Top 5 tips for ArcTanGent Festival 2025
It’s that time of the year again, when fans from all corners of the world gather to celebrate experimental and alternative music at ArcTanGent Festival.
Here are 5 bands we recommend you check out at the festival that may become your next favourite. In no particular order:
Snooze
Thursday 14th August @ Bixler Stage
A very difficult band to describe, Snooze are a journey into the world of experimental music in all its different colours. They describe themselves as “a happy heavy mathrock band from Chicago” but they’re a lot more than that; moving from light to dark in an instant and twisting their way into new territories.
Their new album I Know How You Will Die is likely to be an album of the year contender.
Arab Strap
Thursday 14th August @ Yokhai Stage
Not your typical ‘ArcTanGent’ band but a personal favourite of mine. Imagine lo-fi electronica with spoken word in a thick Scottish accent that descends into themes of sex addiction, societal struggles and hope (or a lack thereof). It may not sound that impressive, but it’s masterfully delivered and infinitely listenable.
Hexcut
Friday 15th August @ PX3 Stage
Bristol-locals Hexcut are a wonderful blend of jazz and math-rock. If you like GoGo Penguin, Badbadnotgood or Lite you may be about to discover your next favourite band. Their 2024 debut album 6C is well worth checking out.
Overhead, The Albatross
Friday 15th August @ Main Stage
Portals favourites, having performed at Portals Festival in 2018 and 2024, Overhead, the Albatross’ recent comeback album I Leave You This is so good we asked them to perform it in full when they play a Portals show at Downstairs at the Dome alongside Ef in November.
Heartfelt, emotive post-rock at its finest, for fans of Caspian, Maybeshewill, Pink Floyd.
Waldo’s Gift
Saturday 16th August @ PX3 Stage
Superbly chaotic math-rock, Waldo’s Gift are doing a great job filling the void left by bands like Three Trapped Tigers. Their sound perfectly scratches the itch for dark, fast-paced math-rock with wonderful precision and groove.
Their new album Malcom’s Law is a joy to behold, and it’s almost incomprehensible that each song was recorded in one take with no overdubs.
This is just a small sample of what's on offer. All the Portals team will be at ATG this year and we'll all be running around the site trying to cram in as much as possible. If you spot us, come say hi!
See you at Fernhill Farm!