THE
UNDERC ARD
PREVIEW
By Michael Obrecki
R
iot Fest returns to Douglas Park for its 13th year this
September. Based on that number, palm–readers
may think it’ll be an unlucky year for the festival.
But this year’s lineup is arguably the best ever put togeth-
er by the organizers. With so many great bands and artists
performing you might feel overwhelmed. That’s where IE
comes in. Yes, we’re all going to scream and cry during
Jawbreaker’s set but what about everything else? Here is
our 2017 Riot Fest undercard preview:
performance you’ll dance, cry and scream. Expect to hear
favorites “Your Deep Reset” and “Dendron” as well as
newer songs from their 2016 album, Goodness.
Grayscale
FRIDAY SEPT 15th
The Lawrence Arms
Grayscale
Four Year Strong
Four Year Strong
Four Year strong alienated some fans back in 2011 after the
release of their fourth album, In Some Way, Shape, or Form.
This album saw the band leave behind catchy anthems
and breakdowns to a more – dare we say – “radio rock”
sound. The band made a strong comeback with their 2015
self-titled album, seemingly tailor-made for lifelong fans
of the band. Recently the band announced a new album
that again may have some fans scratching their heads. The
album, aptly titled, Some of You Will Like This, Some of You
Won't, will feature a mix of new and old songs, rarities,
and stripped down versions of classics. Four Year Strong’s
set is sure to have all the aggression and energy the band
has become known for. If you’re looking to mosh and
crowd surf on Friday this is the set for you.
Grayscale is relatively young for Riot Fest’s undercard,
forming in 2011. Taking some time to develop, the band
released their debut album Adornment this year. With
catchy songs like “Let It Rain” and “Atlantic” Grayscale is
poised to explode as they transition to music veterans.
Catch their set if you love a good pop punk jam.
The Smith Street Band
SATURDAY SEPT 16th
Streetlight Manifesto
The Smith Street Band
Streetlight Manifesto
The Hotelier
almost like you weren't a real punk until you knew every
word to “Are You There Margaret? It's Me, God.” This is
going to be a memorable set filled with a lot of reminisc-
ing and that’s a good thing.
Back in April a long court battle between Streetlight
Manifesto and Victory Records was settled. In a joint state-
ment, it was announced that both parties would part ways
and Victory Records would sell any master recordings
back to the band. Due to concerns about payments during
the dispute, the band asked fans not to purchase
Streetlight Manifesto music or swag from the label. Now
the self-imposed boycott has been lifted, and the band
seems reinvigorated and ready to steal the show wherever
they play. This is a can’t miss performance at this year’s
Riot Fest. Bring your dancing shoes!
Melbourne’s own The Smith Street Band released More
Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me earlier this year, solidify-
ing and perfecting their anthemic emo/pop punk sound.
Despite song titles like “It Kills Me to Have to Be Alive”
and "Laughing (Or Pretending to Laugh)" the band’s
sound is still uplifting - more or less. Their set is one of our
must-see moments on Saturday.
SUNDAY SEPT 17th
The Menzingers
The Lawrence Arms
The Hotelier
If you’re looking to get emotional at Riot Fest, look no fur-
ther than neo emo-pioneers Hotelier’s set. During their
Chicago punk rock legends, and Riot Fest staff favorites,
the Lawrence Arms will play their fifth album, Oh!
Calcutta! from front to back in Douglas Park. For young
Chicago punks, the Lawrence Arms and more specifically
Oh! Calcutta! was required listening a decade ago. It’s
The Menzingers
Here's a hot take, The Menzingers are the best punk band
continued on page 41
photo by Emily Burnham
20 illinoisentertainer.com september 2017