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Author: Info Funtastic

Angel Face

Angel Face is a punk rock band from Tokyo, formed in 2021 by Fink (G), Toyozo (B), and Rayco (Dr), former members of bands such as Teengenerate, Ruler and The Fadeaways. In 2022, Hercules (Vo) joined as the new singer.
In 2023, they released their debut single on Target Earth, followed by their first album on Slovenly Recordings later that same year. In 2024 they embarked on their first U.S. tour, performing at events like Gonerfest in Memphis. This year, they are planning to release their second album ‘Out In The Street’ and head out on their second U.S. tour.
Their sound is like a slightly bitter soup flavored with a bouillon of Flamin’ Groovies and MC5, with a tablespoon of Eddie & the Hot Rods.
As they say: “WE MAKE THE NOISE!”

1-800-Mikey

1-800-Mikey is the bedroom power pop project of Western Sydney artist Michael Barker, launched in 2019. With a lo-fi charm and hook-laden songwriting, the project has grown from local cult favourite to an emerging international act. Two EPs laid the foundation for 1-800-Mikey’s distinctive sound, followed by two full-length albums released via Erste Theke Tontraeger (Europe) and Under the Gun (USA).
The debut LP earned Album of the Week on FBi Radio in April 2022 and paved the way for a standout performance at Gonerfest 2023, which sparked an 11-date North American tour. In 2024, 1-800-Mikey completed their first Australian tour, with shows across the east and west coasts. October 2024 saw the release of the sophomore record Digital Pet, which quickly gained momentum—selling out its first U.S. vinyl pressing in just six weeks.
With international acclaim growing, 1-800-Mikey continues to represent the creative energy of Western Sydney’s DIY scene on a global stage.

Los Chicos

They’ve burned their fingertips on buckets of records searching for the Crypt Records logo. They’ve left their necks headbanging in the front row of every garage-punk concert they can attend. And they’ve also taken to the stage to celebrate the fact that fierce rock ‘n’ roll is a music and an attitude, yes, but it’s also a way of understanding life and even a profane religion. They are Los Chicos, the emblem of Dionysian rock ‘n’ roll, the survival of rat hole punk, the pride of our “rock tavern” (translate and adapt pub rock as you wish). Rafa Suñén, the twins Gerardo and Antonio Urchaga, Guillermo Casanova, and Ral García have eight albums and toured all over the world, spreading the word of rock and roll also letting themselves be loved by country, gospel and soul.
They were on the Funtastic Stage at the first edition and will be back for the 20th anniversary, because they’ve been rocking all this time. And because we love them, damn it!

The Masonics feat. Ludella Black

The Masonics are still the Kings Of Medway Beat, and are known for being ‘the best Rhythm and Beat combo since The Milkshakes’, and there’s a very good reason for that…If there were a “Medway scene dream team”, it would be The Masonics.
With Mickey Hampshire (The Milkshakes, Mickey And The Salty Seadogs, Mickey And Ludella, Mick Hampshire), Bruce Brand (The Pop Rivets, The Milkshakes, Auntie Vegetable, Thee Headcoats, The Kravin’ “A”s, The Clique, Dutronc, The Voo-Dooms and more) and John Gibbs (The Wildebeests, The Kaisers), this Medway-based trio have got enough rhythm ’n’ beat and rock ’n’ roll in their blood streams to power any rocket!
In addition, they will be accompanied by none other than Miss Ludella Black (The Headcoatees).
Didn’t we tell you it was a true Dream Team?

Liquids

Northwest Indiana’s punk scene would be a lot less thrilling without Mat Williams—he’s been the engine behind many of the local bands whose names have filled homemade gig flyers around the Region. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of midwestern punk, you’ve likely collected a cache of his music, whether by Pukeoid, Dagger, Guinea Kid, or the ne plus ultra of 2010s mutant punk, the Coneheads. For the past five years, Williams has been pouring his energy into Liquids, whose scummy-sounding recordings carry so much magnetism, momentum, and joy that you’ll remember all over again why rock briefly became the lingua franca of postwar American youth. The raw rippers on last year’s self-released Life Is Pain Idiot keep you on the edge of your seat by compressing an album side’s worth of songwriting into every 90-second tune—Williams has figured out how to make punk rock feel like it’s being invented right in front of your ears. Recorded by fellow midwestern DIY lifer Erik Nervous, Life Is Pain Idiot dials back Liquids’ scuzziness and leans into power pop, which complements the band’s brutally sharp musicianship and off-the-leash nastiness. Williams plays like a lead-footed Formula One driver who hits the starting line already going 80 miles per hour, which lends extra oomph to every drum fill and guitar lick on the chipmunk-voiced boogie-woogie scorcher “Lemon Rice (Doomed to Live).” Onstage Liquids play with the same need for speed, They’ll be crossing the pond for first time to present their latest album, “Tennessee Rose” in Europe, released on the Barcelona-based label Prison Records.
If you’re familiar with them, you already know what we are talking about, and if you don’t, you’ll be blown away.

Exploding Hearts

2023 marked the twentieth anniversary of the release of the LP “Guitar Romantic” on Dirtnap Records. That year, Exploding Hearts co-founder Terry Six, the only original member and survivor of the terrible accident that claimed the lives of the rest of the group while returning from a concert in San Francisco to Portland, their hometown, decided to give another chance to that excellent work that was cut short by the tragic event, and return to the stage to perform the wonderful songs contained in the LP, a fresh combination of punk and power pop with clear influences from bands like The Clash, The Undertones, Elvis Costello or The Only Ones with a lo-fi sound.
It’s not easy to continue the legacy of Exploding Hearts under the terrible circumstances that led to the band’s demise, but Terry Six has surrounded himself with friends who are also great musicians. The new lineup includes himself on lead vocals and guitar, drummer John Tyree (Derv Gordon, Terry & Louie), bassist Chad Savage (The Huntingtons, Terry & Louie), and guitarist Murat Artürk (Daddy Long Legs).
Their concerts to date have been a resounding success, and they’ll be with us on the funtastic anniversary, where the Exploding Hearts flame will shine once again as it deserves.

*Love to Matt, Adam, Jeremy, and King Louie, you will always be Guitar Romantics.

 

 

Tramhaus

Tramhaus is the live wire postpunk sensation from Rotterdam, heralded for their energetic
shows filled with fiery songs. The band is known for their broad and ever electrifying sound
that reaches from shoegaze to punkrock. This amalgam is clearly a product of the diverse
and rich musical tastes of the different band members. Nonetheless, in a live setting the
band forms a strong union. It makes sure to grab the audience from the first to the last note
in a maelstrom of emotions
In its relatively short existence, the symbiotic five piece have toured endlessly, gaining
popularity along the way. In 2023 the band did a successful tour in Japan. Their first album
titled ‘The First Exit’ came out September 2024. Major Dutch newspapers De Volkskrant,
NRC and Trouw all gave them five out of five stars in their reviews, a situation which is
unique in itself. Also their sold-out show at the big hall in Paradiso was greeted with a perfect
score by reviewers. Internationally the band is gaining massive traction just the same – in
the fall of 2024 the band did a month-long tour throughout Europe, playing for many sold-out
venues. Plans are big, as a new Asia tour is in the making and the band is playing
extensively throughout the EU and UK this year.

Gee Tee

Based in Sydney, Australia and led by Kel Mason, Gee Tee is a punk powerhouse blending raw energy with catchy lo-fi hooks. The project began in 2016 in Kel’s garage on the Gold Coast, where he wrote and recorded solo before relocating to Sydney in 2019. There, Gee Tee evolved into a full band featuring Michael Barker, Ishka Edmeades, Ryan Ellem, and Campbell Payne.
Since 2021, Gee Tee have built a reputation for their raucous live shows and fast-selling releases, regularly packing out venues in Sydney and Melbourne. Their rising profile has earned them headline slots at iconic events like Gonerfest in Memphis and Anti Fade’s Jerkfest in Geelong.
In 2022, Gee Tee hit the road for their debut international tour with eight shows across the U.S., followed by an extensive 23-date European tour in 2023. The momentum continued in 2024 with a return to the States, including another Gonerfest headline and a 21-show run—nine of which sold out.
Their latest record, Goodnight Neanderthal, received critical praise, including a 7.7 rating from Pitchfork’s Evan Minsker, cementing Gee Tee’s place as one of Australia’s most exciting underground exports.

The Loved Ones

The Loved Ones formed in 1990 in Oakland, California, where they became one of the most renowned bands of the 60s scene. Their energetic live performances, with a strong aesthetic and musical influence from the Yardbirds, are a true statement of purpose, and little by little, the band added different styles to their wide range of musical tastes: a bit of Chicago Blues, Memphis Soul, hints of New Orleans R&B, small doses of Garage… this whole mix makes The Loved Ones’ sound one of the most recognizable of its era, unique and inimitable.
In 1992, The Loved Ones signed with Hightone Records and released two LPs and a 7″ that became part of R&B history. They toured across the country and supported idols such as John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, and Ann Peebles. Their reputation as an explosive live band reached Europe, and they embarked on a tour of the Old Continent. Despite their success, the band officially disbanded in 1995 with a sold-out farewell concert at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall, although they occasionally play shows.
Nine years after their last reunion, and to the delight of all fans, The Loved Ones are back with a new album in the offing, produced by Nick Waterhouse.

 

Private Function

Having spent the better part of 8 years crafting a solid reputation as one of the country’s most explosive, unpredictable and essential live bands, Private Function are an outfit whose on and off-stage reputation precedes them at every turn.
PF are a band of extremes.
Not many artists get the pleasure of having a string of top ten records, consistent international tours and a nomination for an ARIA award whilst at the same time having an album temporarily banned in South Australia and receiving cease and desist letters from theme Parks.
They simultaneously combine their distinct brand of bratty humour and punk-rock irreverence with high concept experimentation and bizarre innovation of the form, all while continually poking holes in the genre.
Private Function’s feverish following should come as no surprise to even a casual observer, with their devotees constantly riding the PF tsunami alongside them. They’re a band who leaves a mark wherever they go and leaves you with a story to tell.