REVIEW: ArcTanGent, Wednesday
Words by our Founders, Kelly Rose & Thom Earle; Photography by Jez Pennington
Aiming for Enrike by Jez Pennington
Celebrating a decade of brilliance with a legendary kickoff
ArcTanGent is, without a doubt, one of our favourite festivals and always a highlight of our summer. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, there was no question that we would make our way to Fernhill Farm for the weekend.
As in previous years, ATG kicked things off early for a select few on Wednesday, with the Yohkai stage boasting a full lineup for the day. With some of our faves like Din of Celestial Birds, And So I Watch You From Afar, and Aiming for Enrike on the bill, we unleashed the ever-talented Jez Pennington to capture the vibrant spectrum of math rock, post-rock, and all the experimental sounds of the niche genres in between. Join us as we relive the magical start to ATG’s 10th year with our Wednesday review.
Din of Celestial Birds
The word had clearly spread that ArcTanGent’s Wednesday lineup promised something extraordinary, as the Yohkai stage was already packed when Leeds-based post-rockers Din of Celestial Birds began their set. The tent overflowed with eager fans ready to celebrate ArcTanGent’s tenth anniversary in style. Among the many genres showcased at the festival, post-rock holds a particularly special place in our hearts, and Din of Celestial Birds’ performance was one we had eagerly anticipated since their appearance at Portals earlier this year. Their set felt like a homecoming, and we were utterly entranced.
Curse These Metal Hands
Curse These Metal Hands brought an electrifying atmosphere to the Yohkai stage on Wednesday, proving why the collaboration between Conjurer and Pijn is so highly regarded. Returning after a standout performance last year, the band wasted no time in delivering a set that had the crowd in high spirits. Tracks like "High Spirits" and "Sunday" resonated through the tent, blending crushing heaviness with melodic finesse. The connection between the musicians was palpable, creating a sound that was both powerful and deeply emotive. Their performance was a masterclass in dynamic intensity, reminding everyone why this supergroup is such a force on the ArcTanGent lineup.
LLNN
LLNN unleashed a sonic onslaught that left the Yohkai stage quaking under the weight of their colossal sound. Known for their brutal blend of post-metal and hardcore, the Danish quartet did not disappoint. The highlight of their set was undoubtedly "Desecrator," a track that took on a new level of intensity with the addition of Kim Song Sternkopf’s ferocious guest vocals. The atmosphere was thick with tension as LLNN hammered out relentless, crushing riffs, enveloping the audience in a wall of sound that was as suffocating as it was exhilarating. Their performance was a masterclass in controlled chaos, leaving the crowd both exhausted and craving more."
Bossk
By the time Bossk took the Yohkai stage at 8:35 PM, the energy in the air was palpable. The post-metal titans delivered a crushing set that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of ArcTanGent. Opening with a powerful, unidentified track, they quickly reminded us why they are revered in the underground scene. The crowd was taken on a journey through heavy atmospheres and relentless riffs, particularly during the earthtone9 cover "Tat Twam Asi," which featured a blistering guest appearance by Karl Middleton. Bossk’s blend of ferocity and precision was most evident in their renditions of "Joan of Arc" and "Mentor," covers that they made their own while paying homage to the originals. Each note felt like a seismic event, leaving the audience in awe of the sheer weight and intensity of their performance.
And So I Watch You From Afar
Headlining Wednesday’s billing at ArcTanGent were Northern Irish post-rock titans And So I Watch You From Afar, who marked the festival’s 10th anniversary with a specially curated, fan-voted setlist. The night was a celebration of the band's storied career, featuring beloved classics like “Set Guitars to Kill” and “A Slow Unfolding of Wings.”
Their performance was both explosive and cathartic, resonating deeply with the ArcTanGent faithful who had gathered in anticipation. The emotional connection between the band and the audience was palpable, with each note carrying the weight of a shared journey.
Instrumental music often forges a unique bond with listeners, offering a vast canvas for fans to project their own stories and meanings onto the music. And So I Watch You From Afar exemplified this, as their intricate soundscapes created a collective experience that transcended words. The energy in the crowd was electric, with every crescendo and quiet moment drawing the audience closer.
It was clear why And So I Watch You From Afar were chosen to headline and officially kick off ATG’s 10th year, cementing their place in the festival’s history with a set that was nothing short of legendary.
Full fan-voted set:
BEAUTIFULUNIVERSEMASTERCHAMPION
Search:Party:Animal
Dying Giants
Mullally
A Slow Unfolding of Wings
Wasps
A Little Bit of Solidarity Goes a Long Way
Clench Fists, Grit Teeth... Go!
7 Billion People All Alive at Once
S Is for Salamander
Set Guitars to Kill
Big Thinks Do Remarkable
Aiming for Enrike
If there was one set we’re kicking ourselves for missing, it’s Aiming for Enrike’s Wednesday night silent disco. For those lucky enough to catch it, you know you struck gold. While their Thursday set faced some technical difficulties, this Wednesday performance was an improvisational triumph. Stripping back the noise, Aiming for Enrike delivered an intimate, headphone-driven experience that showcased their ability to create electrifying atmospheres even in silence.
We caught up with the duo - Simen Følstad Nilsen (guitar) and Tobias Ørnes Andersen (drums) - the following day (interview incoming) to get the inside scoop on this unique set. Tobias shared, “We practiced before the show and had some cues planned. But a lot of the stuff was also improvised.” Simen added, “The set list was set to a BPM (beats per minute) on the tempo and some notes on what to maybe do. Not what to do exactly, but some things that we could do.”
This blend of structured spontaneity translated into a dynamic, one-of-a-kind experience for those in attendance. For those who were there, it was a rare treat and a reminder that sometimes, the best moments happen when you least expect them. If you caught this set, consider yourself one of the festival's true winners.
And with that, ArcTanGent’s opening night came to a close, leaving us in eager anticipation of what the rest of the festival would bring. If Wednesday was anything to go by, we were in for an unforgettable ride.
