As ArcTanGent makes its way back to the iconic Fernhill Farm, we’re getting ready for another epic weekend packed with crushing riffs, wild energy, and boundary-pushing experimental music from across the globe. Ahead of the festival we caught up with Indifferent Engine to have a quick chat about what fans can expect from their sets, their plans for the remainder of the year and their festival essentials.
What are you most excited for at ArcTanGent?
Alex Wheatley (bass and synths): It still hasn’t really sunk in that we are performing! I can’t really express how humbling it is to be on the same poster as some of my favourite bands.
Alister Gibbons (drums): Besides playing it, getting to meet new people and see some of my favourite bands.
What can people expect from your set?
Alex: Too much emotion for the early-morning slot. We are loud and shouty and thrash about, but we have a lot of heart. We try and take the audience on an emotional journey with us. That, and a shit-load of TVs.
Ali: Intensity and emotion in equal measure, lots of TVs, and even more energy.
Which bands are you most excited to see over the weekend?
Alex:
– The Pelican > Melvins > Kylesa run – these bands were all critical to my taste in music.
– Getting smashed up in the Clown Core pit
– Having a big cry to We Lost the Sea (twice)
– delving – hirschbrunnen is a perfect album.
– Finally catching some of the Church Road crew – I’ve been following Burner and Lowen for YEARS and somehow haven’t seen them live!
– Mike Vennart plays Black Sabbath
Ellis Hale (guitar): Karnivool, Melvins
Are there any upcoming bands from your area that people should be checking out?
Alex:
I originally had an essay here about The Grey, but everyone already knows they are the best. Estranger consistently melt my brain. They exist in this wildly exciting Dillinger Escape Plan-meets-Mars Volta space – proggy and frequently chaotic, but they have a wonderful sense of melody. If you like us, then go and listen to Estranger immediately.
Ali: We had The Grey and Kodoma play our album release show. We also played recently with the band Masquerader, all well worth your time.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Alex: We are playing Crowded Festival [In Leicester this September] with the lovely Din of Celestial Birds gang, plus we have a few more cool shows that are yet to be announced.
What are your festival essentials?
Alex: A good pillow, hiking socks for the long days on your feet, hummus, cheap wine for breakfast.
Ali: Pot Noodle, sunscreen and lots of the h20.
Any thing else you’d like us to share?
Alex: Shout-out to Justine and Sammy at Church Road Records, thanks for such an exciting year.
Ali: We’ve a cool Janky Tape Echo pedal up for grabs on our instagram, worth checking out!https://www.indifferentengine.com/