To be blunt, Maryland’s rock newcomers Bad Seed Rising were my favorite band at Warped Tour 2016. This is without hearing any of their music beforehand, and only knowing that their members were around half my age. And given that I’m personally into at least half the lineup that played this year (overall, it was really good), it takes a lot to stick out in a lineup that big. That being said, this band truly brings the energy live and on their debut record Awake In Color, combining elements of pop, rock, metal, and punk – all with a subtle electronic undertone, and mature lyrics that make you totally ignore their young age. Which you should – they are already running circles around their peers. Essentially, Bad Seed Rising is destined for stardom.
There’s a few reasons why Bad Seed Rising are doing tremendously well for themselves. As one of the youngest (if not THE youngest) band on Warped tour 2016, the band immediately captured my attention by both putting on an energetic performance, and then hustling merch/albums in the hot sun in Florida. I couldn’t help but think “wow, these guys are going far”.
On their debut record, the band is seemingly all over the place stylistically, but playing a rock hybrid that borders on metalcore/post-hardcore at times – but with undeniable and catchy hooks that their peers struggle to come up with. It’s the sound of a band that’s young, confident, bold, and that knows exactly what they want to do.
They may have played the smallest stage this past summer, but make no mistake – this band is headed for much bigger things. Bad Seed Rising proves that strong musicianship will take you far – but a strong work ethic will carry you further.
