FEST 23 takes place later this month, from Oct. 24-26 in Gainesville, FL. Something like a billion bands are driving, flying, canoeing, and snowshoeing to the festival from across the country -- many of them for the first time and many come back to play nearly every year. Scene Point Blank has traveled to “over half” of them (we’ve lost count -- it's a theme you’ll read in this feature) and each has been a blast, merging a strong and positive community atmosphere with great musical finds and old favorites. This year we reached out to six bands to share their thoughts about The Fest, what they will do in Gainesville this year, and what new projects they might have in store. https://thefestfl.com/ Read the interviews below: Reconciler Celebration Summer Miller Lowlifes Pool Kids Rodeo Boys Partial Traces Reconciler Like many of the bands in this feature, Reconciler are punk veterans who play the festival often, but not quite every year. It's an annual tradition but also -- at least in this writer's opinion -- something of a showcase of what the southeastern US punk scene has to offer. We caught with guitarist/vocalist Joseph Lazzari to talk about regional punk, their latest EP and, of course, FEST 23. Scene Point Blank: What's the first thing you think of when I say the word “Fest"? Joseph Lazzari: Best weekend of the year Scene Point Blank: What was your favorite or most memorable experience at FEST 22? Joseph Lazzari: Its always hangin’ … Read more
Are you ready for The Fest!? While we’re pretty sure you’re already counting down days until your trek to Gainesville, … Read more
This summer Little Rocket Records announced Leatherface: The Peel Sessions, a collection of live studio recordings with Leatherface from the … Read more
For close to a quarter-century punk fans have flocked to Florida for The Fest. Boasting a lineup of 300+ bands … Read more
Sometimes I'm surprised at how averse I am to change. Hearing that Street Eaters had expanded to a trio caused me more trepidation than I want to admit -- and, like most fear of change, it was all for naught. The band hasn't changed and they aren't spilling over with annoying guitar solos either. They just have a little more … Read more
On their debut, Somehow, We Are Here, Faulty Cognitions made their statement. This wasn't a garage-punk band in the style of the members' previous bands (Low Culture and Shang-A-Lang, among others). It's a guitar-first rock indie-punk band schooled by the college rock of the 1980s. This time around the transition has been so seamless that maybe the debut was a … Read more
I used to dislike punk music where people sing. And, well, I'm still not super fond of it but there is an exception to every rule. The Penske File are one of those exceptions and maybe it's because while they have a singer (as compared to a "vocalist"), it's still authentic and conveys that everyperson vibe I seek in the … Read more
One of the most unique voices in extreme music, Menace Ruine stand out in their sonic evolution. The duo of Geneviève Beaulieu and Steve de la Moth started out in a raw, uncompromising fashion, merging black metal and industrial to create absolute havoc in Cult of Ruins and The Die is Cast. In the coming years, they would expand this … Read more
With a band name like Extortionist, you instantly know they aren’t messing around. I’ve watched enough true crime documentaries to know when you’re going to get tangled up with someone … Read more
This is one of my "find" records of the year so far. I caught a few songs by The Carolyn at FEST 22 and that essentially put them on my … Read more
Slovenly calls this JAPANPUNK. My preliminary google search of this portmanteau didn’t come up with much but I already know Angel Face features Fink from noisey ’90s Japanese garage rockers … Read more
Let’s get formally introduced to the underground and independent band Neutral Snap. They are an upcoming pop punk/emo band from New Orleans that have been around since 2018. Or maybe … Read more
Coming from Australia, To The Grave bring their brutal vegan deathcore offering Still to fans worldwide. This EP punches you right in the gut with seven tracks of horror infused … Read more
Occasionally bands will surpass being musicians and become artists. La Dispute aren’t making music. They’re making art. The band returns after six years with their self-produced 14 track, full-length, No … Read more
From their hardcore days to their newer, progressing sound on Flesh Stays Together, Dying Wish has been inching toward something sharper, more spectral, more personal. Not just lyrically, but also … Read more
Sometimes the singer-songwriter thing puts too much on the table. At SPB, we like a little bit of mystery, which ties into our newest featured stream, Ruby by william h. travis. william h. travis may or may not be an individual -- the project from Bethlehem, PA describes itself as … Read more
Forget supergroups: meet Superworld, a San Jose, CA based math-rock/screamo band with a new single as the band preps for live dates with The Startling Line. "‘Locked Room’ started as … Read more
Post-hardcore band Storm Boy will be releasing a new 8-song album digitally on Jan. 15, 2026, Beast Machine Theory, followed by a US East Coast winter tour. The band just … Read more
Squash punk maeestro The Eradicator is back, releasing a single-sided LP called You Can Hate The Eradicator last month. While the band is inspired by a Kids in the Hall … Read more
Formed last year in Philadelphia, PA, Altarboy has a new pre-Halloween single called “Rave From The Grave,” just released on Crusty Wrapper Records. The horror-tinged punk tune features a lineup … Read more
Three One G Records and Smashed Plastic are teaming up to bring Cult and Culture podcast to your record player. The label has announced the Cult & Culture podcast compilation, … Read more
Death metal meets metalcore band Audiotory Anguish will release a new 5-song EP, AFA, out on Creator-Destructor Records on Nov. 14. The West Cosat band last released Crime Rituals EP … Read more
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