PREVIEW: ArcTanGent Festival 2024

Gigs

13 Aug

This Wednesday through Saturday (14-17 August), ArcTanGent, one of the highlights of the festival season, takes place at the picturesque Fernhill Farm. Renowned for its eclectic lineup that spans math rock, post-rock, experimental, and all the niche genres in between, ArcTanGent is the ultimate destination for lovers of intricate rhythms, sweeping soundscapes, and musical exploration. This year marks the festival’s tenth birthday, and to celebrate, the organizers have gone all out with a roster of both legendary acts and rising stars. Highlights range from the expansive soundscapes of And So I Watch You From Afar and Caspian, to the emotional depth of itoldyouiwouldeatyou, and the raw energy of Kulk.

Expect unforgettable performances from the likes of the dynamic Aiming For Enrike, the enigmatic Julie Christmas, and the intense Kaonashi. The festival’s highlights also feature the cinematic post-rock of Explosions In The Sky, the progressive mastery of Animals As Leaders, and the genre-blending brilliance of Thank. Whether you're drawn to the progressive art-rock sounds of Sans Froid, the sax-driven ferocity of Every Hell, the math-pop charm of Orchards, or the lush, atmospheric sound of Din of Celestial Birds, there's something for every musical taste. And as if that weren’t enough, the weekend will culminate with a mesmerizing set from post-rock giants Mogwai, ensuring that ArcTanGent 2024 is a festival experience like no other.

With so many great bands performing across five stages, navigating the festival lineup can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry—get set for the festival with our day-by-day highlights, and prepare for four days of musical discovery that will stay with you long after the final note has rung out. So grab your wellies, pack your earplugs, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at ArcTanGent 2024!

Wednesday

*Din of Celestial Birds by Jez Pennington*

As has been the case for the past few years, ArcTanGent gives fans a sneak peek of what to expect from the festival proper with an intimate offering on Wednesday, exclusively for those who have purchased the 4-day tickets.

Early birds should head to the Yohkai stage at 14:50 for Din of Celestial Birds (see what we did there), whose atmospheric soundscapes will serve as the perfect opener for the festival. Their ethereal, immersive compositions are sure to resonate with fans of expansive, otherworldly music.

For something heavier, check out Cobra The Impaler at 15:45 on the Yohkai stage. Their blend of progressive metal and hard rock is delivered with a ferocity that’s sure to satisfy fans of the heavier side of the ATG lineup.

As the sun sets, the Yohkai stage will be electrified by And So I Watch You From Afar at 22:00. The Northern Irish instrumental rock band is renowned for their high-energy live performances, and this set promises to be something truly special. In a unique twist, the band will be playing a fan-selected setlist, featuring some of their most beloved tracks. This promises to be an unforgettable experience for long-time fans, offering a chance to hear the songs that have defined their journey, all chosen by the community that has supported them.

But the night doesn’t end there. For those who want to keep the energy going, Aiming for Enrike will take over the Yohkai stage at 23:30 for a live silent disco set. This dynamic duo, known for their hypnotic blend of looped guitars and driving beats, will provide a truly unique experience as they close out the first night with a performance that will be heard only through headphones, turning the Yohkai stage into a surreal, immersive dance floor.

Thursday

Thursday promises to be a day of contrasts, with acts ranging from the emotive to the downright intense. Start your day at the Main Stage with the indie-tinged emo stylings of the completely brilliant itoldyouiwouldeatyou at 11:00. Their blend of heartfelt lyrics and intricate instrumentation will offer a gentle yet stirring start to the day. Over at the Bixler stage, Kulk brings their raw energy at 11:35, with a performance that is sure to leave an impression with its fusion of noise rock and punk sensibilities.

The early afternoon continues to impress with Bicurious at 13:55 on the Bixler stage. This Irish duo has been making waves with their blend of alt rock that is as catchy as it is intricate. Their live shows are known for their high energy and crowd interaction, making them a must-see.

For something a bit more experimental, head over to the PX3 stage at 14:30 for Aiming for Enrike. Fresh off their silent disco set from the previous night, they’ll be performing a more traditional set, showcasing their innovative soundscapes and complex rhythms in a different light.

Alternatively, another unmissable act is BO NINGEN, who will take to the Main Stage also at 14:30. Their frenetic blend of psychedelic rock and noise is delivered with an intensity that is both captivating and overwhelming. BO NINGEN’s live shows are a whirlwind of energy and sound, making them one of the most exciting bands on the bill.

Later in the day, don’t miss the enigmatic Julie Christmas on the Main Stage at 15:50. Known for her powerful vocals and intense stage presence, Julie Christmas has a reputation for captivating audiences with her emotionally charged performances. Her set is sure to be one of the highlights of the day, offering a visceral experience that will stay with you long after the festival.

At 16:45, make sure to catch Cats and Cats and Cats on the Bixler stage. Known for their eclectic blend of indie and math rock, their music is both playful and complex, making for a performance that’s sure to captivate. With their intricate melodies and dynamic arrangements, Cats and Cats and Cats will be a delightful addition to your Thursday lineup.

Don’t miss Kaonashi at 17:30 on the PX3 stage. This band’s unique blend of progressive post-hardcore and metalcore, paired with their theatrical performances, makes them a standout in the lineup. Their music, which often tells a narrative through its intense and intricate compositions, is sure to be a powerful live experience.

Explosions In The Sky will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the day at 21:40 on the Main Stage. The legendary post-rock outfit is known for their cinematic, emotionally charged performances, and their set promises to be one of the festival's defining moments. With anthems like "The Only Moment We Were Alone" and "Your Hand in Mine," they are sure to deliver a performance that resonates deeply with the audience, offering a perfect end to an incredible day of music.

Friday

Friday at ArcTanGent is all about pushing boundaries and challenging musical conventions. At 12:10 on the Main Stage, Zetra will bring their dark and moody blend of doom and shoegaze, offering a sound that’s both heavy and ethereal. Their music, characterized by thick, sludgy riffs and haunting melodies, will provide a perfect contrast to the more upbeat acts of the day.

At 12:45, head to the Elephant in the Bar Room Stage for Sans Froid, the Bristol-based progressive art-rockers are gearing up to drop their debut album Hello, Boil Brain and expect something special at ATG.

Make sure to catch The Omnific at 13:20 on the Main Stage. This Australian instrumental trio, known for their dual-bass guitar setup, delivers a sound that is both melodic and rhythmically complex. Their live performances are a blend of technical skill and emotive playing that is sure to captivate the audience.

The PX3 stage will host Every Hell at 14:40, a band that combines a dark brooding sax-heavy sound with an intense performance, making them a must-see for fans of heavier music.

On the Main Stage at 16:10, Three Trapped Tigers will deliver a set that effortlessly blends electronic elements with live instrumentation to create a sound that’s both futuristic and visceral. Known for their complex time signatures and energetic performances, they’re a band that never fails to impress with their technical prowess and innovation.

The Bixler stage at 17:05 will feature Orchards, whose upbeat, math-pop sound is the perfect contrast to the more intense acts of the day. With catchy hooks and intricate guitar work, their set promises to be a fun, high-energy experience that’s sure to get the crowd moving.

Make sure to catch Delta Sleep on the Bixler stage at 18:15. This Brighton-based band has been a staple of the modern math-rock scene, known for their intricate guitar work, catchy melodies, and dynamic songwriting. Their set will be a blend of technical prowess and emotional depth that is sure to resonate with the ArcTanGent audience.

Another of the day’s highlights can be found with Animals As Leaders set at 19:40 on the Main Stage. With their virtuosic guitar work and complex compositions, this instrumental trio is a must-see for anyone with a love for technical proficiency and genre-blurring sounds. Expect a masterclass in musicianship that will leave you in awe and serve as a reminder of why they are considered one of the best in the progressive metal scene.

For something truly unique, check out Teeth Of The Sea on the Elephant in the Bar Room Stage at 20:45. This London-based band blends elements of electronic, industrial, and psychedelic rock into a sound that’s both otherworldly and intense. Their live performances are a sensory experience, blending visuals with their expansive soundscapes.

Saturday

*And So I Watch You From Afar by Jonathan Dadds*

As the festival draws to a close, Saturday brings a series of performances that will ensure ArcTanGent 2024 ends on a high note. Start the day bright and early with some Welsh post-rock curtsey of FORT at 11:35 over on the Yohkai stage.

VOWER kicks off the afternoon at 14:00 on the Yohkai stage, promising an intense set filled with raw emotion. Simultaneously, over at the Elephant in the Bar Room Stage, Thank will be delivering their blend of noise rock and punk energy, ensuring that the final day starts with a jolt of adrenaline.

At 15:25, head to the Elephant in the Bar Room Stage for PEACH. The Bristol-based band has been gaining attention for their unique blend of grunge, alt-rock, and punk influences. Known for their gritty guitar riffs and raw, emotional vocals, PEACH brings an intensity to their live shows that is sure to captivate the crowd. Their set promises to be a powerful mix of energy and emotion, making them a must-see on Saturday.

Later in the afternoon, at 16:55, the Elephant in the Bar Room Stage will be taken over by God Alone. This experimental post-metal band hailing from Ireland is known for pushing boundaries with their genre-blending sound. Combining elements of post-rock, metal, and electronic music, God Alone creates a dynamic and immersive live experience. Their performance will be filled with heavy riffs, atmospheric passages, and unexpected twists, making it one of the most anticipated sets of the day.

The evening sees the return of And So I Watch You From Afar, this time on the Main Stage at 17:40. After their fan-selected set on Wednesday, the band will be delivering another unforgettable performance, fresh off the release of their new album Megafauna, which dropped just last Friday. This second set will be a chance to hear the band explore their latest material live, offering fans a first glimpse at the songs that are sure to become new favourites.

Brontide will take the stage at 18:35 on the Yohkai stage, offering a performance that will be both powerful and intricate. Their instrumental rock is known for its driving rhythms and complex guitar work, making them a must-see for fans of technical rock music.

Next on the Yohkai stage at 20:35, one of our absolute favourites of all time and a band we never thought we’d see live, Caspian, will deliver their lush, expansive soundscapes that will set the stage for the final acts of the festival. Known for their powerful, cinematic post-rock, Caspian’s music is the perfect soundtrack for the final evening, creating an atmosphere that’s both reflective and uplifting. Their set is something we’ve been looking forward to all year and will no doubt be our highlight of the whole festival.

For those looking to close out the festival with something truly unforgettable, Mogwai takes the Main Stage at 21:30. The post-rock giants are known for their towering crescendos and beautiful, melancholic melodies, making them the perfect act to close out this year's ArcTanGent. Their set is sure to be a sonic journey that encapsulates the spirit of the festival, leaving the audience in a state of euphoria as the final notes fade into the night.