Music

Preview: eight new pop-punk bands to brighten your summer

Let’s face is, pop-punk is one of the happiest genres going. Even if you didn’t grow up on the learnings of Sticks and Stones, there’s something about the three-chord formula that never fails to connect with a crowd.

With a new generation of energetic bands rising up on both sides of the pond, we’ve picked eight of our favourite, fresh-faced pop-punk mobs helping to bring the genre back to the forefront. #defend #pop #punk

Roam
This Eastbourne five-piece have only really hinted at what they’re capable of so far, having released a handful of promise in the form of two EPs. They’ll be joining genre-favourites, State Champs, on the road this September.

ROAM - Warning Sign (Official Music Video)

Trash Boat
Another exciting offering from Hopeless Records, this St. Albans lot have stepped their particular blend of pop-punk up a gear. Expect fearless skate-punk hooks, with hints of the abrasive nature of bands like The Story So Far. Catch Trash Boat on tour with Blood Youth this week.

Trash Boat - Eleven (Official Music Video)

Homebound
The best thing to come out of Farnham in, er, ages? Yep. The five guys in Homebound have an authenticity that’s quickly making them stand out from the pack. Sure, they’re still singing about their hometown, but it sort of comes with the name here.

Homebound - "Worthwhile" [Official Music Video]

Trophy Eyes
Hopeless Records have done it again. This time from sunny Newcastle (the Australian one…), this quintet are a boiling pot of passion and fury, which only strengthens the pop-punk framework they’re building on. See them when they play Vans Warped Tour UK in October.

Trophy Eyes - In Return (Official Music Video)

As It Is
Given that they’re currently tearing up Vans Warped Tour US, these Brighton-based pals aren’t going to fall into the newbie category for much longer. In case you’ve missed them though, expect to hear the infectiousness of Drive Thru-era emo with some seriously catchy pop hooks. Don’t miss them at Reading and Leeds Festival 2015.

As It Is - Cheap Shots & Setbacks

Boston Manor
This Blackpool five-piece have been busy working on their debut album, and follow up to 2014’s Driftwood EP, while choosing their festival and tour appearances wisely. We suggest you get on board now before the good ship Boston Manor officially sets sail.

Knuckle Puck
Rise Records’ Knuckle Puck are bringing some Chicago charm to our pop-punk preview. Having been honing their sound since 2011, they’re gaining real momentum with their old-school take on the genre now. They’ll be joining Roam and State Champs on tour in September.

Knuckle Puck - Disdain (Official Music Video)

Light You Up
Okay, so Birmingham’s Light You Up may be teetering on the edge of pop-punk, but tracks like All We’ve Ever Known prove this British five-piece have enough talent to share stages will any of the genre greats. Missed our Ticketmaster Session with frontman Tom Napier? Watch it back here.

Light You Up - All We've Ever Known

Got a new pop-punk band to shout about? Let us know @TicketmasterUK