It’s always exciting to hear about awesome success stories of people who started off in your town, or a twenty-minute drive away from where you grew up. Philadelphia, as well as South Jersey, has bred some talented musicians of various genres across the board.
Here are five rock/pop punk groups from the area:
- Modern Baseball
This rock group started out in 2012 at Drexel University in Philadelphia. It’s crazy to me that a band this popular attended the same college my friend does, one that I can easily commute to. Too bad I didn’t visit when they were there; maybe I could’ve bumped into them at a frat and somehow become their lyricist? Wishful thinking.
Their music is a bit indie at times, which I find interesting and enthralling for a predominantly pop punk band. They’ve had much success already in their career, performing with other well known bands like Knuckle Puck.
- Man Overboard
I am especially excited about this band, seeing as they’re from Mt. Laurel and Williamstown in South Jersey, which is right near my college, Rowan University. They’ve been around since 2008 and live by their motto, “Defend Pop Punk.” Definitely support them on that.
I find their music to be more pop than some of the other bands in their genre, but they totally pull it off. Whenever I listen to them, I’m instantly in a better mood.
- Circa Survive
Circa Survive had an interesting takeoff in Philly suburb Doylestown, where two old friends Anthony Green and Colin Frangicetto called it quits on some prior commitments to start the band in 2004. It’s as though they were meant to make music together, after leaving other groups and forming this one. I think it’s touching, personally.
Perhaps it’s the writer in me speaking, but I think one of the main reasons I love this band is their lyrics, which are raw and poetic. Check out there 10 Year Anniversary video!
- Cayetana
It’s not often you hear of an all-female rock band, so props to this trio for doing what I always dreamed of (but was way too timid to even consider trying.) Their inspiring journey is just part of why I adore them, along with their edgy Indie style and power to make a lasting impression.
When I first read about them, I was wary, having never learned of them before; but as soon as I shuffled their Spotify, I became undeniably fascinated and hooked.
- The Wonder Years
Okay, so they’re from Lansdale, PA…but they’re still a Philadelphia-based pop punk band, and they happen to be one of my absolute favorites! The Wonder Years had an impact on my decision to start listening to this genre of music, when I first heard their song “Came Out Swinging” last year (I was very late to the scene, I know.) I then did my typical “let’s play this song on repeat for the next ten days” act that drove my roommate crazy before finally branching out to their other songs (which are just as incredible, by the way.)
When I saw them at Sherman Theater last year, I was shocked at how great they sounded despite being live. Almost got moshedin the face, but it was totally worth it. To me, they are the definition of pop-punk.
Originally posted on Pop Punkadelphia.