Music

Five bands to see at Extreme Thing 2014

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Letlive joins a full lineup of bands and action sports at Extreme Thing.
Photo: Jonathan Weiner
Chris Bitonti

Fans of music genres with the suffix “core” (hard, grind, metal, thrash, polka?) should scope out the lineup for this year’s Extreme Thing Action Sports and Music Festival. With more than 30 bands and DJs on the bill, plus Pro BMX, wrestling and other outdoor activities, Saturday’s edition appears poised to qualify as another intense experience. Here are five acts we suggest you don’t miss.

Letlive Frontman Jason Aalon Butler and his LA-based band are truly something to behold—heavy, wreckless and borderline unsafe, in the best possible way. (2:15 p.m., IADT Stage)

Bring Me The Horizon This British powerhouse blends metal, electronic elements and hardcore influences for a unique sound with surprising mainstream appeal. Last year’s Sempiternal saw the band move beyond embryonic screams and breakdowns for an elevated record that should translate nicely to the stage. (8 p.m., Hard Rock Live Stage)

Tonight Alive Americans are just starting to discover what Australians have known for years about these pop-punkers—that they’ve got more than Jenna McDougall’s pretty face going for them. Their impassioned lyrics and infectious melodies should make for a fun set. (3:15 p.m., IADT Stage)

Animals as Leaders Once a solo project for multi-talented composer Tosin Abasi, this instrumental prog-metal outfit pushes the technical boundaries of hardcore. (4:45 p.m., IADT Stage)

New Beat Fund The LA quartet’s quirky stoner-pop-hop might seem out of place at Extreme, but NBF should make for a welcome reprieve from angst. (2:45 p.m., Findlay Chevrolet Stage)

Extreme Thing March 29, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., $20. Desert Breeze Park, extremething.com.

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