Slam Dunk North, Temple Newsam 2025: The Review

Finch | Temple Newsam | Main Stage East

Finch took the midday slot with a set that delivered exactly what fans had been craving-an authentic trip back to the golden era of early-2000s emo. Their performance was impressively precise, channelling the spirit of their 2002 days with faithful renditions of classics like What It Is to Burn, Letters to You, and Post Script. Clearly intent on crafting a set list that honoured their long-time supporters, Finch struck a perfect balance between nostalgia and raw energy. For a long-standing band, their near-record-accurate delivery was remarkable, effortlessly transporting the crowd back in time while setting a formidable benchmark for the newer acts slated to take the stage later that evening.

Split Chain | Temple Newsam | Key Club Stage

Split Chain’s performance at Slam Dunk felt perfectly timed, and it was incredible to see the respectable-sized crowd the Bristol lads drew at this stage in their journey. Delivering a set that stood toe-to-toe with veteran acts, Split Chain tore through their intense fusion of post-grunge and nu-metal, with the crowd almost immediately erupting into a chaotic pit. Tracks like ‘Extract, I’m Not Dying to Be Here’, and fan favourite ‘Future’ sounded massive live, especially with their powerful instrumental delivery. The energy radiating from each member was palpable-they all clearly beamed with gratitude and excitement, fully embodying their performance. It was a shame the lead vocal microphone wasn’t turned up enough at times, causing some of the vocals to get lost in the mix. However, this minor issue didn’t detract from the overall impact of the set and offered an exciting glimpse into the future of the UK alternative music scene.

Photo Credit:

Alex Brown

Scowl | Temple Newsam | Key Club Stage

Off the back of their UK tour, Scowl returned amid high expectations following the release of their latest album, Are We All Angels. This record marked a significant shift in their sound, leaning toward a more melodic, alt-rock style that sparked divided opinions. With the album having dropped just a few months earlier, there was a palpable excitement about how the California band would balance their fierce hardcore roots with this new experimental direction. Their UK tour clearly demonstrated they continue to push genre boundaries while delivering an electrifying live performance, a momentum they carried straight into their Slam Dunk debut. Despite facing a tough headliner clash, Scowl drew an impressive crowd and injected a much-needed hardcore bite into this year’s line-up. Tracks like the snarling Bloodhound and Wired were performed with relentless intensity, while their more melodic material from Are We All Angels soared through the Key Club Stage, sounding larger than life thanks to Kat Moss’s mischievously infectious vocal hooks and stage presence that oozes charisma and intent. 

Photo Credit:

Alex Brown

Neck Deep | Temple Newsam | Main Stage West

Neck Deep’s set felt like a heartfelt love letter to the community they’ve built from the ground up. Their unwavering commitment to uplifting local scenes and fostering genuine connections across grassroots networks continues to be one of their most defining qualities. That spirit of authenticity bled through their live performance, with frontman Ben Barlow proudly repping his Wrexham roots and using the stage as a platform to champion scene unity and mutual support. Their performance was a celebration of everything Slam Dunk stands for. Neck Deep have become synonymous with the festival itself, almost like its unofficial soundtrack. Few bands capture the energy, nostalgia, and catharsis of Slam Dunk quite like they do, and this year’s performance only reinforced that connection. Their set list weaved together beloved crowd-pleasers like ‘Gold Steps’, ‘Kali Ma’, and ‘In Bloom’ with deeper cuts like ‘She’s a God’, a treat for the longtime fans which also initiated a femme-only pit which is always welcomed. The energy throughout the crowd was electric, particularly near the front, where that familiar Neck Deep atmosphere pulsed with unbridled joy. Their biggest anthems were met with waves of crowd surfers and euphoric sing alongs, creating a sea of movement and smiling faces. Neck Deep once again proved why they’re one of the most reliable good-time live bands in the UK pop punk scene. Their performance wasn’t just a highlight of the day; it was a reminder of why they’ve become such an integral part of Slam Dunk’s identity.

A Day To Remember | Temple Newsam | Main Stage West

After years of anticipation, A Day to Remember were finally handed the headline slot at Slam Dunk, and they undoubtedly owned the occasion. Opening with ‘The Downfall of Us All’, they immediately set the tone for a night. Tracks like ‘2nd Sucks’ and ‘You Be Tails, I’ll Be Sonic’ tore through the dusk sky, turning the crowd into a surging wave of energy. The intensity peaked with ‘Mr. Highway’s Thinking About the End’, as longtime fans took over the pit in a moment that felt like a love letter to the band’s heavier roots. Frontman Jeremy McKinnon was electric from start to finish, his effortless charisma and infectious energy emanating off him throughout. He made a point of emphasising the importance of making memories, creating a powerful connection with the diverse crowd. Their set list was expertly balanced-while early, heavier tracks satisfied the diehards, melodic anthems like ‘Flowers’ and ‘Resentment’ brought a more polished, feel-good energy that paved the way to massive sing alongs. ‘Have Faith in Me’ served as a heartfelt highlight, while bursts of pyro throughout added dramatic punctuation to an already dynamic performance. It was a set that felt perfectly in tune with Slam Dunk’s identity-emotive, high energy, and unashamedly loud.

A perfect way to end the weekend across the two sites.

 

Photo Credit:

Alex Brown