Since its maiden voyage more than two decades ago, Vans Warped Tour has long had the reputation of being responsible for discovering “the next big thing.” Countless spectators have watched bands and artists like Katy Perry, Eminem, and Avenged Sevenfold without realizing that they were, in fact, witnessing artists who would later go on to become the gatekeepers to their respective genres.
The travelling festival’s 2017 campaign was no different, giving fans a glimpse into what might be seen as the beginning of an ascent for many of their favorite bands who have yet to hit the mainstream, like Knocked Loose, and The Dazies, as well as somewhat of a redemption for the punk and metal veterans who graced this year’s lineup, such as GWAR, Anti-Flag and Boston's own Street Dogs.
But out of the dozens and dozens of bands that took to several stages and braved the absurd amount of rain that targeted Mansfield’s Xfinity Center on Wednesday (July 12), a few of those non-mainstream names seemed to really have that “thing” that made their fans go absolutely bonkers.
While many sets for local and brand new artists were cut short due to the weather, the experience was unlike any other, watching bands give it their all with the few precious minutes they had in the spotlight, as if this were their last performance ever. From under the canopy of the amphitheater to the Mutant South Stage placed in the back of the parking lot with nothing more than a plastic bag masquerading as a poncho to stave off the rain, droves of fans of so many different genres gathered together for what is sure to be a memorable afternoon for the Vans Warped Tour.
It was truly impossible to catch everything at Warped's Massachusetts stop -- and the numerous last-minute schedule changes because of the severe weather wreaked havoc on any pre-determined gameplan -- but below are four bands that caught our attention throughout the day.
Let’s just hope for sunny skies next year.
Sonic Boom Six
Sonic Boom Six are from the United Kingdom, but based on the reaction they got from the crowd, you could’ve sworn they were hometown heroes. This group meshed elements of techno and punk quite tastefully, and judging by the size of the crowd, many must’ve thought the same way. Laila Khan’s vocals were a surprising and refreshing fit to the fast-paced (and at times chaotic) music, and also served as reminder that you don’t have to stay within a genre to be a good band. Each song had its own unique presence, one being a bit different from the last, but all having the same effect on the crowd, which proceeded to skank, mosh a tad, and sing along to every song. Chances are, we will be seeing them again on Warped Tour, and that’s certainly not a bad thing — though they could certainly hold their own headlining their own tour in our parts of the world.
