ARCTANGENT 2019
FERNHILL FARM, BRISTOL
Meshuggah, Cult Of Luna and Coheed And Cambria bring technical ecstasy to Bristol
Thursday Now in its seventh year, ArcTanGent is one of the UK’s fastestgrowing festivals, having quadrupled its attendance since the inaugural event in 2013. With a number of big-hitters on this year’s bill, the independent experimental post-, math- and alt-rock festival is in the best shape it’s ever been.
Marijuana smoke hangs thick like a fog as drop a new song. It sounds great but it’s old favourites such and that really get the crowd going. are reliably excellent, reiterating why their strain of blackgaze is currently leading the pack, despite being a relatively new band. An appearance from Conjurer screamer Brady on cements their status. are never short of brilliant, even if today’s performance is slightly marred by minor technical difficulties. The tent is overflowing, however, and their continued ascent seems assured. are arguably the most unique band on an extraordinarily diverse and eclectic bill. Their synthled hardcore is utterly captivating and unique, making it comfortably one of the best sets of the weekend. A packed PX3 tent witnesses one of the most emotionally stirring performances of ’s career. The Manchester collective are bolstered with three string players, which elevates their cathartic brand of post-rock to monolithic levels of intensity. ’ unique sense of chaos has to be seen to be believed. Vocalist Alexis Marshall self-flagellates with his mic whilst the band flail wildly to their discordant noise rock. The effect is utterly sublime.
