REVIEW: ArcTanGent, Thursday
Words by our Founders, Kelly Rose & Thom Earle; Photography by Jez Pennington
Explosions in the Sky by Jez Pennington
Kicking into high gear with a diverse lineup
After Wednesday’s intimate lineup on the Yohkai stage, ArcTanGent truly came alive on Thursday with a packed schedule headlined by legendary post-rockers Explosions In The Sky. Whether you were drawn to the emo stylings of itoldyouiwouldeatyou, the blistering noise rock of Kulk, the raw post-hardcore of Kaonashi, or the electronic-infused instrumental math rock of Aiming For Enrike, the day offered something for experimental music fans of all tastes and genres.
Itoldyouiwouldeatyou
Opening the Main Stage of this year’s ArcTanGent were British fifth-wave emo group itoldyouiwouldeatyou. Fresh off the release of their first new material since 2019, the recent single “Moscow Is Silent” via Beth Shalom Records, the band kicked off their new era in style with a striking visual backdrop that made full use of the Main Stage's LED screens. Their set featured three tracks from this new era, beginning with a yet-to-be-released song, as well as “Moscow Is Silent,” and another unreleased track. If these songs are any indication, the next chapter for itoldyouiwouldeatyou promises to be something special. Their performance also marked a poignant farewell to the band's departing guitarist and founding member, Josh. For a band that formed at ArcTanGent back in 2014, it was a perfect send-off for one of the members who helped start it all, right where it began.
Pleiades
One of the best things about ArcTanGent is the compactness of the festival site; the longest walk you'll take is between the Main Stage and Yohkai, and even that is just a few minutes. This gave us plenty of time to head over and catch Manchester's Pleiades, who wasted no time bringing the energy with their intense, high-octane performance. Despite the early hour, Pleiades delivered a set as stellar as their name, seamlessly blending intricate post-rock structures with the raw edge of hardcore. They showed exactly why they're a rising force in the scene, with a performance that felt both urgent and captivating.
Oddism
Oddism brought their unique blend of progressive metal and post-hardcore to the PX3 stage, delivering a set that was both intense and intricate. The band’s technical prowess was evident in their complex guitar work and shifting time signatures, creating a sound that was as unpredictable as it was engaging. Oddism’s ability to blend heavy, aggressive riffs with melodic interludes kept the crowd hooked, offering a fresh take on the genre that stood out among the day’s lineup.
Kulk
If Kulk’s set demonstrated one thing, it’s that a duo can produce an incredible amount of noise on stage. The Norwich-based pair delivered one of the loudest and most intense performances we experienced all weekend, proving that a wall of sound doesn’t require a large lineup—just a powerful synergy between two musicians. Opening the Bixler stage after its year-long hibernation, Kulk erupted with a thunderous energy that reverberated through the crowd, instantly waking up anyone who might have underestimated the early slot. Their raw, primal sound combined crushing riffs with explosive drumming, creating a sonic assault that was both exhilarating and unforgettable. The sheer volume and intensity of their set left us awestruck, making it clear why Kulk is gaining a reputation for their visceral live shows. In just a few short minutes, they turned the stage into a cauldron of noise and energy, setting a high bar for the rest of the day.
Unpeople
Unpeople took to the stage with a raw intensity that immediately set them apart. The UK-based trio unleashed a relentless barrage of noise rock and post-hardcore that grabbed the audience by the throat and didn’t let go. Opening with "Black Marks" and "Bare Bones," they wasted no time in building a thick, suffocating atmosphere, the kind that leaves you both unsettled and completely engrossed. The raw power of their set continued with "Eyesore" and "Clutch," as the band's heavy, sludgy riffs and pounding drums reverberated through the crowd. By the time they reached their closing track, "Marauder," it was clear that Unpeople had left a lasting impression, delivering a performance that was as haunting as it was exhilarating.
Healthyliving
Taking the Main Stage at 1:20 PM, Healthyliving delivered a captivating set that perfectly blended haunting melodies with intense, powerful riffs. The band's performance opened with "Until," immediately setting a moody, atmospheric tone that drew the crowd in. As they moved through their set with tracks like "Dream Hive" and "Galleries," Healthyliving demonstrated their knack for balancing delicate, ethereal vocals with heavy, driving instrumentation. The dynamic shifts in "To the Gallows" and "To the Fields" showcased the band's versatility and ability to craft a compelling narrative through sound.
Bicurious
Normally, bands don’t get the chance to play ArcTanGent two years in a row, but thanks to a stroke of good fortune, Irish duo Bicurious have now managed to grace the festival’s stages for three consecutive years. With their recent signing to Big Scary Monsters, expectations were high, and the band delivered in style. Their recent single, “Acrylic Fences,” stood out as a powerful addition to their setlist, seamlessly fitting alongside fan favorites like “Sleep” and “I Don't Do Drugs I Just Sweat A Lot.” Drummer Gavin Purcell proved himself to be a charismatic live performer who refuses to stay confined to his drum kit, frequently jumping up to rally the crowd and elevate the energy even further. Alongside guitarist Taran Plouzané’s dynamic riffs and infectious stage presence, Bicurious brought an electric performance that kept the audience fully engaged and eager for more. It’s no surprise they’ve become an ArcTanGent favourite, and with performances like this, they’re sure to be invited back for years to come.
Bicurious images by Jonathan Dadds
blanket
blanket took to the Yohkai stage with a performance that was as cinematic as it was emotive. Known for their expansive soundscapes that merge post-rock with ambient and shoegaze elements, the band enveloped the audience in waves of lush, reverb-drenched guitars and ethereal vocals. Their music, which has been described as “soundtrack music for a film that doesn’t exist,” created a dreamlike atmosphere, drawing the crowd into a world of introspective beauty. Their set was a serene escape, providing a moment of calm amidst the festival's heavier offerings.
Aiming For Enrike
After their impressive performance at Wednesday night’s silent disco, Aiming for Enrike returned to the stage on Thursday, ready to captivate the crowd once more. Unfortunately, their set was cut short to just 15 minutes due to technical difficulties before they began. However, even with the limited time, the duo made a lasting impact.
They kicked off with the rhythmic intensity of “Flat Beats,” quickly setting the tone for their brief but powerful performance. The highlight was the inclusion of a new, unreleased song, working title “140 BPM”. Thanks to a not-so-subtle secret signal from guitarist Simen, I was able to anticipate this special moment. The new track showcased their signature blend of experimental sounds and infectious grooves, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its official release. They closed their set with the crowd favourite “Moustache,” turning what could have been a frustrating situation into a memorable, high-energy moment. Despite the technical setbacks, Aiming for Enrike proved once again why they are a must-see act at this festival.
Aiming For Enrike images by Carl Battams
Wyatt E.
Wyatt E. delivered a hypnotic set on the Yohkai stage, characterised by their unique fusion of doom metal and Middle Eastern influences. The band's slow, deliberate rhythms and deep, resonant tones created a trance-like state among the audience. Their music, rich with traditional instrumentation and atmospheric drones, felt like a journey through ancient landscapes. Wyatt E.'s performance was a captivating experience, blending the heavy with the mystical in a way that was both powerful and deeply immersive.
Julie Christmas
Julie Christmas commanded the stage with a fierce energy that captivated the crowd from the first note to the last. Opening with "Secrets All Men Keep (Salt Bridge, Part II)," she immediately set a dark, atmospheric tone, blending her haunting, ethereal vocals with moments of intense, visceral aggression. The set featured a gripping selection from her critically acclaimed solo work and collaborations, including "July 31st" and the intensely personal "Bow," which left the audience in stunned silence. Her performance of "The Swarm" was a particular highlight, showcasing her unique ability to shift seamlessly between soft, haunting melodies and ferocious, guttural screams. Ending with the powerful "The Real Big Baby," Julie Christmas delivered a masterclass in controlled chaos, leaving the audience spellbound and craving more.
SKEMER
SKEMER’s performance at the Elephant in the Bar Room was a dark, brooding exploration of post-punk and industrial soundscapes. The duo’s minimalist approach, combining stark guitar lines with deep, throbbing electronic beats, created an atmosphere that was both haunting and hypnotic. The interplay between eerie vocals and shadowy instrumentation made for a compelling set that felt both intimate and intense. SKEMER’s ability to convey raw emotion through sparse arrangements left a lasting impact, standing out as a unique offering in the day's lineup.
Kaonashi
We thought we knew what loud was after hearing Kulk, but nothing could have prepared us for the sonic assault delivered by Philadelphia-based metalcore/post-hardcore group Kaonashi. Even as I write this over a week later, my ears still haven't fully recovered from the pummeling that Peter Rono and his crew unleashed. With their set clashing against Baroness on the Main Stage, Kaonashi cranked everything up—not just to 11, but to 13—and delivered a performance that was, without a doubt, the most intense of the weekend.
Their set had everything I’d hoped for and more, especially after recently diving deep into their high school narrative from their latest EP, A Second Chance At Forever: The Brilliant Lies From Casey Diamond. With R&B samples seamlessly woven into the chaos and Rono’s electrifying stage presence, Kaonashi captivated the crowd at every turn. They even acknowledged their influences with an opening riff that paid homage to Coheed and Cambria, prompting our friend Phil to enthusiastically shout “Children of the Fence!” in tribute.
Kaonashi's performance was relentless and raw, a whirlwind of emotion and energy that never let up. With tracks like "We Got One" and "I Hate the Sound of Car Keys" showcasing their range from melodic intricacies to gut-punch breakdowns, the band proved why they are one of the most exciting acts in the scene right now. Rono is a frontperson like no other—constantly engaging with the crowd, his intensity and passion on full display. By the time they closed with "You'll Understand When You're Older," it was clear that Kaonashi had given everything they had, leaving us both battered and exhilarated and marking a highlight of the festival that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Baroness
Baroness took the Main Stage by storm with a dynamic performance that showcased their evolution as one of the most compelling bands in rock and metal today. Opening with "Take My Bones Away," they set an explosive tone, their signature blend of heavy riffs and soaring melodies immediately igniting the crowd. The setlist, featuring tracks from across their discography—including "A Horse Called Golgotha," "Shock Me," and the new single "Shine"—was a testament to their versatility and mastery of genre-blending. Frontman John Baizley’s gritty vocals and powerful presence were complemented perfectly by Gina Gleason’s virtuosic guitar work, especially during their fiery rendition of "March to the Sea." The band closed with "The Sweetest Curse," a fan favourite that had the entire crowd singing along, ending the set on a triumphant high note and solidifying their status in the scene.
Kalandra
Kalandra brought a mystical and enchanting presence to the stage, captivating the audience with their ethereal blend of Nordic folk and atmospheric rock. Opening with "Borders," the Norwegian band immediately drew the crowd into a world of haunting melodies and lush, expansive soundscapes. Their set featured a mesmerizing mix of tracks, including the spellbinding "Naive" and the evocative "Virkelighetens Etterklang," which showcased Katrine Stenbekk's haunting vocals against a backdrop of intricate guitar work and atmospheric synths. The band's unique sound, combining traditional folk elements with modern rock sensibilities, was beautifully highlighted in "Slow Motion," a track that built to a powerful, emotional crescendo. Closing with "Ensomme Ulver," Kalandra left the audience in a state of awe, their performance a perfect blend of delicate beauty and raw, emotive power.
Spiritualized
Spiritualized brought their iconic blend of space rock, gospel, and psychedelia to the Main Stage, delivering a performance that was both transcendent and deeply emotional. The band’s expansive soundscapes, filled with lush orchestration and Jason Pierce’s soulful vocals, captivated the crowd. With a setlist that included a mix of classics and new material, Spiritualized took the audience on a journey through layers of sound and emotion, building to moments of euphoric crescendo. Their performance was a highlight of the day, a sonic experience that was as uplifting as it was profound.
Amenra
Amenra took the Yohkai stage with a performance that was nothing short of visceral. Known for their intense live shows, the Belgian post-metal collective delivered a set filled with crushing riffs, haunting melodies, and raw, cathartic vocals. The band's ability to create a deep, emotional connection with their audience was evident as they moved through their set, each song building a dark, spiritual atmosphere that enveloped the tent. Amenra’s combination of brutal heaviness and poignant, introspective moments left a profound impact on everyone present, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in the genre.
Explosions In The Sky
Setlist
The Birth and Death of the Day
Catastrophe and the Cure
Greet Death
Loved Ones
Magic Hours
Your Hand in Mine
With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept
The Fight
The Only Moment We Were Alone
Like many in the tent and sprawling into the field, we’ve been listening to Explosions in the Sky for upwards of 20 years. Seeing them live has always been a distant dream that finally became a reality to close our first full day at ATG. Their performance was utterly beautiful, a breathtaking journey through the music they’ve crafted over the years. As our mate aptly put it, "the only thing that was missing was a starry sky."
Their performance flowed seamlessly, each piece building on the next to captivated everyone. The atmosphere was charged with an almost palpable sense of wonder, as if every member of the audience was sharing in a collective moment of introspection and awe. For those of us who have held Explosions in the Sky close for decades, their live performance was a profoundly moving experience that reaffirmed the timelessness of their music. Ech note a reminder of why Explosions in the Sky remain one of the most beloved bands in the post-rock world.
