Warped Effect
It’s all fun and games until someone gets their face melted off
By Michel Cicero 06/21/2012
While there have been whispers of this year’s lineup being weak, others see it as a return to the original spirit of punk rock summer camp, especially with Yellowcard back on the tour for the first time in five years. Despite a recent battle with thyroid cancer, violinist and optimist Sean Mackin is determined to keep his PMA high and his fingers flexible. Though the band’s press agent says it has no ties to Ventura County, there are many locals who recall Yellowcard members living in very specific Camarillo locations during the writing of the platinum-selling Ocean Avenue. There are also plenty of fresh acts on the tour; and even if you need a flowchart to make sense of the subgenres, at the end of the day it’s only rock ’n’ roll. We asked a few local bands — some that have played Warped Tour, some that have not — what bands they’re most looking forward to seeing. This is what they told us.
Facing the Fallen “I’m going for some of my guilty-pleasure bands like Mayday Parade and We the Kings,” says drummer Sabrina Barajas, “but I’d rather die than miss Pierce the Veil’s set — considering they are my favorite band — and The Ghost Inside for my hardcore fix.” Nevertheless, she says, she’s all about discovering new artists this year as well. Vocalist Alixandru Roxanne says she’s planning to see just about everyone but is most excited for Memphis May Fire. “They are definitely one of my favorites. Needless to say, I am more than thrilled to attend. Bring on the sunburns and exhaustion.”
Reluctant Hero Frontman Tyler Brown says the whole band will be in attendance. “We’re really excited for all the throwback bands,” he said. “The Used, Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory . . . at least one of those bands has inspired us at some point to keep writing, keep playing and to not give up.” Brown is also personally superpsyched to see Four Year Strong. “I’ve never seen them but I’ve heard their live show is packed FULL of energy. I can’t wait to watch them!”
The Good Age The band’s guitarist Jeff Dunne worked on the entire tour last year as a guitar tech. This year the band is looking forward to Taking Back Sunday, You Me At Six, The Ghost Inside and New Found Glory. They say the must-see band, however, is Fireworks on the Ernie Ball stage. “They’re an incredible group of guys from Detroit playing good, honest music that just happens to be catchy as hell!”
Eyes on the Skyline Vocalist Doug Dunlap said they’re hoping to go and would really like to see Blessthefall, Sleeping with Sirens and Of Mice & Men. “Blessthefall puts on one of the most intense live performances I’ve ever seen.” He also plans to catch All Time Low. “They never really get old, ha!”
Slatr (See accompanying story) Guitarist Teagan Stedman says he’d like to see Dead Sara. “They are a cool band with a killer real rock sound and Janis Joplinesque vocals.” He’s also planning to check out Yellowcard, Skinny Lister and Polar Bear Club. “Different genres from us, but that is what Warped is all about — enjoying the music. Where else can you hear tons of good bands for less than 40 bucks in one day?”
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