It wouldn’t be Riot Fest without a dazzling array of full album performances, and this time around will be no different. This year’s selection will give fans the rare opportunity to hear some unforgettably classic records!
Here’s the list for 2023:
- THE POSTAL SERVICE – Give Up
(20th Anniversary) - DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE – Transatlanticism
(20th Anniversary) - DANZIG – Danzig
- THE BREEDERS – Last Splash
- GORILLA BISCUITS – Start Today
- QUICKSAND – Slip
- RIVAL SCHOOLS – United by Fate
- BRAID – Frame & Canvas
The Albums
Friday, September 15
The Breeders
Last Splash
1993
30 years after the landmark album Last Splash, The Breeders are making a splash at Riot Fest this year, performing those hits. Songs like “New Year,” “Roi,” “Hag” and “Do you love me now?” helped rocket the album to success, as fans embraced its complexity and chaos. Last Splash was the Dayton, Ohio-based indie group’s second album, affirming their place in the ’90s nostalgic alt-rock era.
The fun and messy noise-pop album is balanced by sweet melodies, guitar riffs and smooth wordplay. You can count on The Breeders to channel Last Splash’s original scrappy sound at Riot Fest.
Quicksand
Slip
1993
Quicksand is coming to Riot Fest this year to put on 1993’s Slip. AV Club called it a “nearly flawless album.” It is aggressive, heavy and a fantastic representation of New York post-hardcore.
Quicksand’s frontman, Walter Schreifels said he drew from Public Enemy, KRS-One, De La Soul and Slayer, Metallica, Danzig, Cro-Mags and Agnostic Front. The roots go deeper than musical influences though. Slip itself become an influence on countless others. You’ll get “Fazer” and “Dine Alone” all the way to “Transparent” at Riot Fest this year.
Braid
Frame & Canvas
1998
Braid is one of those groups that seems to truly embody their sense of purpose. The Champaign-originating group is performing the entirety of Frame & Canvas at Riot Fest this year.
“Killing a Camera”, “A Dozen Roses”, and “I Keep a Diary” are but a few among the many, which emerged as leading tracks on Frame & Canvas—an album that appeared at the top of numerous emo best-of lists from a group ahead of their time. This year, they’re appearing at just the right time: Riot Fest 2023.
Saturday, September 16
The Postal Service
Give Up
2003 | 20th Anniversary
Give Up, The Postal Service’s only studio album, is also celebrating its 20th anniversary. If you missed the supergroup’s reunion tour in 2013, now is the time to catch them play their entire album. Remember, “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight”, “Such Great Heights” and “Sleeping In”? Never mind, of course you do. The opening of that record is impossible to forget.
Back in 2004, USPS issued the group a cease-and-desist letter over their name. Then, in a fascinating turn of events, the group performed at the Postal Service’s annual national conference, and they agreed to promote one-another. We’re all thankful for the good outcome—otherwise you might be jamming in the front row to Snailmail or Enemy of the Dog.
Death Cab For Cutie
Transatlanticism
2003 | 20th Anniversary
Death Cab for Cutie is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic Transatlanticism at Riot Fest this year. Songs from the album popped up on TV show and movie soundtracks, rocketing the band into the mainstream. “The New Year,” “Title and Registration,” “Transatlanticism” and “We Looked Like Giants” are just a few of the tracks on what is widely regarded as their finest contribution.
Although the record communicates the challenges of separation, this quintessential 11-track production is the product of the group growing closer. Death Cab is performing the entire album this year at Riot Fest, once again closing the distance of time and space.
Rival Schools
United by Fate
2001
The prolific Walter Schreifels is hittin’ the Riot Fest stage twice this year! Once with Quicksand and again with Rival Schools—the ‘emo’ supergroup with a hardcore pedigree. Their predecessors include Gorilla Biscuits, CIV, Youth of Today, and Iceburn.
United by Fate features songs that remain fan favorites, like “Used For Glue,” “Undercovers On,” “Travel by Telephone” and “Good Things.” You’ll get those quintessential tracks and more at Riot Fest this year.
Sunday, September 17
Danzig
Danzig
1988
Coming out of his stint as lead singer of Misfits, Glenn Danzig secured his new sound with the release of Danzig in 1988. His affinity for horror-themed lyrics, combined with heavy metal elements, allowed the new group to enter the mainstream before releasing another album in 1990 and countless more.
See Danzig at Aragon on Sunday night, performing “Twist of Cain,” “Am I Demon,” “Possession,” “Not Of This World” and more from the famed debut album.
Gorilla Biscuits
Start Today
1989
Gorilla Biscuits are coming together at Riot Fest 2023 to play the highly influential Start Today. The release of the 1988 hardcore punk album came just before guitarist Walter Schreifels left the group to form Quicksand, and Gorilla Biscuits played their final gig in 1992.
Then, the New York-originating band reunited in 2005 for a nationwide tour. Now, Gorilla Biscuits is going back to their roots with songs like “New Direction,” “Sitting Around at Home” and more from Start Today at Riot Fest.
Album Plays Playlist
Just for you, we’ve compiled all of the iconic tracks from this year’s album plays into one convenient location… our brand new playlist! Listen now.
LISTEN ON
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