Please read Part One of our Manchester Punk Festival 2022 Preview if you haven’t already!
We haven’t listed the specific times for each band as we understand that these are potentially subject to change before the weekend. Please check the official Clashfinder to be certain you don’t miss anyone!
The Bar Stool Preachers – Friday, at The Bread Shed (Richard)
Most of my picks reflect the bands I’m naturally drawn to because of my love of hardcore; however everyone needs a good sing and dance over the course of the weekend. Possibly the best exponents of this are Brighton’s pop ska / street punk heroes, The Bar Stool Preachers. Equal parts Bosstones and Bouncing Souls, they have an amazing crossover appeal, a banging live performance and tons of anthems to get people moving, hugging strangers and losing their voices. Songs such as 8.6 Days, 02:22 and When This World Ends promise to be highlights of the weekend!
Darko – Saturday, at The Union (Dan)
Watching skate punk legends Darko is a necessary right of passage for any skate punk fan! I’m seriously looking forward to them playing songs off their new EP "SPARKLE". They have stepped up their game tremendously after picking up their new singer, Tom West, and the band have become a force of nature with more incredible riffs, powerful vocal hooks and important lyrics. Their new single "The Ladder" is 7 minutes and 50 seconds of pure mastery of the genre – get up and go see them early on the Saturday!
DAVES – Saturday, at Zombie Shack (Colin)
It was our good friend and all around legend Sarah Shout Louder who told us about DAVES. This would have been around the end of 2019 when we were putting together the Do It Together Fest line-up. Unfortunately for us they already had a gig that weekend and I’ve been itching to see them ever since. I instantly connected with their sing-along punk rock sounds, particularly enjoying the strained vocals that really add a huge amount of energy to DAVES’ songs. It’s an early one but it’ll be sure to blow off the cobwebs from the night before and set you up for a great day.
Drones – Saturday, at The Union (Dan)
Hard hitting punk rock heroes Drones are calling it a day and this will be their second to last show ever. Their political hard hitting sound is one of my favourites in the UK and it's a shame to see them call it quits. But I really hope they play some older bangers like "Graves" and some new ones like "Lost In Translation". If you’re a big fan of Anti-Flag I really recommend you don't pass up one of the last times you can see this band.
Onsind – Saturday, at Gorilla (Dan)
Onsind are the band I am most looking forward to at MPF hands down. Their emotion rich folk punk has connected with me like not many other bands have done before. They have perfect mix of politics and personal songs with my favourites being "Heterosexuality Is A Construct" and "Frankland Prison Blues". It's safe to say that I'm gonna be somewhere near the front crying my eyes out, singing every word!
Accidente – Saturday, at The Union (Brett)
If you made the same mistake as I did when looking up Accidente on Apple Music or Spotify and found some alt-math-rock band from Utah, then do not be alarmed. This is not the band playing MPF. No disrespect to the Utahns (not a made up word) or their fans, but alt-math-rock is not really my thing and I was glad to learn that the Accidente playing MPF is the 5-piece band from Madrid, Spain, who play kickass fast punk rock. Even if you don’t understand Spanish, the strong sentiments and catchy melodies speak for themselves.
Proper. – Saturday, at Gorilla (Emma)
I discovered Brooklyn, NYC, based emo-pop punk band Proper. when they were initially announced for the MPF 2020 that never was. I was excited to see them that time around so to say that I’m excited to finally get to see them live now would be a slight understatement. In the time since the initial 2020 announcement, Proper. have recorded and released their third album, The Great American Novel. It’s very, very good. Perhaps heavier than their previous releases, I imagine that the new songs will go down an absolute treat at MPF.
Beng Beng Cocktail – Saturday, at Yes (Colin)
I never expected I’d get to see Parisian crystalcore act Beng Beng Cocktail so when they were announced for MPF I was equal parts surprised and over the moon. The band’s combination of ska and crack rocksteady acoustic punk is something I’ve enjoyed since discovering them on a compilation years ago. At the beginning of March they released a stunning new album with the help of TNSRecords and I look forward to seeing them and having a dance to ease me into the Saturday evening of MPF.
Harker – Saturday, at The Union (Richard)
Last year’s Axiom was a genuine behemoth of an album that moved Brighton’s Harker from blue collar gruff punks to legitimate post-hardcore titans. Despite the shift in tone, they’ve retained their ability to craft fist-in-the-air anthems. Given how great their entire discography is, coupled with their highly relatable lyrics and a much needed party atmosphere across the weekend, you can expect them to be one of the real standouts!
Cultdreams – Saturday, at The Bread Shed (Robyn)
Cultdreams is a band that manages to be both raw and dreamy, creating a unique blend of high-volume fuzz and emotion that their Twitter account accurately describes as “Queer Lo-Fi Shoegaze Rage”. Despite being just a two-piece, the band deliver huge choruses that hit you like a wall of sound and verses that wrap you up in a darkly brooding rumination. I can’t wait to get lost in the deep reverb and to sing along to bangers like ‘We Never Rest’ and ‘Berlin’. Hopefully there’ll be some older songs like ‘Stitches’ or ‘Ladyfuzz’ thrown in as well.
The JB Conspiracy – Saturday, at The Union (Dan)
The JB Conspiracy are the perfect ska punk band. Their album "Beginnings" last year was no less than perfect, not a single beat or note out of place with crystal clear heaven piercing vocals. Watching them live is breathtaking and every single second will leave you wanting more, they are the must-see ska band for me. I’m really hoping they play a little bit off all three of their albums as they are all masterpieces.
Slow Science – Saturday, at Zombie Shack (Richard)
If ever a band deserved attention, Slow Science would be toward the top of the list. Responsible for some epic indie punk anthems that merge the rockiness of Iron Chic with the pop sensibilities of early Weezer, Slow Science write the type of songs that are the soundtrack to the summer. Despite being a band for over ten years, ongoing commitments to other groups and projects mean they don’t play often and therefore deserve your time when they do!
Bobby Funk – Saturday, at Gorilla (Dan)
My favourite thing about watching Bobby Funk is being in a like minded crowd of people yelling "I'm a cat! Fuck you Meow", I'm a simple Dan with simple tastes sometimes. They have created a sound which makes hardcore accessible and fun with songs like "Best Friends With Kayne" they delight and entertain! A really enjoyable band to watch and listen to!
Disaster Forecast – Saturday, at Zombie Shack (Brett)
I’m not ashamed to say that Disaster Forecast is another skate punk band on my list, but I am a little ashamed that I hadn’t heard the band before being added to the MPF line-up. Disaster Forecast play aggressive skate punk, leaning into the melodic hardcore realm every now and then, with some techy bits added in for fun. The songs take me back to the mid-to-late 90s skate punk that I grew up with, but without sounding stale or contrived, and remind me why I love this style of music so much. The raw energy is present in the songwriting, musicianship and production. The fact that the band pays homage to the legendary Propagandhi with the title and cover of their latest release, How To Skate Everything, also doesn’t hurt at all.
Chewie – Saturday, at The Union (Dan)
I haven't seen Chewie yet but for the last 7 years everyone I know in the punk scene has recommended them as the best pop punk band that has ever lived. They have an ability to make even songs about babies drowning in septic tanks the catchiest hooks you have ever heard. I honestly love every EP and record they have put out and I am looking forward to being in the middle of friends singing all the words. If you have never heard them, have a listen to "Forty Shades Of Grey" Or "Charlene" and I guarantee I will see ya in the crowd!
Knife Club – Saturday, at Gorilla (Richard)
Whether it’s the mystery stunt that surrounded their early inception or the recent acknowledgement that Knife Club only exist on the back of drunken shenanigans, the fact that they are comprised of alumni of many bands you’re likely to want to see over the weekend means you’ll be bound to have a great time with this genuine super group! Musically they tread a nice line between traditional straight up punk rock and more melodic hardcore, but given the talent on show it’s in a live setting where you expect them to stand out from the crowd.
Coral Springs – Saturday, at Zombie Shack (Robyn)
Coral Springs are easily one of the bands I’m most excited to see at this year’s MPF. The band name is almost certainly a reference to the hometown of pop-punk greats New Found Glory, who clearly serve as inspiration for the Dutch five-piece. Their music certainly channels a distinctly American pop-punk sound, along the lines of No Use For A Name, throwing a few skate-punk flourishes into the mix – but without the typical male vocalist. I so enjoyed their debut album, Always Lost, Never Found, and I’m so happy they’re making the trip over to the UK. It’s going to be great to see them play in an intimate venue like Zombie Shack, because I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re playing to even bigger crowds in the future.
Martha – Saturday, at The Union (Richard)
A genuine British institution, Martha are a must-see with an abundance of extremely catchy punk infused pop anthems rammed with sharp insightful lyrics that will have you grinning from ear to ear. With what promises to be a career spanning, festival headlining worthy and crowd pleasing set, expect to hear many of their big hitters including Curly & Raquel, Bubble In My Bloodstream and The Void amongst many other highlights.
The Skints – Saturday, at The Union (Robyn)
The Skints are a London band who play a fusion of reggae, dub, ska and punk. The first time I heard them I had the sense that their live set would be really fun, with lots of dancing, skanking and bopping. Their sound incorporates guitars, keys, beats, synths, saxophone, melodica, and even flute, spanning the distance between rip-roaring punk riffs, syncopated ska rhythms, and slow soulful jams – and all that with just four band members. All this promises to make for an awesome set and a fantastic party vibe on Saturday night.
Shai Hulud – Saturday, at Gorilla (Richard)
Few bands can release genre-defining albums late in their career; however 20 years after their inception the Florida hardcore pioneers dropped a universally lauded behemoth in ‘Just Can’t Hate Enough’. Despite this being their last notable release and now some 7 years old, they remain one of the must-see acts of the weekend. Whilst they might not have the status of peers such as Converge or the Hope Conspiracy, their legacy can’t be understand and with a roster of past collaborators included As Friends Rust Damian Moyal and New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert, their influence can’t be equalled. This is a great opportunity to see an essential band in a setting they excel in!
The Bar Stool Preachers – Friday, at The Bread Shed (Richard)
Most of my picks reflect the bands I’m naturally drawn to because of my love of hardcore; however everyone needs a good sing and dance over the course of the weekend. Possibly the best exponents of this are Brighton’s pop ska / street punk heroes, The Bar Stool Preachers. Equal parts Bosstones and Bouncing Souls, they have an amazing crossover appeal, a banging live performance and tons of anthems to get people moving, hugging strangers and losing their voices. Songs such as 8.6 Days, 02:22 and When This World Ends promise to be highlights of the weekend!
Darko – Saturday, at The Union (Dan)
Watching skate punk legends Darko is a necessary right of passage for any skate punk fan! I’m seriously looking forward to them playing songs off their new EP "SPARKLE". They have stepped up their game tremendously after picking up their new singer, Tom West, and the band have become a force of nature with more incredible riffs, powerful vocal hooks and important lyrics. Their new single "The Ladder" is 7 minutes and 50 seconds of pure mastery of the genre – get up and go see them early on the Saturday!
DAVES – Saturday, at Zombie Shack (Colin)
It was our good friend and all around legend Sarah Shout Louder who told us about DAVES. This would have been around the end of 2019 when we were putting together the Do It Together Fest line-up. Unfortunately for us they already had a gig that weekend and I’ve been itching to see them ever since. I instantly connected with their sing-along punk rock sounds, particularly enjoying the strained vocals that really add a huge amount of energy to DAVES’ songs. It’s an early one but it’ll be sure to blow off the cobwebs from the night before and set you up for a great day.
Drones – Saturday, at The Union (Dan)
Hard hitting punk rock heroes Drones are calling it a day and this will be their second to last show ever. Their political hard hitting sound is one of my favourites in the UK and it's a shame to see them call it quits. But I really hope they play some older bangers like "Graves" and some new ones like "Lost In Translation". If you’re a big fan of Anti-Flag I really recommend you don't pass up one of the last times you can see this band.
Onsind – Saturday, at Gorilla (Dan)
Onsind are the band I am most looking forward to at MPF hands down. Their emotion rich folk punk has connected with me like not many other bands have done before. They have perfect mix of politics and personal songs with my favourites being "Heterosexuality Is A Construct" and "Frankland Prison Blues". It's safe to say that I'm gonna be somewhere near the front crying my eyes out, singing every word!
Accidente – Saturday, at The Union (Brett)
If you made the same mistake as I did when looking up Accidente on Apple Music or Spotify and found some alt-math-rock band from Utah, then do not be alarmed. This is not the band playing MPF. No disrespect to the Utahns (not a made up word) or their fans, but alt-math-rock is not really my thing and I was glad to learn that the Accidente playing MPF is the 5-piece band from Madrid, Spain, who play kickass fast punk rock. Even if you don’t understand Spanish, the strong sentiments and catchy melodies speak for themselves.
Proper. – Saturday, at Gorilla (Emma)
I discovered Brooklyn, NYC, based emo-pop punk band Proper. when they were initially announced for the MPF 2020 that never was. I was excited to see them that time around so to say that I’m excited to finally get to see them live now would be a slight understatement. In the time since the initial 2020 announcement, Proper. have recorded and released their third album, The Great American Novel. It’s very, very good. Perhaps heavier than their previous releases, I imagine that the new songs will go down an absolute treat at MPF.
Beng Beng Cocktail – Saturday, at Yes (Colin)
I never expected I’d get to see Parisian crystalcore act Beng Beng Cocktail so when they were announced for MPF I was equal parts surprised and over the moon. The band’s combination of ska and crack rocksteady acoustic punk is something I’ve enjoyed since discovering them on a compilation years ago. At the beginning of March they released a stunning new album with the help of TNSRecords and I look forward to seeing them and having a dance to ease me into the Saturday evening of MPF.
Harker – Saturday, at The Union (Richard)
Last year’s Axiom was a genuine behemoth of an album that moved Brighton’s Harker from blue collar gruff punks to legitimate post-hardcore titans. Despite the shift in tone, they’ve retained their ability to craft fist-in-the-air anthems. Given how great their entire discography is, coupled with their highly relatable lyrics and a much needed party atmosphere across the weekend, you can expect them to be one of the real standouts!
Cultdreams – Saturday, at The Bread Shed (Robyn)
Cultdreams is a band that manages to be both raw and dreamy, creating a unique blend of high-volume fuzz and emotion that their Twitter account accurately describes as “Queer Lo-Fi Shoegaze Rage”. Despite being just a two-piece, the band deliver huge choruses that hit you like a wall of sound and verses that wrap you up in a darkly brooding rumination. I can’t wait to get lost in the deep reverb and to sing along to bangers like ‘We Never Rest’ and ‘Berlin’. Hopefully there’ll be some older songs like ‘Stitches’ or ‘Ladyfuzz’ thrown in as well.
The JB Conspiracy – Saturday, at The Union (Dan)
The JB Conspiracy are the perfect ska punk band. Their album "Beginnings" last year was no less than perfect, not a single beat or note out of place with crystal clear heaven piercing vocals. Watching them live is breathtaking and every single second will leave you wanting more, they are the must-see ska band for me. I’m really hoping they play a little bit off all three of their albums as they are all masterpieces.
Slow Science – Saturday, at Zombie Shack (Richard)
If ever a band deserved attention, Slow Science would be toward the top of the list. Responsible for some epic indie punk anthems that merge the rockiness of Iron Chic with the pop sensibilities of early Weezer, Slow Science write the type of songs that are the soundtrack to the summer. Despite being a band for over ten years, ongoing commitments to other groups and projects mean they don’t play often and therefore deserve your time when they do!
Bobby Funk – Saturday, at Gorilla (Dan)
My favourite thing about watching Bobby Funk is being in a like minded crowd of people yelling "I'm a cat! Fuck you Meow", I'm a simple Dan with simple tastes sometimes. They have created a sound which makes hardcore accessible and fun with songs like "Best Friends With Kayne" they delight and entertain! A really enjoyable band to watch and listen to!
Disaster Forecast – Saturday, at Zombie Shack (Brett)
I’m not ashamed to say that Disaster Forecast is another skate punk band on my list, but I am a little ashamed that I hadn’t heard the band before being added to the MPF line-up. Disaster Forecast play aggressive skate punk, leaning into the melodic hardcore realm every now and then, with some techy bits added in for fun. The songs take me back to the mid-to-late 90s skate punk that I grew up with, but without sounding stale or contrived, and remind me why I love this style of music so much. The raw energy is present in the songwriting, musicianship and production. The fact that the band pays homage to the legendary Propagandhi with the title and cover of their latest release, How To Skate Everything, also doesn’t hurt at all.
Chewie – Saturday, at The Union (Dan)
I haven't seen Chewie yet but for the last 7 years everyone I know in the punk scene has recommended them as the best pop punk band that has ever lived. They have an ability to make even songs about babies drowning in septic tanks the catchiest hooks you have ever heard. I honestly love every EP and record they have put out and I am looking forward to being in the middle of friends singing all the words. If you have never heard them, have a listen to "Forty Shades Of Grey" Or "Charlene" and I guarantee I will see ya in the crowd!
Knife Club – Saturday, at Gorilla (Richard)
Whether it’s the mystery stunt that surrounded their early inception or the recent acknowledgement that Knife Club only exist on the back of drunken shenanigans, the fact that they are comprised of alumni of many bands you’re likely to want to see over the weekend means you’ll be bound to have a great time with this genuine super group! Musically they tread a nice line between traditional straight up punk rock and more melodic hardcore, but given the talent on show it’s in a live setting where you expect them to stand out from the crowd.
Coral Springs – Saturday, at Zombie Shack (Robyn)
Coral Springs are easily one of the bands I’m most excited to see at this year’s MPF. The band name is almost certainly a reference to the hometown of pop-punk greats New Found Glory, who clearly serve as inspiration for the Dutch five-piece. Their music certainly channels a distinctly American pop-punk sound, along the lines of No Use For A Name, throwing a few skate-punk flourishes into the mix – but without the typical male vocalist. I so enjoyed their debut album, Always Lost, Never Found, and I’m so happy they’re making the trip over to the UK. It’s going to be great to see them play in an intimate venue like Zombie Shack, because I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re playing to even bigger crowds in the future.
Martha – Saturday, at The Union (Richard)
A genuine British institution, Martha are a must-see with an abundance of extremely catchy punk infused pop anthems rammed with sharp insightful lyrics that will have you grinning from ear to ear. With what promises to be a career spanning, festival headlining worthy and crowd pleasing set, expect to hear many of their big hitters including Curly & Raquel, Bubble In My Bloodstream and The Void amongst many other highlights.
The Skints – Saturday, at The Union (Robyn)
The Skints are a London band who play a fusion of reggae, dub, ska and punk. The first time I heard them I had the sense that their live set would be really fun, with lots of dancing, skanking and bopping. Their sound incorporates guitars, keys, beats, synths, saxophone, melodica, and even flute, spanning the distance between rip-roaring punk riffs, syncopated ska rhythms, and slow soulful jams – and all that with just four band members. All this promises to make for an awesome set and a fantastic party vibe on Saturday night.
Shai Hulud – Saturday, at Gorilla (Richard)
Few bands can release genre-defining albums late in their career; however 20 years after their inception the Florida hardcore pioneers dropped a universally lauded behemoth in ‘Just Can’t Hate Enough’. Despite this being their last notable release and now some 7 years old, they remain one of the must-see acts of the weekend. Whilst they might not have the status of peers such as Converge or the Hope Conspiracy, their legacy can’t be understand and with a roster of past collaborators included As Friends Rust Damian Moyal and New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert, their influence can’t be equalled. This is a great opportunity to see an essential band in a setting they excel in!
Thanks for reading! Be sure to check back for the third and final part tomorrow!
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