FEST 23 takes place later this month, from Oct. 24-26 in Gainesville, FL. Something like a billion bands are driving, flying, canoeing, and snowshoeing to the festival from across the country -- many of them for the first time and many come back to play nearly every year. Scene Point Blank has traveled to “over half” of them (we’ve lost count -- it's a theme you’ll read in this feature) and each has been a blast, merging a strong and positive community atmosphere with great musical finds and old favorites. This year we reached out to six bands to share their thoughts about The Fest, what they will do in Gainesville this year, and what new projects they might have in store. https://thefestfl.com/ Read the interviews below: Reconciler Celebration Summer Miller Lowlifes Pool Kids Rodeo Boys Partial Traces Reconciler Like many of the bands in this feature, Reconciler are punk veterans who play the festival often, but not quite every year. It's an annual tradition but also -- at least in this writer's opinion -- something of a showcase of what the southeastern US punk scene has to offer. We caught with guitarist/vocalist Joseph Lazzari to talk about regional punk, their latest EP and, of course, FEST 23. Scene Point Blank: What's the first thing you think of when I say the word “Fest"? Joseph Lazzari: Best weekend of the year Scene Point Blank: What was your favorite or most memorable experience at FEST 22? Joseph Lazzari: Its always hangin’ … Read more
Are you ready for The Fest!? While we’re pretty sure you’re already counting down days until your trek to Gainesville, … Read more
This summer Little Rocket Records announced Leatherface: The Peel Sessions, a collection of live studio recordings with Leatherface from the … Read more
For close to a quarter-century punk fans have flocked to Florida for The Fest. Boasting a lineup of 300+ bands … Read more
I used to dislike punk music where people sing. And, well, I'm still not super fond of it but there is an exception to every rule. The Penske File are one of those exceptions and maybe it's because while they have a singer (as compared to a "vocalist"), it's still authentic and conveys that everyperson vibe I seek in the … Read more
One of the most unique voices in extreme music, Menace Ruine stand out in their sonic evolution. The duo of Geneviève Beaulieu and Steve de la Moth started out in a raw, uncompromising fashion, merging black metal and industrial to create absolute havoc in Cult of Ruins and The Die is Cast. In the coming years, they would expand this … Read more
With a band name like Extortionist, you instantly know they aren’t messing around. I’ve watched enough true crime documentaries to know when you’re going to get tangled up with someone you shouldn’t. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, this band gives you exactly what you want and expect – raw, merciless and unforgiving music. Looking at the cover art and their … Read more
This is one of my "find" records of the year so far. I caught a few songs by The Carolyn at FEST 22 and that essentially put them on my radar, but a new record gets a band even more on my radar. But I've been struggling on how to describe The Carolyn. I'll start with "like The Lawrence Arms, … Read more
Slovenly calls this JAPANPUNK. My preliminary google search of this portmanteau didn’t come up with much but I already know Angel Face features Fink from noisey ’90s Japanese garage rockers … Read more
Let’s get formally introduced to the underground and independent band Neutral Snap. They are an upcoming pop punk/emo band from New Orleans that have been around since 2018. Or maybe … Read more
Coming from Australia, To The Grave bring their brutal vegan deathcore offering Still to fans worldwide. This EP punches you right in the gut with seven tracks of horror infused … Read more
Occasionally bands will surpass being musicians and become artists. La Dispute aren’t making music. They’re making art. The band returns after six years with their self-produced 14 track, full-length, No … Read more
From their hardcore days to their newer, progressing sound on Flesh Stays Together, Dying Wish has been inching toward something sharper, more spectral, more personal. Not just lyrically, but also … Read more
Spite House is a post-hardcore band based out of Montreal dropping their second record titled ”Desertion on Pure Noise Records. This is a follow up to their self-titled 2022 album … Read more
If you haven’t heard of the Southern Californian band Bad Cop Bad Cop, then you are truly missing out on a top tier, female punk powerhouse. They sit at the … Read more
Sometimes the singer-songwriter thing puts too much on the table. At SPB, we like a little bit of mystery, which ties into our newest featured stream, Ruby by william h. travis. william h. travis may or may not be an individual -- the project from Bethlehem, PA describes itself as … Read more
Three One G Records and Smashed Plastic are teaming up to bring Cult and Culture podcast to your record player. The label has announced the Cult & Culture podcast compilation, … Read more
Death metal meets metalcore band Audiotory Anguish will release a new 5-song EP, AFA, out on Creator-Destructor Records on Nov. 14. The West Cosat band last released Crime Rituals EP … Read more
Next spring, beginning in April Dublin-born, Hamburg-based Ronan Harris bring VNV Nation to North America for the "An Evening With" VNV Nation tour. Dates are listed below. Read more Tour … Read more
Avant-death band Imperial Triumphant, who have a new piano album, also just announced a graphic novel penned by guitarist Zachary Ezrin and illustrated by Halil Mete. The graphic novel is … Read more
Philadelphia, PA based Sunburster just shared a pummeling single, "Fresh Dirt," which comes form the band's new 10-song full-length out later in a week. The band will released No Semblance … Read more
Swedish hardcore band Wolfbrigade is celebrating 30 years as a band, both with a new EP called Hostile Wasteland, originally reocrded in 2000, plus Kill to Live, plus a live … Read more
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