Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2014

Now in its third year, Thick Festival has become the ultimate punk, ska and hardcore fest in Kawasaki. Organized by Secret 7 Line (pictured), a punk-rock outfit known for its catchy tunes and upbeat lyrics, the event is supposedly named to reflect the atmosphere—or possibly just the sweat-filled venue. This year the two-day fest hosts heavyweights Hey-Smith, Good4Nothing and Totalfat, as well as newcomers Noisemaker, Blue Encount and more. It’s a great opportunity to discover that Japanese music has more to offer than J-pop and visual-kei. So pull on your Vans, flick back your snapback and head down to get drunk and very disorderly in the biggest mosh pit of the month.

May 24-25, Kawasaki Club Citta. See concert listings for details.