Edge 102.1‘s alternative music smorgasbord, Edgefest, returns tomorrow after a one-year absence. Chicago punk rockers Rise Against are headlining a roster scientifically designed to bust eardrums at Downsview Park. Tickets are still on sale at Ticketmaster, but if you’re on the fence, try this easy litmus test: turn on the Edge for about fifteen minutes — this year’s stable of acts is pretty representative of the usual playlist. Below, a quick roundup of acts on the main stage.
• Rise Against bring anthemic pop-punk with shout-along choruses and a politically conscious edge.
• A Perfect Circle will be responsible for delivering the angst, in the form of radio-friendly alt-metal bolstered by the croon-to-shout vocals of Tool‘s Maynard James Keenan (WARNING: video may cause nightmares).
• Folk-rockers The Weakerthans will tone down the noise a bit, which is good, because you’ll want to be able to hear John K. Samson‘s critically-lauded songwriting.
• Tokyo Police Club are upbeat, danceable indie-pop.
• Hamilton’s Arkells will demand fist-pumping with their muscular, Springsteen-style rock n’ roll.
• The Reason will tap a similar vein, but play it up for a little more drama.
• And, finally, Dinosaur Bones are their own kind of reptile — dark (but not too dark) indie rock with plenty of atmosphere and the unique vocals of Ben Fox (think RHCP’s Anthony Kiedis with way less of the "nuisance factor").
Edgefest, Downsview Park, July 9
