REVIEW: ArcTanGent, Saturday
Words by our Founders, Kelly Rose & Thom Earle; Photography by Jez Pennington unless otherwise specified.
Caspian (with ASIWYFA) by Jez Pennington
The unforgettable finale
Saturday at ArcTanGent was a fitting finale to the festival’s 10th anniversary, featuring an eclectic mix of bands that showcased the festival’s dedication to experimental and progressive music. The day began with a burst of epic swelling post-rock from South Wales’ FORT, whose sweeping sound set a powerful tone for the final day’s events. As the sun climbed higher, Leeds-based noise merchants Thank brought a chaotic, raw energy to the packed-out Elephant in the Bar Room Stage, their anarchic noise rock and post-punk blend was in perfect contrast to the post-rock heavy day.
The festival’s momentum continued with a spellbinding performance by And So I Watch You From Afar, who treated the Main Stage crowd to their new album, Megafauna, in full. This set was a heartfelt tribute to their roots in Portrush and Belfast, filled with intricate melodies and dynamic compositions that transported you to the bands’ Northern Irish home. Over on the Yohkai stage, Caspian delivered a powerful set of their own, transporting listeners with their expansive post-rock tapestries. As the band celebrated their 20th anniversary they demonstrated time and time again why they are one of the most respected and influential acts in the post-rock scene.
As night fell, Mogwai took to the Main Stage, Mogwai took command of the Main Stage, delivering a monumental set that showcased their career-long mastery of expansive, emotionally charged soundscapes. Saturday was a true embodiment of ArcTanGent’s eclectic and daring spirit, an unforgettable celebration of the festival's evolution over the past decade. We're excited to see what the future has in store.
FORT
With a lineup brimming with post-rock royalty, it was only fitting to kick off the final day of ArcTanGent’s 10th anniversary with a dose of epic post-rock brilliance from South Wales’ FORT. Riding high on the momentum of their recent EP, Over The Water, Where The Clouds Grow, the four-piece band filled the Yohkai stage with their sweeping atmospheres. Tracks like the powerful single “Three Of Swords” set the tone for the day, blending swelling build-ups with soaring crescendos that captivated the early crowd. It was a joy to witness a band we’ve quickly become enamoured with sharing the stage with their—and our—idols, making for a truly memorable start to the festival’s final day
Codex Serafini
Codex Serafini took to the Bixler stage with a performance that was as enigmatic and immersive as their music. The Brighton-based band, known for their eclectic fusion of avant-garde rock, doom, and experimental psychedelia, captivated the crowd with a swirling mix of heavy grooves and ethereal sounds. Their set was a sensory experience, blending hypnotic rhythms with unpredictable shifts in tempo and dynamics, creating an atmosphere that was both intense and otherworldly. The band's theatrical presence and use of mystical imagery added a layer of visual intrigue, drawing the audience deeper into their psychedelic universe.
B R I Q U E V I L L E
B R I Q U E V I L L E took to the Main Stage and cast a dark, enveloping shadow over the audience with their intense, brooding set. The Belgian collective, known for their anonymous, masked presence and atmospheric post-metal, delivered a set that was both hypnotic and crushing. Building from haunting, minimalist beginnings to towering walls of sound, their performance was a slow-burning journey through layers of doom-laden riffs and unsettling ambience. The band's meticulous control of dynamics and texture created a sense of foreboding that captivated the crowd, drawing them deeper into a vortex of sound. The use of visual elements and carefully orchestrated lighting added to the immersive experience, making their set a multi-sensory spectacle that was both eerie and mesmerising.
Cassus
Cassus delivered a blistering set on the PX3 stage, bringing their ferocious brand of screamo to life with an intensity that few bands can match. Featuring Alfie from fellow Norwich-based noise merchants Other Half on drums, the band's performance was a journey through controlled chaos. Alfie’s ability to generate a massive sound from a minimalist drum kit is nothing short of extraordinary, demonstrating why he's considered one of the scene's standout drummers. Cassus tore through their set with relentless energy, their sound a visceral blend of intricate guitar work, aggressive vocals, and tight, dynamic rhythms. Their raw, emotive style, filled with abrupt tempo changes and cathartic screams, created an atmosphere charged with tension and emotion. The band’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of hardcore was evident throughout a set that perfectly captured the spirit of ArcTanGent.
Cassus by Jonathan Dadds
Haus Horo
Haus Horo's performance at the Bixler stage was an engaging blend of avant-garde metal and experimental rock. Their set was marked by its unpredictability, shifting effortlessly between ambient passages and moments of unleashed anger. The band's willingness to experiment with structure and form kept the audience on their toes, making for a dynamic and compelling performance. Their combination of elements of drone, doom, and noise rock, captivated those seeking something a little off-kilter, and Haus Horo delivered a set that was both thought-provoking and visceral.
VOWER
VOWER took the Yohkai stage with fierce determination, delivering a set filled with raw emotion and powerful post-hardcore energy. They opened with “Ghosts,” immediately engaging the crowd with their dynamic stage presence. Tracks like “Empty Hands” and “Hollow Crown” displayed the band's knack for blending melodic sensibilities with aggressive, driving rhythms. The dual vocal attack added depth and intensity to their sound, creating a powerful atmosphere that resonated throughout the tent.
Quade
Quade’s set at the Elephant in the Bar Room was a captivating blend of experimental sounds. The Bristol-based quartet brought a distinctive energy to the stage, combining driving rhythms with lush synth textures and hypnotic melodies. Their performance was a journey through a diverse soundscape, moving from atmospheric passages to moments of pulsating intensity. Quade’s innovative approach to songwriting and their ability to merge different genres into a cohesive sound make them a band you seek out in the future.
Hexvessel
Hexvessel enchanted the Main Stage with their mystical blend of psychedelic rock and folk. The Finnish band, led by Mat McNerney, created an otherworldly atmosphere with their music, which draws heavily on themes of nature and the occult. Their set was filled with rich, organic textures, combining acoustic instruments with electric guitar riffs and haunting vocals. Hexvessel’s performance was both captivating and thought-provoking, offering a mystical experience that transported the audience to a different realm.
Thank
Thank’s set on the packed-out Elephant in the Bar Room Stage made it clear why Big Scary Monsters recently signed the Leeds-based noise merchants. Their performance was a chaotic, anarchic explosion of noise rock and post-punk, brimming with abrasive guitar lines, off-kilter rhythms, and a raw energy that instantly captivated the crowd. The show held particular significance for bassist Cameron Moitt, who felt a sense of homecoming, having attended every previous edition of ArcTanGent. The band’s confrontational stage presence and sardonic humour were unmistakable, with tracks like "Dread" and "Good Boy" blending darkly comedic lyrics with a sensory assault.
Drummer Steve Myles cut an imposing figure behind the kit, embodying the intensity of a tattooed vintage strongman as he pounded the skins with unrelenting force. Drenched in sweat, he appeared on the brink of explosion with every beat, attacking the drums as if each strike was the most important act on earth. The band’s performance was further sharpened by their pointed social commentary, evident in songs critiquing modern societal ills and capturing the absurdity of contemporary life. Thank’s ability to fuse dissonant sounds with biting humour made their set not just a musical experience but a provocative statement. Their unapologetic raw energy and crowd engagement firmly established them as one of the most memorable acts of the day, proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
Bossk
Bossk delivered a thunderous set on the Main Stage, blending post-metal with atmospheric sludge to create a sound that was both crushing and expansive. Their performance was a masterclass in dynamics, moving from delicate, reverb-laden passages to walls of heavy distortion with ease. The band’s ability to build tension and release it in powerful waves kept the audience engaged throughout. Bossk’s set was a highlight for fans of heavy, atmospheric music.
Silver Moth
Silver Moth’s set on the Yohkai stage was a journey through atmospheric rock and shoegaze. Opening with "The Eternal," the band quickly enveloped the audience in a haze of reverb-drenched guitars and ethereal vocals. Their ability to create lush, expansive soundscapes was showcased beautifully in "White Light" and "Slow Burn," with each song building layers of sound to an emotional climax. Silver Moth's performance was both haunting and beautiful, offering a serene yet powerful contrast to the heavier acts of the day.
SCALER
SCALER took the Main Stage by storm with a high-energy set that fused elements of math rock and progressive metal. The band’s musicianship was on full display, with complex guitar riffs and intricate rhythms driving their dynamic performance. Their music, characterised by its rapid tempo changes and melodic flair, kept the audience on their toes. SCALER’s ability to blend technical proficiency with engaging songwriting made their set a standout moment, thrilling fans with a taste for the progressive and the unconventional.
Pijn
Pijn captivated the Bixler stage with a performance that was as emotionally charged as it was powerful. The Manchester-based collective, known for their blend of post-rock, metal, and orchestral elements, delivered a set that was both expansive and intimate. Their music, marked by its dynamic shifts and rich textures, created a powerful, immersive experience. Pijn’s ability to seamlessly blend heavy riffs with delicate, melodic passages made their set a compelling journey through a wide range of landscapes.
And So I Watch You From Afar
On Wednesday, And So I Watch You From Afar thrilled the ArcTanGent faithful with a set of fan-selected tracks that highlighted their impressive range, reaffirming their status as one of the festival’s cornerstone acts. However, their Main Stage performance on Saturday offered something entirely different. The band took a bold leap, performing their brand new album, Megafauna, in its entirety, providing the audience with an intimate showcase of their latest creative journey.
Megafauna is a heartfelt tribute to the band’s origins in Portrush and Belfast, capturing the essence of Northern Ireland’s landscapes and spirit, which have profoundly influenced their sound. From the first notes, it was clear that this performance would be a masterclass in instrumental rock, featuring intricate guitar work and dynamic compositions that captivated the crowd. Each track flowed seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive and exhilarating narrative that resonated deeply with the audience. The set was charged with energy, reflecting both the band’s passion for their new material and their strong connection to their homeland.
The set wasn’t just a straightforward, non-stop playthrough of the album. ASIWYFA took the time to thank the crowd and festival organisers for the incredible weekend they were having at ATG and for the strong sense of community. They also expressed hope that the new songs would resonate with the audience as much as their established back catalogue. By the time they reached the album’s climactic closer, the audience was left buzzing with excitement, having witnessed a performance that celebrated not only And So I Watch You From Afar’s roots but also their ongoing evolution as one of the most electrifying live bands around.
Brontide
Brontide’s set on the Yohkai stage marked a triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus. The band's performance was a masterful blend of intricate math rock and post-rock, weaving together complex rhythms and dynamic shifts that kept the audience spellbound. Tracks like "Matador" and "Caramel" highlighted their prowess, with each member contributing to a meticulously crafted tapestry of sound. The crowd was fully immersed, moving in sync with the shifting tempos and layered melodies. If their latest single and penultimate track, “Mineral,” is any indication, Brontide’s second chapter may surpass even the heights of their first.
Caspian
Caspian closed the Yohkai stage on Saturday night with the set I’d been looking forward to for months. This is a band that people speak about in hushed, reverential tones, and for good reason—they are foundational to the post-rock genre. I’ve been listening to them for over 16 years; they are my absolute favourite band, but never had the chance to see them live. I’d made peace with the idea that I might only ever admire them from afar. Perhaps it was all meant to be, because before this first live experience I had the chance to interview Phil and Jonny (coming next week). It was a deeply special moment that set the stage for what was to come.
We arrived early, and even before they took the stage, the tent was already filling up. But what was even more magical was the energy in the crowd. People were talking about the upcoming set in those same reverent tones I had heard so often; a mixture of festival-goers who’d been waiting all weekend, fresh faces who’d only purchased the Saturday night ticket just to see Caspian, and all of us thrilled for the young fan we managed to squeeze into a front-row railing spot. There was a sense of community, new friends coming together, everyone buzzing with excitement for what we were about to witness.
Setlist
Waking Season
Quovis
Further Up
Further In
Of Foam and Wave
Flowers of Light
Sycamore (guests ASIWYFA)
Castles High, Marble Bright
From the first note, the tent was utterly captivated. Caspian has this rare ability to make their sound not just heard, but filling every cavity of your soul you didn’t know was empty. Opening with “Waking Season” and moving into "Quovis", from their 2005 EP You Are the Conductor, I was both surprised and ecstatic to realise this would be a set spanning their 20-year legacy. With a bit of hindsight, it makes sense; Caspian had just finished a long North American summer tour with dear friends And So I Watch You From Afar, celebrating 20 years of both bands. Reuniting at ArcTanGent, they continued this celebration by bringing ASIWYFA on stage for the drumming finale of fan-favourite "Sycamore," just as they had done throughout the US tour.
The rest of the set mirrored much of the celebration tour setlist, though with a few noticeable omissions—unfortunately, some of my personal favourites. But it didn’t matter, because every moment of their performance was completely mesmerising, capturing the full scope of their incredible discography.
They say don’t meet your heroes, but if your heroes are Caspian, you absolutely should. Their show is just as special and awe-inspiring as you’d hope it would be.
Mogwai
Mogwai closed out the Main Stage with a monumental set that perfectly encapsulated their career-long commitment to creating expansive, emotionally charged soundscapes. Opening with "I'm Jim Morrison, I'm Dead," the band immediately set a contemplative tone that carried throughout the set. Tracks like "Remurdered" and "New Paths to Helicon, Pt. 1" highlighted their ability to seamlessly blend quiet, reflective moments with intense, distortion-heavy climaxes. The band's powerful performance was underscored by their intricate musicianship and a deep connection to their music, which resonated deeply with the audience. Mogwai’s ability to evoke a range of emotions through their music made for a compelling close to an incredible day at ArcTanGent, leaving fans in awe and wanting more.
Special thanks to Jaz Hewitt for inviting our photographer Jez Pennington to photograph the spectacular light show! Jaz’s is another beautiful story of the ArcTanGent community, be sure to check out her Instagram.
