A handful of alt-rock heavies will entertain Tucson on Sunday at KFMA Day.
This year's lineup is an eclectic bunch, with everything from reggae to hardcore.
Hosted by 92.1 KFMA, the festival is expected to draw about 16,000 people to the Pima County Fairgrounds. That's about the same size as last year's KFMA Day, though not nearly as big as the 2008 show, which featured Metallica and attracted nearly 30,000 fans.
Here's a rundown of all the bands you'll see on Sunday.
MUSE
Band 411: Muse is a British alternative rock trio influenced by Queen and Radiohead. Their music is distinguished by frontman Matt Bellamy's falsetto singing and the fact that their song "Supermassive Black Hole" was featured prominently in the hit movie "Twilight."
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The critics say: "This over-the-top English trio has long played to smaller audiences in the United States than it does throughout Europe, where Muse is considered among the biggest rock bands on Earth. (In 2007 it played two sold-out shows at London's 75,000-capacity Wembley Stadium.)" - Los Angeles Times, Sept. 15.
We say: This is a great chance to see a band that regularly plays stadiums in a smaller venue.
30 Seconds to Mars
Band 411: This L.A. band is fronted by actor Jared Leto, who rose to fame on the short-lived MTV drama "My So-Called Life." Leto's older brother, Shannon, plays drums.
The critics say: " 'This Is War' finds 30 Seconds to Mars in the midst of a mighty siege between its tendency for borderline awful and un-inventive rock music and intelligent, showmanlike poetic lyricism and programming. However, the dark side that is lame top-40 modern rock usually wins the day." - Consequence of Sound, Dec. 8.
We say: While Leto has been hesitant to trade on his celebrity, it's unlikely this group would be playing to big crowds if its frontman weren't a movie star.
Silversun Pickups
Band 411: This alt-rock outfit is a product of the same L.A. music scene that produced Beck, Pavement, Rilo Kiley and Elliott Smith.
The critics say: "In their own way, this Los Angeles quartet (is) boldly retro, drawing from the noisy distress of '90s alternative rock, particularly the neopsychedelic convulsions of Smashing Pumpkins and the British om-pop band Ride." - Rolling Stone, April 1.
We say: The guitar riffs in SSP's latest album, "Swoon," crackle and buzz with life.
Five Finger Death Punch
Band 411: Another L.A. band, formed in 2005 by Hungarian guitarist Zoltan Bathory, who poached members from other hard-rockin' bands like Motograter and W.A.S.P.
The critics say: "Five Finger Death Punch (has) struck somewhat a solid niche between scathing metal core and rock radio." - Tune Lab Music, Nov. 24, 2007.
We say: We recommend taking a cue from one of the band's hit songs and just "Walk Away."
Switchfoot
Band 411: This San Diego band named for a surfing move writes songs about God, girls and politics.
The critics say: "With the band's wide-angle, phones-in-the-air approach seemingly aimed for the nosebleed seats, Switchfoot has much in common with arena-rocking peers like Coldplay and Snow Patrol." - Paste Magazine, Dec. 7.
We say: The band's latest album, "Hurricane," is full of big hooks and hard-driving rock.
The Dirty Heads
Band 411: Orange County, Calif., band blends hip-hop and classic reggae.
The critics say: "Having grown up during the heyday of the third-wave-ska movement, the Dirty Heads sound like Sublime's little brother, rapping over Jack Johnson-esque acoustic-guitar strumming and turning the reggae up with dubbed-out bass." - OC Weekly, March 4.
We say: As recent Arizona Daily Star Battle of the Bands competitions have shown, Tucson kids love reggae and ska. So the Dirty Heads should be a big hit here.
Neon Trees
Band 411: This Provo, Utah, band got its big break opening for the Killers in 2008.
The critics say: "Very catchy and dance-y, with the vocals crazy high in the mix. Great chorus, tasty breaks and drops. Keyboard synth coolness. And, oh yeah -handclaps!" - Spin, March 3.
We say: A welcome bit of lighthearted pop to balance out heavier stuff from the likes of Five Finger Death Punch and 30 Seconds to Mars.
If you go
• What: KFMA Day, an outdoor concert featuring Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Five Finger Death Punch, Silversun Pickups, Switchfoot and the Dirty Heads.
• When: 1 p.m. Sunday.
• Where: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road.
• Cost: $35 online at kfma.com or at local Catalina Mart locations. $45 at the fairgrounds on the day of the show.
