EndFest moves to Gorge

The timing couldn't be better.

The same week that Papa Roach releases its eagerly-awaited sophomore album, "lovehatetragedy," KNDD-FM/The End has the hot band headlining the 11th edition of "EndFest," the station's annual all-day blowout of cutting-edge modern rock bands.

The California group's debut "Infest" album was a big success last year, selling more than 3 million copies — thanks largely to the blistering rap-rock hit, "Last Resort." Weeks before the new album's release this past Tuesday, the first single from it, the surprisingly melodic "She Loves Me Not," became a hit. With that strong leadoff, the CD will likely debut at or near No. 1 in Billboard next week.

The CD's release and the concert coincide because, after a decade as an end-of-summer, last-party-before-school-starts blowout, this year EndFest is one of the first of the summer's major rock shows.

The site is also new this year. Instead of the big, outdoor space at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Bremerton, which had all the ambiance of an unpaved parking lot, the show's new home is the Gorge Amphitheatre near George in Grant County, with its green-grass terraces and sweeping view of the Columbia Gorge. It's a longer trek from Seattle — close to three hours on Interstate 90 — but a much better site. There's more room, allowing the second stage to be further from the mainstage. There will be extreme sports demonstrations, interactive games, a midway, more concessions than at the Bremerton site and, for the first time at EndFest, a beer garden. Camping is available on the night before and the night of the concert, at $30 a night ($35 at the gate).

The show features rap and rock bands heard on KNDD. Here are our picks of the best of the bunch.

The Strokes - Even though this New York band is playing the second stage, it's one of the headliners. An incredibly tight, talented outfit, it's a leader in the current hard-rock revival. The band's "Is This It" album is highlighted by the piledriving "Hard to Explain."

Tenacious D - The funniest band in rock, this duo is made up of actor/musician Jack Black and best bud Kyle Gass. They're perfect for EndFest, because of the shorter sets due to the number of bands on the bill; a little of their profane and obscene whimsy goes a long way.

Papa Roach — "Last Resort" was one of the most bracing, intense hits of last year. The young band shows on its new album, "lovehatetragedy," that it's capable of growth. It will be interesting to see how the EndFest audience reacts to Roach's more melodic, more pop-oriented punk-rap.

Jimmy Eat World - "The Middle," a cut from the band's debut album, "Bleed American," was a breakthrough hit last year. The video was a favorite, and a surprise — it depicted a teenage couple at a party, being responsible! In the middle of taking their clothes off in a closet, they stop, realize they're not ready for sex, get dressed and go back to the party and dance!

Hoobastank - Though hardly original, Hoobastank has a way with pounding, mosh-friendly songs, like last year's "Crawling In the Dark" and the new hit, "Running Away." Hoobastank will get the crowd riled up.

Our Lady Peace - The dreamy, slow-building "Somewhere Out There" single, from the new "Gravity" CD, stands out on the radio, because of its rich arrangement and lead singer Raine Maida's dramatic, anguished vocal.

Dashboard Confessional - The latest sing-along-with-the-singer band. Fans memorize Chris Carrabba's passionate songs, like "Screaming Infidelities," from the band's breakthrough "The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most" album.

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com