Riot Fest 2025 is gearing up for a heavy-hitting weekend at Douglass Park in Chicago from September 19–21, and Reddit fans are lighting up the chat about who to watch beyond the headliners.
Soft Play’s Live Energy
Formerly known as Slaves, the English punk duo Soft Play—Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent—have become must-see live acts. Their raw, energetic performances are often praised as more powerful than their studio cuts. Fans recommend diving into “Fuck the Hi-Hat” from their 2016 album Take Control for a fiery intro that captures their rebellious spirit and defiant edge.
Undercard Surprise Hits
The undercard lineup has sparked spirited conversations with these bands standing out:
- Lambrini Girls: Brimming with punk attitude and crowd energy.
- Militarie: Injecting fresh momentum into the punk scene.
- Speed of Light: Nostalgic grunge vibes that tap into ’90s alt-rock.
- Ovlov: Channeling early 2000s alternative rock with punchy riffs.
- Shudder to Think: A cult favorite bringing complex alt-rock tunes.
These groups collectively promise Riot Fest 2025 a deep, memorable roster packed with “hidden gem” sets that rock enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
As festival day edges closer, fans are encouraged to explore these bands and prep for an explosive weekend of punk and alternative rock that’s poised to deliver some of the year’s most electrifying live moments.
Source: r/riotfest