Unrest Fest

𝙃𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙀𝙍:

What does the expression “ever after” mean? Most people assume it’s preceded by “happily,” but that isn’t always the case. By calling their second full-length Ever After, Chicago’s Action/Adventure lean into that ambiguity.

Since forming in 2014, the band—lead vocalist Blake Evaristo, vocalist/guitarist Brompton Jackson, drummer Adrian Brown, bassist Manny Avila, and guitarist Oren Trace—have built a name on honesty and energy. They went viral in 2020 with “Barricades,” their first TikTok post, and followed it with Pure Noise releases Pulling Focus (2021) and Imposter Syndrome (2022), the latter turning their self-doubt into strength.

Their new record, Ever After, continues that story with fresh confidence. It reflects the duality of band life versus everyday life—and the struggle to make them coexist. “This is literally the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” says Jackson. “It’s really easy to get lost along the way.”

With producer Alan Day (Four Year Strong, Knuckle Puck), Action/Adventure pushed themselves further than ever. Recorded at Ghost Hit Studio in Massachusetts, its 11 songs form a narrative from the frantic “DAYTERROR” to the reflective “Daydream.”

Featuring Dan Lambton (rationale.), Ben Jorgensen (Armor For Sleep), and Noahfinnce, Ever After is their heaviest work yet—about the price of living your dream and the persistence to keep going.

“It’s not necessarily happily or unhappily ever after,” says Jackson. “It just never ends. The horrors of this record persist—but so do we.”

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗 🔥
Gold Steps has fine-tuned their energetic live show through extensive touring, including supporting SayWeCanFly and Johnnie Guilbert on a full US Tour in 2022. They’ve opened for Billboard-charting artists Charlotte Sands, Stand Atlantic and letdown., and have performed at the Vans Warped Tour, Summerfest, SXSW and So What Music Fest.
Alternative Press named Gold Steps as one of “13 Artists Who Are Reclaiming The Pop-Punk Music Scene in 2021” alongside Meet Me @ The Altar and Jetty Bones. Gold Steps has over 1.78 million streams on Spotify, with tracks featured on playlists including “Pop Punk’s Not Dead,” “New Punk Tracks” and “Fresh Finds Rock.”
Formerly a Revival Recordings artist, Gold Steps is currently independent.

𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙏𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏:
The Up & Up is an alt-emo band from Madison, pushing through the noise of modern life with loud guitars and honest words. Since 2021, they’ve gone from late nights in local basements to stages across the Midwest, sharing bills with the likes of Every Avenue, Direct Hit, and Keep Flying. Their songs hit where frustration meets hope—music for when the world feels heavy but you’re still trying to do something about it.

𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙏𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏:
Malört & Savior is a Chicago-based pop-punk and emo band that blurs the line between meme culture and real life, channeling both into raw, tongue-in-cheek reflections on millennial disillusionment. Their viral single, “On The Day It Finally Happens,” has earned them a following for politically charged lyrics and an unapologetic commitment to progressive causes.

𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙏𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏: .reward.il
No Reward (formerly Wayside) is a four-piece post-emo band from southern Illinois, blending high energy and infectious hooks with a dose of early 2000s emo nostalgia. Their upcoming single “SOLP” arrives December 5th, ahead of a five-song EP set for release in spring 2026.

𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙏𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏:Meskales is an energetic Latin ska band formed in 2015 by local friends passionate about ska. Despite their short time in the scene, they have already performed with renowned acts such as HR of Bad Brains, The Toasters, and Mustard Plug. Their lively blend of ska, punk, surf, and reggae has earned them a devoted following and festival acclaim. Known for their high-energy performances and infectious rhythms, Meskales quickly became a festival favorite, captivating audiences with their brassy horns and irresistible grooves.

𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙏𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏:
FORM is a Milwaukee hardcore band formed by former members of Mud Dog. Their sound fuses multiple branches of the genre into an energetic yet catchy style of their own. Unrest Fest will be their first show since the release of their latest EP, ‘Godseye’ — go give it a listen!

𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝘼𝙉𝙉𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘾𝙀𝘿! Meet our newest addition to the lineup — Malört & Savior.

Don’t let the name fool you. This six-piece outfit of 30-somethings is here to make you feel those feelings you’re looking for at the bottom of a wormwood bottle. Malört & Savior is a pop punk and emo band, ranging the full spectrum of emotion—funny AND sad.

First wave of artists 🔥

On Nov. 22, High Noon Saloon becomes a stage for resistance.

We’re absolutely stoked to reveal the first wave of bands playing Unrest Fest — an independent benefit for the ACLU, built by and for artists and communities defending civil liberties.

🎟️ Tickets on sale now: ticketmaster.com/event/0700631BD5052EE1

✨ Poster design by Cole Lienhart

🔥 New fest. Same fight.

📅 Nov. 22, 2025
📍 High Noon Saloon • Madison, WI

🎶 Lineup drops 8/28.

All profits from ticket sales will be donated to the ACLU 💪

Noise. Unity. Impact.