5. Fugazi
Fugazi were a hardcore punk band from Washington DC formed in 1987. After iconic punk band Minor Threat split up, Fugazi rose from the ashes. Frontman Ian Mackaye was the pioneer of the Straight Edge movement and such beliefs have been what have helped Fugazi be so popular. With a very strict ethos, Fugazi became clearly the most down to earth band around for such reasons as declining to give an interview to any publication which advertised alcohol or cigarettes. However one of their most known practices was that if any show had a booking fee or was over the bare minimum it cost to put the show on (usually $6) they would refuse to play. They used to keep the price so low by touring on only the essentials such as now employing merchandise staff thus not paying for merchandise to be made. They were also known for having no security or barriers separating them from the crowd which all helped catapult Fugazi's popularity. Fugazi stood out strongly from the rest of the hardcore scene at the time through their use of funk and reggae beats and also their unusual song structures. Purposely writing songs with catchy lyrics in order to bring the listeners and crowd in closer. Though Fugazi are largely known for their live shows (for example the infamous 1988 Philadelphia show where guitarist Guy Picciotto climbed and pulled himself through a basketball hoop whilst singing) their albums have remained classics of the genre. (Also worth checking out: Wugazi - 13 Chambers. An album of Mashups between Fugazi and Wu-Tang Clan)
Sounds Like: The kings of underground D.C.
Listen to: Waiting Room from 13 Songs.
4. Streetlight Manifesto
Streetlight Manifesto were formed in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 2002. After Tomas Kalnoky left the influential third wave ska band Catch 22, he returned four years later with Streetlight Manifesto who on their first ever show played a sold out headliner. Streetlight Manifesto are known for their unique style of composition as far as the ska/punk scene goes. With a horn section compiled of trombone, trumpet, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone the horns are layered on top of each other in such a way that carries the melody of the song. This highly adds to the bands extremely catchy and danceable sound (so danceable a recent gig had to be rescheduled because fans broke the floor...). Streetlight are definitely one for the drummers to give a listen to, with most songs clocking in at 5 minutes with a speedy tempo, drummer Chris Thatcher shows no sign of slowing down. With extremely intricate grooves and fills, his drumming doesn't go far enough to distract the listener from the melody but keeps the song consistently fresh. Vocalist Tomas Kalnoky has always been known for his lyrical style since Catch 22. With an incredibly firm grasp on metaphors yet not overcomplicating songs and keeping the meaning clear, Kalnoky often tackles the subject of life and death but in a rejoyceful way. Like Bayside, his lyrics are popular choices for tattoos due to their often 'feel good' nature.
Sounds like: Being beaten up by Pirates wielding brass instruments and positive messages.
Listen to: Would you be Impressed? from Somewhere in the Between.
3. Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack formed in 1997 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They released their debut LP I Am the Movie in 2002 after various independant EP releases. I Am the Movie was re-released by Epitaph records in 2003 with the inclusion of four extra tracks, the album was praised for it's unique blend of early emo, pop-punk and synth rock. They followed up I Am the Movie in 2005 with Commit This to Memory produced by Blink 182's Mark Hoppus and featuring their hit single Everything is Alright. The release of this LP brought MCS into the wider world when they found themselves supporting some of the biggest bands the mid-2000s such as Green Day and All-American Rejects. With a devoted fan following, each album becomes more anticipated than the previous. The band are known for their light hearted feel good tone and impressive ability to meld pop punk with synths and odd time signatures.
Sounds like: Hair driven pop-punk running through your thoughts, hand in hand with a synth.
Listen to: This is for Real from Even if it Kills Me.