hits at Hit The Deck. We’re hoping they get to do Groezrock next year too…
Hot Water Music – Remedy
What else can you say about Hot Water Music? Their return has been spectacular, with tracks from ‘Exister’ sounding amazing, and they’re bound to be right up there with the highlights of Groezrock.
Crazy Arm – Bandalito
Crazy Arm’s folk-rock features some of the finest vocal work of any punk band we can think of, and if you’ve been thinking of catching them live, make sure you get out there at Hit The Deck and see them, but they’re consistently great.
The Menzingers – The Obituaries
The Menzingers have sprung to the attentions of many with recent album ‘On The Impossible Past’, and we’re so excited to catch some tracks from it at Groezrock. ‘The Obituaries’ features one of the biggest choruses of 2012 so far, and they’re a band you’ll be hearing A LOT from in 2012.
Spycatcher – Remember Where You Were When Michael Jackson Died
Tastefully plastered with synths, Spycatchers unique approach to punk is very easy on the ear’s, and their set at Hit The Deck will definitely be one to squeeze into the room for.
Thrice – Blur
We can’t believe Thrice are calling it a day like they are. So here’s ‘Blur’ with none of the chit chat. Make sure you’re watching them at Groezrock. It’ll be emotional.
So, we’re tired of talking about it, and you’re probably tired of reading about it, so buy your tickets and get to one of these festivals. April has never had it so good!
TOM AYLOTT