News Preview: ArcTanGent Festival 2013

This weekend, an unsuspecting farm on the outskirts of Bristol plays host to one of the most specialised line-ups of the summer. The inaugural outing of ArcTanGent Festival – the latest endeavour from the minds behind 2000 Trees – looks set to be something of a pilgrimage for all those who worship the odd time signature. With an extensive, heavily math and post-rock infused line-up, DIY offers you five of the fest’s best to ensure your weekend timetable is suitably calculated. Just don’t bother trying to clap along.

Brontide (Bixler Stage, Friday 30th August)
Boasting a formidable collective CV including indie-heroes I Was A Cub Scout and pop-starlet La Roux, this trio create a breed of instrumental rock that draws influence from throughout the musical world. With toe-tapping jazz passages sitting alongside heavy-as-a-house breakdowns, 2011’s debut San Souci was one of the most diverse offerings the scene has ever seen. Having recently debuted new track ‘Tonitro’ from the upcoming sophomore, be sure to catch them showcasing some more from the as-yet-untitled sequel in all their live loop-pedalling glory.



Among Brothers (Yohkai Stage, Saturday 31st August)
In a relative dark age, it takes a band like Among Brothers to really push folk forward. Unashamedly poppy, this London (by way of Cardiff) five piece bend the rules to their own advantage – creating a harmonious folk-pop sound that owes as much to their synthesisers as their strings. With a string of toilet circuit tours behind them, this is sure to be their opportunity to take a step up the ladder.



Devil Sold His Soul (Yohkai Stage, Friday 30th August)
For those who like their music a bit more ear-piercing, metalheads’ delight Damnation Festival takes over the Yohkai Stage on Friday. Far out-shining their mid-level billing, Devil Sold His Soul offer an ambient, progressive take on metal, which owes as much to Explosions In The Sky as it does to Slayer. With founding vocalist Ed Gibbs recently leaving for pastures new, it’s everything to play for as DSHS prove their staying power.

65daysofstatic (DIY Arc Stage, Friday 30th August)
After throwing a heavily electronic curveball with 2010’s ‘We Were Expoding Anyway’, all eyes are on 65 as they prepare to unleash new album ‘Wild Light’. Headlining Friday night in the spiffing DIY Arc Stage, the band’s infamous light show is sure to take on a whole new dimension within the stage’s seven metre high archways.



Axes (Yohkai Stage, Saturday 31st August)
Having recently seen Axes let loose in Camden’s Our Black Heart, rest assured that giving them a whole farmyard to wreak havoc on is pure madness. Undoubtedly the most energetic live band on the circuit, their impressive instrumental record takes on a whole new persona when flanked either side by two wildly flailing guitarists. Don’t miss it, but watch your head.

ArcTanGent will take place from 29th - 31st August in Bristol. Tickets are on sale now for just £59.