The Vans Warped Tour 2009 Hits Vancouver

Ticket, check. Money, check. Water, check. Camera, check. Most importantly, Sharpie, check! And i’m getting a bus in a city i’ve known for half a day. I get to 41st street where I have to change buses, the bus behind throws up a selection of emo kids and tattooed punks. Follow the crowd i say. Upon arrival, bus upon bus empties the growing crowd. The road was decorated with coaches and vans.

Walking up the never ending queue i ran to the end before this loser got there first who is actually a really good friend now. A band called red city burning played for too excited to notice people in the queue. Signs read, no umbrellas, thank god I’m not in England then though the clouds were currently looming over us. No water. My Mcdonalds purchase was downed, well almost. Canadian water. So sweet I’d be glad to get rid of it. Wandered into the venue and just went straight for the mass of people crowding round a guy with a sparkly bum bag (which kind of looked like a Pokemon) was selling the schedule.

Reading: A Review

Reading Day 1:

After arriving back from Prophets at 6am, I end up sleeping in and so do not get to Reading until the late afternoon. A wander around the guest area holds me back even longer, but I finally get into the main area to catch the ever wonderful Alexisonfire on the Lock Up Stage. Playing their second set of the day after an earlier stint on the main stage, the band plough through a rip roaring set that sees them on the best form I have ever seen them. There is something different about them today, a tangible sense of aggression and danger really sets this show off. Singer George seems intent on destroying himself and anything else around him, from stamping around the stage to bending the mic stand around his shoulders. Incredible.

On our way over to Faith No More we catch a bit of Kings Of Leon. They're an incredible band but for me, they never quite hit the spot live. Their songs are great, but there is very little in the way of a visual experience. They are not the kind of band to incorporate a huge live show, and so it is very much a case of watching four beardy men work their way through some really great songs. This kind of makes their set feel a little unimportant. Great songs though.

After a few songs we leave the main stage and take a trip to the NME/Radio 1 stage to catch Faith No More. Within seconds it becomes clear that this is going to be the set of the weekend, and quite possibly of the year. Mike Patton is clearly on good form, playing with the crowd, teasing them and tutoring them to sing harmonies. Twice the band drop into a short rendition of the "Eastenders" theme tune to hilarious effect. There is no other band like them and no one that incorporates a truly exceptional display of musicianship with a very dark, wry sense of humour. Their set at Download was exciting, but it left me a little stilted as they veered away from a crwod pleasing selection of songs. Tonight however, they tear through a set that sees hit after hit rolled out to the great glee of the audience. The sound is perfect and their performance effortlessly brilliant, Patton's voice at times leaving the entire audience in awe.

Reading Day 2:

Enter Shikari are the first band we catch today. Playing the main stage to an already busy crowd, it's a stunner of a set. I've always felt that Shikari have the ability to either play jaw droppingly brilliant sets or ones that can often fall short of the mark. There is no middle ground, and I guess I find this genuinely exciting. Today is a incredible though, from the minute they hit the stage they tear through a set split equally from both of their brilliant albums. The crowd react suitably crazily, throwing up huge dust clouds as they circle pit and mosh throughout the entire set!

Set Your Goals are on the Lock Up Stage next. Despite a mix that pretty much consists of vocals and drums, the band still manage to play a blinder of a set. Weighed heavily towards their recent second album, their songs are so instantly singable and their delivery so excitably likeable that it is impossible not to love them. Just a shame the sound didn't possess that bit more of a crunch in the guitar department.


You Me At Six are my next stop as they play to a huge crowd on the Radio 1 stage. They have grown as a band immensely over the last 12 months and it certainly shows as they appear entirely confident and comfortable as they woo this huge crowd. It always worry's me though when the biggest response a band gets is for a cover (in this case, Lady Gaga's Poker Face). Their new songs are a huge step up from anything from the Take Off Your Colours debut, and it bodes well for album number two. It's a shame the band feel the need to drop in mini break downs and "metal" moments into their songs. It comes across a little forced. They would just be better playing to their strengths - writing incredibly catchy pop songs- rather than worrying about gaining cred from the rock world.

After a bite to eat, I catch the last half of The Bronx's set. If ever there was a band that you can rely on to impress live, it's The Bronx. They always put on a no frills, white knuckled rock and roll ride of a show, and today is no exception. Singer Matt leading the crowd through their set like a deranged pastor leading his congregation. It is a shame the crowd is so small- a sad indication that not enough people have caught onto the sheer genius of this band.

Bring Me The Horizon's set is sheer carnage. Even before the band take to the stage, there is the pushing and barging of kids trying to get closer to the scenesters biggest hero. When the band take to the stage, it is with an explosion of energy unlike anything else we have seen this day. It is very clear that BMTH are out to impress today, and they do just that. Circle pits are opened up, a wall of death is called upon and there is a sense of excitement and buzz around the set that is not seen anywhere else this weekend.

The Blackout close the night for us, and after such a fervent set on this stage from BMTH before them, they certainly have a challenge on their hands. Their crowd is slightly smaller, but no less excited, and The Blackout are certainly not about to be upstaged. The perfect blend of their anthemic songs and witty onstage banter sees them deliver a set of near perfection. Each song played sounds huge and every chorus is sung back to them with glee from the audience. It's a great end to a great day.

Reading Day 3:

We're up early this morning to catch our friends in Kids In Glass Houses open up the main stage. After their disappointing set with NFG the other day, it is great to see them back on form today. The sound is not amazing as the midday winds blow it from left to right meaning Aled's vocals are almost entirely lost in this mix. This doesn't stop them from playing their hearts out to a surprisingly busy and vocal crowd for this time of the day. New song Sunshine, once again proves to be a the highlight of the set with its massive chorus reminiscent of Feeder back when they knew how to write a rock song!

Lethal Bizzle astounds us today. Always entertaining, he pulls the biggest crowd we have seen all weekend to the Radio 1 stage and gives a performace that shows he is worthy of all the press and hype he gets. The crowd are clearly in the palm of his hand as he rips through his set which includes a couple of new songs that suggest that album number 3 should be a bit of a belter!

Brand New are a band known for being awkward. Their main stage set and the recently announced Wembley show suggests they are ready to play ball a little more and ready to embark on a slightly more commercial period in their career. Today however, suggests it's not all going to be plain sailing and big choruses. The band's set weighs heavily on their awkward (but utterly brilliant) "Devil And God..." album. Despite a great performance it leaves the crowd slightly glum, who were undoubtedly hoping for a few more tracks from their far more accessible Deja Entendu album.

The Gaslight Anthem should be playing the show of their lives today. If any band have had a dream-like year in 2009, it is they. This time last year, they were early on at the Lock Up Stage. Only those in the know were down to see them as the rest of the Festival carried on about their day. This year they are in the cavernous Radio 1 stage which is bustling with punters eager to catch sight of New Jersey's biggest export in recent years. Their set is tight and the songs are there, but something is lacking. Perhaps the fact that I've heard their underdog story before or simply that as great as their songs are, their sound is so unique it does limit variation over a 50 minute set.

Our last set of the weekend comes courtesy of the never boring Gallows. Despite this being a 6/10 set from a band that usually tear anywhere they play a new arsehole, the funny thing is that the usually volatile Frank Carter seems in a surprisingly chipper mood! He's obviously excited to be back in the UK and very happy to be at Reading Festival as he cracks jokes between songs instead of getting into the crowd. The fact that their set today leaves me wanting more is not the sign of a bad show just the fact that this band are so good that a set where they incite a circle pit around a huge sound desk and end the show with 6 people drumming the same military beat as Frank sets fire to his Grey Britain flag is simply average compared to their usual insanity fueled sets.

Download Festival - Review

Download Festival 09' - What an absolute blinder of a w'end!! EBTM were down in full force with our guys "The Whispering Eye" and "Murr Man", covering as many angles for you as possible. You were there right? So what were the highlights of your weekend, any bands blow you away, or fail to rise to the occassion? Did you see EBTM throwing out free T-Shirts? Add your comments to the bottom of this blog & let us know about your Download experience! x


Day 1 - Whispering Eye:

The sun is blistering hot when we arrive on the download site, which is nice as we were told it was going to rain all weekend.
First up is a trip to the Red Bull stage to see our friends in Young Guns, who put in a great performance to a busy tent. The sound was a bit hit or miss, but singer Gus doesn't let that deter him as he throws himself into a crowd to get people moving.
Next up we head to the mainstage to catch Billy Talent. Having seen them last week at the Underworld, it's great to see them playing just as an exciting set on the massive stage.

We catch two or three songs of Killswitch as we head over to see Bring Me The Horizon. Killswitch are on great form - their songs are massive and they always entertain.

Bring Me The Horizon are equally as exciting. The crowd love it as Sam from Architects joins them for a song. Horizons last album saw them silence a lot of the haters and their set today further enforces this. Top stuff.

We head to the Red Bull stage to catch new UK band Don Broco next. They put in a great performance, sounding similar to a more yobby Enter Shikari. Ones to watch!
So, next is the much anticipated return of Limp Bizkit. I was expecting it to either be terrible or amazing, but actually found it to be neither, just pretty average. There are some forms of music you can't play as you get older and watching a 40 year old Fred Durst bounce round the stage like a 16 year old poser, suggests that Nu Metal is one such genre.


We forgo half of Faith No More's reunion set to catch Blackhole and it's a damn good thing we did. Massive riffs and singer Rick's incredible voice and awesome stage presence makes then Band of the day in our eyes. We catch the second half of Faith No More's set on our way back to the guest bar and it is awesome. The entire stage is draped in red curtains and it looks amazing, but the band sound even better playing a set of hits alongside fan favourites, it really is a joy to watch. Perfect way to end day 1.

Day 2: Murr Man -

Arriving a day later after watching You Love Her Cos Shes Dead play Bristol the night before, (see previous blog, check this band out!!) I was instantly hit by the atmosphere of the place, the crowds still buzzing off Friday's sets and the parties across the campsites. I take time out to wander around the festival, the place is buzzing pure happiness & the vibe is great, even the queues for the beer tents this year were kind to us!
Down take to the main stage and tear the place up. Great set & the mosh pits feed off of Phil Anselmo's every word. I head over to the 2nd stage to witness Thunder, a fairly tepid set reduces the spirits a little after Down, but these guys are legendary so we can forgive them, can't we?

We arise hot and tired on Saturday. The sun is already beating down hard as we head to the Red Bull stage to see Exeter boys The Computers set. We miss the beginning where apparently there were some technical issues. By the time we get there however, they are firing on all cylinders and stomp their way through a set of Bronx-esque angry punk rock ditties.

Our next port of call is our pals in Fightstar. They pile through a huge set that sees them lean slightly towards their heavier material. They go down an absolute storm and have a crowd bigger than any other we see at the second stage the whole weekend. It would appear that the band have finally earned their spurs from the metal crowd as not a bottle is thrown and some of the biggest circle pits of the day are opened.


You Me At Six are also a band predicted for a hard time this festival, but as the band bound on stage, it appears that they are not going to let these worries affect them. The worries turn out to be unfounded after all as they put on a great show . Highlights include latest single Finders Keepers and an inspired cover of Lady GaGa'sPoker Face. (I have to agree here, the Lady GaGa tune was inspired, but busting out a Rage Against The Machine cover was ill advised!)

Pendulum are sounding massive as we make our way in front of the mainstage. After a bite to eat, it's time to check out Architects. The Brighton metallers are one of the most anticipated bands of the festival, and they don't disappoint, unleashing a tirelessly heavy tirade of riffs. Brilliant stuff!

The Blackout who are filling in for a sadly missing The Ghost Of A Thousand on the Red Bull stage. As much as I am gutted that TGOAT pulled out. The Blackout pull out all the stops. Banter is great and the songs are even better. They sound massive as they drown out the unrelenting barrage of Slipknot. We manage to catch the last 5 or 6 songs of Slipknot and they are massive. Revolving drum risers, getting the whole crowd to crouch down and jump up at the same time through to closing song "Spit It Out", they really are unstoppable. Absolutely awe-inspiring!

There's no doubting Pendulum's abilities, great set & the sound is huge but it just doesn't compete with past masters The Prodigy, so, after a few tunes I head to the second stage to see Liam, Keith & the unstoppable Maxim bring the house down.

Ripping into Komanchi, a gabba beat laden tune before launching into the classics of Firestarter & Smack My Bitch Up I can't bring myself to stop dancing and as the crowds carry the party on into the night & the echoes of Maxim's MC'ing ring through my ears there's only one place left for us to go, the Jager tent backstage :)

Day 3:

First up today is the brutal onslaught of Suicide Silence. I am picky of my extreme metal, but these guys are definitely on my list of loves. They are brilliant and as the sun bakes down once more, I am simply left wishing I had long hair so I could windmill it. New album is going to be a belter! Jett Black are the next band for us. These High Wycombe boys are always entertaining, and it's a crime that songs such as "When It Comes To Loving, I Have No Friends" have not seen them grow in stature more than they have. Still, if todays rammed tent and the bands ultra tight set are anything to go by- good times are ahead!


Taking to the stage at 11am on the 3rd day is never ideal, but brighton band Brides get things off to a great start in the Tuborg tent, expect big things from these boys. Constant between song banter with the crowd goes down well and they hit us with the tune Frank West before we say goodbye & wander back across the fields to take in the rest of the day. Despite all the weather warnings we're truly blessed with the sun this w'end.

Journey sound awesome -

(Epic set, easily the highlight of my w'end. No denying the crowd love Journey and in turn Journey love each and every one of us. Not a dull moment in this set, thanks guys!) as we make our way over to see stoner rocklegends Clutch. In a weekend with so many strong bands and incredible sets, it is testament to the might of Clutch that they seem to effortlessly drop one of the sets of the festival! New songs sound great and old faves are dropped with a heavy groove that no other band can come close to matching. If you do not know this band, go buy their albums. They are incredible!

Brief glimpses of Whitesnake (awesome, despite Radio 2 esque between song banter)

and Therapy? (sadly marred by terrible sound and also not quite pulling enough from the old albums for my liking!) lead us up to the Red Bull Stage where we catch the last 4 songs of Flood Of Red's set. The Scottish guys put in a great performance, and it would appear that the rumours of a massive leap forward on their imminent debut album is true. It does sound incredibly like Circa Survive however, which is a little bit worrying, but time will tell as to whether they can carve their own niche. Our lift home sadly calls two songs into We Are The Ocean's set which is sad as we were genuinely excited to watch the band close the RedBull stage. Still a promising start and a busy tent suggest they will have no trouble closing the weekend on a high.
We watch Def Leppard play one of the most boring and insipid sets on our way to meet our lift home. Shame it wasn't Slipknot closing as Def Leppard leave the weekend ending on a bit of a geriatric bum note!

Oh well, everything else has been incredible!

SlamDunk Fest' - Win Tickets!!!

It's short notice this one, but we love you so who wants to win yet more festival tickets??

With 41 bands over 6 stages SlamDunk Festival this Sunday promises to be a great event. All you have to do is tell us who's headlining the Glamour Kills stage...

a) youmeat2
b) youmeat6
c) youmeat9.45

Ok guys, the comp was closed on Fri' 22nd and our winner is...

: Kelly Scatchard from Harrogate. Congratulations, have a great day at SlamDunk!!

Street Fest 09'

If you're not up in Leeds for SlamDunk Fest then get down to Street Fest 09' in London Town, May 24th...be there, it promises to be one of the events in 09' not to miss.

Featuring music, live art, films, hair and fashion shows, all from some of the UK’s top collectives, StreetFest will be ten hours of innovative showcases.

Building a modern day community of collective creativity StreetFest is a new breed of festival where the onus is on promoting and merging creative talents. StreetFest is taking it back to the ‘old skool’, by blending the spirit and soul of those nostalgic rocking block parties, with creative flair and modern trends. StreetFest actively involves visitors in the day’s events by creating an interactive experience!

Live painting:
10 artists including Sichi, Andy Seize, CODEFC, Hicks, Miss Led, Drunkpark, plus the VST crew.
Secret Wars:
England vs Portugal, 3 artists vs 3 artists.
Music:
Courtesy of RHiL and Holic.
Plus:
Food, drink and entertainment throughout the day.
StreetFest will be held in the pioneering surroundings of TRANSIT (entrance on Clifton Street, Shoreditch, EC2A).

The art focus comes from Secret Wars delivering timed live art battles and a collection of fine and street artists including Sichi, Andy Seize, Hicks, Miss Led and Drunkpark will be painting live throughout the day. Holic and RHIL are the powerhouse promoters behind the music programming during the day. Film content comes in the form of three innovative collectives – SeeNoEvil (www.seenoevil.tv), Stomper (www.stomper.org.uk) and Hekate Films (www.hekate.co.uk)

Check out the Fracture collab' with SNUB23 we've just had drop with us.

We'll be checking out the sights & sounds on the day, so hopefully see you all there!

Bamboozle!!!

The first thing that strikes you about Bamboozle is the hilarity of
the situation. The festival takes place in the car park of the Giants
Stadium- yep, the car park, not the stadium. This is typical of US
festivals and doesn't provide the best setting- a wasteland of
concrete and Wonka sweet wrappers (the sweet brand sponsor the
festival and are handing out what seems to be an endless supply of
sweets). The next thing that hits you is the amount of merch vendors
that scatter the site. Each band has their own tent to sell from, but
alongside them are a huge array of rising brands including favourites
such as Atticus, Glamour Kills, Rockett, Kill Brand and To Write Love On Her Arms. All these brands are heavily involved with the bands and
throughout the weekend host signings and meet and greets. It's
something we need to do more in the UK if the cues of kids outside these
stands are anything to go by!

So onto the bands- after a fuck up at the guestlist box office, the
first thing to hit our ears is the metal rumblings of Dr.Acula. A
ridiculous name, but the band pull of great, if not amazing, metal
songs in the vein of August Burns Red or As I Lay Dying. Ones to watch
for sure. Next we swing by to check out our good friends in Set Your
Goals- recently signed to Epitaph, they surpass themselves today.
Tracks from the new album show huge promise and if the insane crowd
that turns out to see them is anything to go by, they are going to be
a band to watch this year! We catch the end of Bayside's set on the
main stage. The band are a far bigger prospect over here than in the
UK, and they go down a storm. After the comedy of The Bloodhound Gang
(guys swallowing each others puke?!
Still can't work if that's the right or wrong side of bad taste!), we
watch New Found Glory spend half an hour showing every one of the
current pop punk pretenders how it's done. Quite simply, this band are
amazing and if you don't like them, you have no ears!

One current band that do rise above the swamp of pop punk wannabes is All Time Low. The band's debut album, So Wrong It's Right, is a instantly loveable album and live they are just as exciting. The excitement that ensues as the band tear into "Dear Maria" is incredible. Next album is going to be amazing for sure. Next up is The Get Up Kids, a band that everyone on this bill owes their careers to! They fly through a set of undeniable classics that leaves everyone over the age of 15 left frothing at the mouth! Brilliant!
Fall Out Boy end the night on a high. There are a lot of people who hate this band, and certainly there are some good arguments to do so (Pete Wentz little pop punk empire is an easy thing to be envious of), but the honest truth is that they have produced four consistent albums chock full of hit songs. With such a strong arsenal of hits they cruise through a closing set leaving punters filing out of the car park with huge grins on their faces.

Sunday see's the weather take a turn for the worst, not that we are going to let this dampen our spirits, as today's bill is equally exciting as yesterday. First up is rising stars Family Force 5. Being honest, I still can't decide if i like or despise this band, they certainly have charisma and are no doubt going to blow up. The jury is out however on if they are a good band. No such indecision for Billy Talent however- these Canadians have two incredible albums under their belt and todays set sees them laying waste to the main stage. Awesome!

We catch a few songs of The Sounds (under appreciated still despite some great tours in the US) on our way to see Hit The Lights. The insanely huge crowd that is waiting for the band is incredible, and their set is equally exciting. It's been a long time coming, but it would appear things are looking good for these guys which is greatly deserved. Sadly we miss the always reliable Silverstein, but we are informed that they played a blinder. Next up are one of the three UK bands on the bill, We Are The Ocean. We're gutted that Enter Shikari are on at the same time, but WATO dispel any upset in seconds as they launch into a truly astounding set. Over here to record their debut album with respected producer Brian McTierman (Thrice), the band are simply incredible, both singers Dan and Liam are stars in their own right. Please check this band out, they are amazing!

Next band of note is the insanely brutal Suicide Silence. This band have to be one of the biggest buzz bands of the festival and rightly so. They are literally a all destroying unit that has to be seen to be believed. The album is great, but make sure you see them live before you judge them. Startlingly good. The same cannot be said for Brokencyde who are (sadly) the other buzz band of the festival. Take a bow guys, you have created a new low in music.

Thankfully, Taking Back Sunday (check out our TBS signed merch giveaway below!!!) are hear to save the day. Four albums in and they are still just as thrilling live as they have ever been.
Picking a set that spans their past three albums and select tracks from their incredible new album, New Again, the play with a new found sense of ease and enjoyment that is brilliantly infectious. It's just great to watch a band who clearly love doing what they do so much.
Adam (singer) then climbs a scary height up the lighting rig for their final song, a feat that leaves the whole audience astounded.

No Doubt have a tough act to follow, but after such a long time away, they hit the spot perfectly. Gwen Stefani is as engaging and brilliant a front person as ever. She leaps around the stage with unending energy as the band tear through a set that sees those songs we all loved many years sounding just as fresh as they did all those years ago. What a perfect end to an incredible weekend. Bamboozle 2009, we salute you!

Courtesy of "Whispering Eye".