Though so many have fallen by the wayside in recent times, the UK music festival market is undoubtedly oversaturated, as evidenced by repetitive lineups across the board ad nauseam, much to the boredom of music consumers. That’s why some fest organisers have taken to adapting their lineups to a more niche market – it might not sell out, but your fans will express eternal gratitude and loyalty for providing a chance to revel in the music they love, even just for one weekend.
Festivals don’t get much more niche than Somerset’s ArcTanGent Festival – now in its third year, this August weekender provides a range of progressive sounds, predominately from the worlds of math-rock and post-rock. As niche, esoteric festivals tend to do, it almost seemed as if ATG was starting to paint itself into a corner (there are only so many bands from this world that can bring the crowds in – a little like Download having to invite Iron Maiden, Slipknot and Metallica back year after year), but 2015 sees ArcTanGent putting its most strident foot forward yet, with an eclectic and wildly varied lineup – just look at those headliners for a start!
With 3 days of music and over 70 acts, it was hard to narrow down to just 10 essential picks for the weekend, but our valiant writer Ollie Connors chose some of the very best ways to kill time during the day, before the semi-legendary Silent Disco takes place at night.
Deafheaven
Co-headlining Friday’s festivities alongside Cult Of Luna, this Californian collective may be a surprising choice of headliner to some, but in our mind, they feel more than apt to bring the curtain down on the day. A blend of black metal, post-rock and shoegaze, this quintet stunned the world with 2013’s ‘Sunbather’, an astonishing effort universally lauded by critics which has seen the band’s profile skyrocket, reaching an audience that may have previously solely associated black metal with church burnings. We may even be treated to a cut or two from upcoming album ‘New Bermuda’, a promise that’s getting us salivating.
The Dillinger Escape Plan
Probably the finest technical metal band in the world, these veterans are no stranger to a UK festival stage, and look to bring their intense and visceral style to the baying masses of ArcTanGent. A rarity in a long-serving act in that not a single entry in their canon could even be slighted as mediocre, let alone poor, the New Jerseyians are sure to bring the weekend to a close in typical obliterating fashion.
65daysofstatic
It may seem lazy for us to feature 3/4 headliners, but all three are of such legendary status that it would be foolish not to. Now comfortably in situ as “godfathers” of the UK post-rock scene and a powerful influence behind the resurgence it has engendered these past couple of years, the Sheffield band return to the festival they headlined in 2013 to once again showcase why they are held in such high regard. They may have switched to the territory of euphoric dance from their “glitch-rock” beginnings, but those who grabbed an early entry ticket will be treated to one of the best live acts these isles have ever seen.
The Fall Of Troy
They’re back! Having reformed in 2013 after a three year hiatus, the technical post-hardcore behemoths finally reach the UK and ArcTanGent festival, a more than natural home for their taut riffs and manic energy. Unlike their appearance at Hevy Fest which sees them playing ‘Doppelgänger’ in full, this set will feature cuts from their entire discography, wreaking mayhem on an unsuspecting Bristolian field.
Talons
Unfortunately with a host of incredible bands playing, it does lead to some awkward clashes, least of all Herefordians Talons coming up against Crows-An-Wra, an enticing post-hardcore act that should send pulses racing in fans of early At The Drive-In. However, we are going to bear witness to the jaw-dropping post-rock prowess of Talons, showcasing cuts from their astonishing 2014 full-length ‘New Demographics’. If you’ve ever wondered who the British equivalent of Godspeed You! Black Emperor are, look no further.
Axes
What gives you joy in life? A baby’s laugh? Your favourite football team doing a goal? Finding an absolute bargain in the Sainsburys reduced bins? Axes are the musical equivalent of these moments of sheer ecstasy, a fist-punch of a set from start to finish. From their juicy, Rush-esque basslines to their chaotic time, they make you feel like a kid running all the way home from school with just the hood of his anorak over their head, the rest flapping behind like a cape.
Vennart/British Theatre
Who remembers Oceansize? The Manchester-based proggers met their demise back in 2011, but fresh from world tours as the fourth member of Biffy Clyro’s live show, their former frontman Mike Vennart returns with not one but two acts at ArcTanGent festival. The eponymous is very much a trip down memory lane for ‘Size fans (especially because former Oceansize members appear in the band), reminiscent of the latter end of their career. British Theatre, a collaboration with former Oceansize guitarist Richard “Gambler” Ingram reaches more experimental territories. Whichever style tickles your particular fancy, ensure not to miss either chance to see this mercurial talent.
Rolo Tomassi
2015 sees Rolo Tomassi celebrate their tenth anniversary as a band, and they’ve seen in their first decade in style with fourth album ‘Grievances’. The album they’ve always threatened to make, this sees their trademark angular riffs and dizzying time-signature changes augmented by the addition of powerhouse drummer Tom Fitts and darker atmospherics. Vocalist Eva Spence is still a treat to watch live, her theatrics and “whirling dervish” presence ensuring that the Yorkshiremen are still one of the most exciting live acts this country has seen.
Body Hound
This festival is a cavalcade of technical superiority, and few bands display this better than Body Hound. Obfuscating riffs, whirlwind lead breaks and breakdowns that threaten to shake the foundations of wherever they play, this trio will provide a more than adequate replacement for anyone wishing Brontide were present on this lineup.
We Never Learned To Live
It may not be evident by our choices, but the weekend does feature a lot more variety than previous editions, not least in the form of Brighton’s We Never Learned To Live. Their début album ‘Silently We Threw Them Skyward’ is a curious revival of the early 00’s post-hardcore sounds akin to the likes of Hopesfall, Taken, Mahumodo and Cave In, and brings something different to the roster of Holy Roar Records (realised this is accidentally the third HRR band in a row we’ve picked – shout out that label). If “identikit math-rock” has tired you out, I can think of few better alternatives.
ArcTanGent takes place from 20th to the 22nd August 2015, Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin, a short journey from Bristol. Tickets are still available.