A&E
Warped Tour Famous: Three Bands Rocking the Scene
Attending Warped Tour 2018 was a dream come true. As a kid who’s been told his music taste was weird—and being asked if I worshipped Satan after showing off a favorite band—being in an atmosphere where my kind of music was celebrated was a welcoming shock. There were loud bands performing to even louder crowds, setting the scene for every angsty kid in his newly acquired “Make America Emo Again” hat.
Sadly, 2018 marked the final full country run of Warped Tour, for reasons unknown. Warped Tour is the biggest celebration of alternative rock and roll in the United States, so the final tour went out with a bang, thank to these amazing bands.
MAKEOUT
Ever had a person in your life who you want to politely ask to stop breathing? Well, MAKEOUT’s debut album, “The Good Life,” is the soundtrack to that feeling. The album is a mix of pop-punk jams with slower, more meaningful songs in between. Standouts include “Crazy,” a ridiculously catchy and original song about a girl who can’t make up her mind, and “Lisa,” an almost comedic track about, you guessed it, a girl named Lisa and why lead singer Sam Boxold is not a fan. MAKEOUT’s sound is a love letter to bands like All Time Low and All-American Rejects, with songs that feature engaging instrumentals and lyrics that are both catchy and meaningful. With a real garage punk vibe, MAKEOUT is definitely worthy of a place on your playlist.
Doll Skin
If you are looking for something a bit heavier, look no further than Doll Skin. Boasting a sound that perfectly blends pop with metal and punk, lead singer Sydney Dolezal has a very distinct and powerful voice combined with some of the best rock guitar the scene has to offer. If you needed anymore proof that Doll Skin are some of the coolest girls in rock and roll, their song “Shut Up (You Miss Me)” will put any worries to rest.
Palaye Royale
Palaye Royale is a modern day gothic version of a 70s glam rock, and it slays. The band’s style is very distinct, looking as if they were ripped straight from a Tim Burton movie. There is far more to Palaye Royale than just makeup and flashy outfits. Songs such as “Mr. Doctor Man” feature strong instrumentals and Remington Leith’s unique vocals make it a song that is catchy, but also has a deeper meaning rooted in mental health and self-expression. The band, in both look and sound, pay homage to My Chemical Romance while still creating something really exceptional. Palaye Royale is not a band to ignore and is a definite win for all the emo kids out there.
Warped Tour On-the-Go
Now that I’ve gassed up the scene, here’s some rad jams to satisfy the head-banging angsty kid we all are on the inside.
The Rock Show: Blink-182
Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous: Good Charlotte
Lisa: Makeout
Mister Doctor Man: Palaye Royale
Dear Maria, Count Me In: All Time Low
I’m Not Okay: My Chemical Romance
Shut Up (You Miss Me): Dollskin
Check Yes Juliet: We The Kings
December (Again): Neck Deep
The Middle: Jimmy Eats World