Hi, Case the Producer here. You know me for answering the phones on the Q101 Morning Crew and for being the sole street team member for Turnstile (they’ve done quite well for themselves, haven’t they?) What you may not know about me is that I’m an expert with Bands At the Bottom of the Poster, and this year, more than any other year, Riot Fest has stacked the bottom of the bill with some incredible bands that you need to know about.
High Vis
I saw High Vis at the Cobra Lounge in April and it’s the best show I’ve been to this year, and quite frankly, the best show I’ve been to in a long time. These UK imports have created a ton of buzz for themselves over the last year since the release of their second record, “Blending”. They sound like Oasis, but heavier. Their blend of Brit-Pop with hardcore sensibilities is incredibly unique, and I fully expect for them to have one of the best sets of the entire weekend. These guys get it. They may not be the next Coldplay, I doubt stadium tours are in their future, but this is a band that is going to truly matter to a lot of people. Go see them.
Rival Schools
Rival Schools should’ve been huge, but the powers that be had other plans for them. Led by Walter Schreifels (your favorite band’s, favorite producer), this band reunited last year after a decade away from the spotlight with the reissue of 2001’s gem, “United By Fate”. Every time I listen to “Used for Glue”, I wonder how it wasn’t the biggest song on Q101 20 years ago. Alas, they’re back, and they’re playing Riot Fest this year.
Schreifels will be pulling double-duty with iconic punk band Gorilla Biscuits that weekend.
Oso Oso
Oso Oso has been an underground sensation for nearly a decade now. The New York-based group pumps out catchy hooks like no one’s business, notably on 2019’s “basking in the glow”, a lovely, melodic record that I listened to on repeat throughout that entire year. If you need a break from the grit and thrash that Riot Fest offers plenty of, look in the direction of Oso Oso.
Free Throw
Free Throw rips. I could stop writing right there and I think that description of the band would suffice. The Nashville-based four-piece is now carrying the torch that bands like Modern Baseball and Foxing lit a decade ago. They’re down on their luck, yet their vibes are immaculate. If you are wondering “where all the emo bands went”, Free Throw is ready to slam dunk their way into their playlist…or something. I didn’t totally stick the landing there.
Fleshwater
Fleshwater somehow sounds both deeply nostalgic and terrifyingly futuristic. The group made a name for themselves in 2018 with the release of their first record, but last year’s “We’re Not Here to Be Loved” is the album that truly made people’s head’s turn. Had this band been around 20 years ago, they would’ve dominated Ozzfest lineups and the heavy parts of MTV 2’s playlist. Luckily, they’re here right now, and we’ll get to witness them throwing down at Riot Fest. Do not skip this band!
Q101 listeners, get your tickets to Riot Fest here!
