As I am writing this up, I am mentally preparing for a cold front and snow / freezing rain storm coming in tomorrow. Driving my little guy to school and picking him up in about 3’ of slush. Thinking about summer days and the amount of money I would spend on traveling to Europe for festival season. Of course, I would only be able too if I was independently wealthy and lived by myself. Neither of which is true. But alas, I can always check out the videos online.
Festival season in Europe basically puts the grind / fast hardcore scene in the US to shame. I myself have never been, but the amazing pedigree of bands playing Europe’s lush and smelly forests and parks is almost too much to handle.
As we approach the season, we are presented with first announcements and waves of flyers as bands seem to update every couple of days.
I would like to talk about two festivals that I have recently seen roaming across the internet.
Chimpy Fest and Still Here!? Fest.Â
I have been a fan of Chimpy Fest for many, many years. I released THE AFTERNOON GENTLEMEN on CD right around the time they played the festival many years ago. Since then I always like to check in and see who is playing.
So far only a few bands have been announced: BRUCEXCAMPBELL, MOB 47, ARTRODESE, SQUASH BOWELS and a few more. They update pretty frequently so I would tend to say check it out fairly often.
Next, we have Still Here!? Fest. This one is held in Belgium and this is the first time I am hearing of this particular festival. Although I am very familiar with the bands on the bill. REPROACH, TRAVOLTA, HETZE, RAW PEACE and a whole bunch more. The flyer for this has all the bands added so you can check and schedule who you have to see.Â
Personally, for me, I have
2 bands that I would make it a point to check out. Firstly, REPROACH. Serious skate thrash. Fast hardcore. Their demo that was released around the time I started Give Praise will forever be one of my all-time favorite demos. Thrashhard, Ride Free. Stijn, the vocalist also did Stand Apart fanzine many years ago. Required reading, as far as I am concerned.
Next up on my list would be TRAVOLTA. A band made up of some of the reddest folks in hardcore and in Europe. Fast thrash. Hardcore explosion. Awesome artwork and thought provoking lyrics.
Both bands would benefit greatly from you bringing your skateboard, helmet and knee pads into the circlepit.
These are, of course, just two of the amazing festivals that take place in Europe. If I wasn’t afraid of flying in Trump’s new America, maybe I would pack up my skateboard and grab a ride. Thrashhard and fly on the plane free.
Paul runs Give Praise Records and is the Editor at Shackle Magazine. Paul hangs out on Cape Cod in Massachusetts with his wife and son, Christopher. He also has been working at a offset print shop since 2003, and still tries to get out and skateboard on very small curbs.
