ArcTanGent returns for its fifth year, and it’s still as familiarly unpredictable as ever.
Its early afternoon, and you walk into a tent to avoid the rain. Within the tent are four men, in women’s clothing, with duct tape over their nipples. They’re playing music that sounds like Deftones jamming with Merzbow at a scramz show. Later, on this very same stage, a hip-hop trio will blast out beats to a similarly rapturous reception as the first performers received.
Yes, you are at ArcTanGent. Of course you fucking are. What other festival would feature bookings that are individually irrational, but are so united in their uniqueness that they fit together perfectly?
ArcTanGent has historically had a knack for finding out-there acts. These are mainly from the worlds of math-rock, mathcore and noise rock. However, 2017 proved to be a particularly stellar year, even by their own high standards.
On the first day, you had retiring veterans Heck, playing their last ever show. Although the four-piece mathcore nutters hail from Nottingham, this may as well be a hometown show. When the audience is told “there’s one more chance to do this!”, insanity ensues, ensuring that they get the send-off they have rightfully earned.
In contrast, the next day opens with a band just starting to blossom. Texas natives Hikes play their first ever UK show, and judging by their overwhelmed reaction, the reception they received blew away all expectations. Once again, the respect is mutual, as Hikes are talented well beyond their years.
The day ends with a target for Hikes to aim for. Converge breeze through a set of unmatchable material with the confidence of the icons that they are. Unlike Heck, Converge show no signs of going away. They are received like gods, and ArcTanGent may just be their Mecca.
What unites these three sets, by bands who are all in completely different stages of their careers, is that the relationship between artist and audience is built on a mutual admiration that is unmatched by few other venues. ArcTanGent feels like many band’s highlights, purely because every act is welcomed into this loving family of weirdos with open arms.
Similarly, the respect is matched in how the audience treat each other. It must be noted that ArcTanGent is one of the friendliest festivals there is to experience. Scene veterans share stories of obscure acts they’re delighted that someone else has finally fucking heard of. Meanwhile, newcomers are welcomed provided they can embrace music that sometimes borders on a completely fringe interest.
2017 marks the fifth ArcTanGent, and the festival is firmly settled into its niche. Hell, it’s an uncompromisingly niche festival. However, in its commitment to showcasing the very best of a thriving underground community, it’s found itself some lifelong supporters who will look forward to coming back every year. If any of this sounds interesting to you, this kindly old skateboarding blog advises you to go, and become part of the ArcTanGent family.
