Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: #6, The National

Hellooooo again! We’re back for our third run with Boston Calling and we’re as excited as ever, so we’ve decided to bring back our “Seven Bands To See” feature! The lineup this time around is as great as it has ever been, and the weekend is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. So, here’s who to keep an eye out for!

On our list so far:#7. Sonicbids Winner/Gentlemen Hall

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Today we talk about our #6 pick, The National.

Though they hail from Cincinnati, The National have a longstanding relationship with Boston Calling. Not only did the band headline the first festival back in May 2013, but vocalist Aaron Dessner has helped curate the festival’s lineups. Now, they’re back for their second term as headliner, closing out Friday’s show. Their performance will be great regardless, that’s a given. But be sure to watch, or else Dessner might not build us a lineup for May!

For fans of: Interpol, the Airborne Toxic Event, The Strokes 
For a taste, check out: “Don’t Swallow the Cap,” “Sea of Love,” “Fake Empire”
When you can see them: Friday, 9:30pm, Jetblue Stage

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: The Gaslight Anthem

With Boston Calling just a week away, we’ve decided to make a list of seven bands you do not want to miss. Whether they’re a headliner or an opener, whether they’re hip-hop, dance, rock & roll, or something somewhere in the middle, there are a handful of sets that you’re definitely going to want to pencil into your schedule.

Our list so far includes: Bearstronaut (#7) Lucius (#6), Viva Viva/Royal Teeth (#5), The Airborne Toxic Event (#4), Vampire Weekend (#3), and Major Lazer (#2)!

We move on to our last spot on the list, The Gaslight Anthem!

It’s no surprise to have these guys penciled into the #1 spot on this list. But, it does bring up a very good question – was this entire list written just for the chance to convince readers to watch The Gaslight Anthem on Saturday? … No comment.

That being said, this New Jersey group is the epitome of what a modern-era rock & roll band should be. With pure passion, B-sides that rival most bands’ singles, and a flawless live act, they are not to be missed. See this band perform every chance you get.

For a taste, listen to: “We Came to Dance”

For fans of: The Hold Steady, Alkaline Trio, Hot Water Music

Set time: 9/7, 7:30pm, Red Stage

Seven Bands To See At Boston Calling: The Airborne Toxic Event

With Boston Calling just a week away, we’ve decided to make a list of seven bands you do not want to miss. Whether they’re a headliner or an opener, whether they’re hip-hop, dance, rock & roll, or something somewhere in the middle, there are a handful of sets that you’re definitely going to want to pencil into your schedule.

Our list so far includes: Bearstronaut (#7) Lucius (#6), and Viva Viva/Royal Teeth (#5)!

Today, we move on to #4: The Airborne Toxic Event!

For violist/keyboardist Anna Bulbrook, Boston Calling is a homecoming show. Alongside the group’s other four members that make up Los Angeles’ The Airborne Toxic Event, the five-piece will highlight their powerful sound and massive energy to a crowd equally large and energetic. As the mid-way point of the first day’s festivities, it’s a safe bet to say they won’t let any bit of intensity fade.

For a taste, listen to: “Timeless”

For fans of: Straylight Run, Of Monsters and Men, Interpol

Set time: 9/7, 4:30pm, Blue Stage