VANT and Tangerines share a headline at Bedford Esquires
It’s not every day someone tries to answer a phone call mid-VANT song and causes a natural uproar
Unsurprisingly, as soon as I saw an advertisement for VANT’s Esquires gig, I knew I had to go. No matter what we had planned for the 31st of March, we were going to that gig. I was pleasantly surprised to see the tickets were cheap for such a quality act — especially as we had sustained the bargain of seeing three amazing acts in one night. As I had previously listened to Tangerines, the only act left as an unknowing surprise were Timeless Lizards.
With the promise of two headliners for the price of one, I knew the night would be better than either of us could anticipate. If you’ve had the chance to see one of your favourite bands — especially after they’ve played the likes of Reading and Leeds — then you know the feeling you get from the intimacy, the sweaty mosh pit, but most of all the pride.
Timeless Lizards performing at Bedford Esquires (Photo: Kamala Adams)
It’s an indescribable feeling knowing that the band you’re seeing in this epically cosy venue will probably never play to such a small crowd again, or at least not soon. I may never see VANT for round two, or maybe I will on the off chance, but I will always remember this night. I will remember it for many reasons — mostly for showcasing some of the best talents in the music industry at the moment.
Timeless Lizards performing at Bedford Esquires (Photo: Kamala Adams)
To get the night started and the crowd going for it, Timeless Lizards started the show with wicked riffs and pounding drums. Notably, they proudly showed off one of their favourite bands (or at least Aaron, the guitarist, did) with Aaron telling us he had just been to see Temples the night before. From their confident stage presence and professionalism, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a lot more from this foursome as the year progresses.
Vocalist Ollie Taylor, his twin brother bassist Eddie, drummer Jordan Dendy and guitarist Aaron Burp all charismatically bounced off one another, setting the stakes high for Tangerines to follow through.
Tangerines perform at Bedford Esquires (Photo: Kamala Adams)
When the highly anticipated Tangerines eventually took to the stage, they definitely did not disappoint. Their reckless, wacky style shone through the set, making the stage their own. They’re definitely headliners and have been before the night and, now that they’ve released their debut album Into the Flophouse, they are destined for the stars this year. If you can catch them before they start selling out their own solo headline shows, you’ll get to see a showcase of epic proportions. Not only do they put on such a strong display of talent, but they also push themselves to exceed the audiences’ expectations. The effort they put into their set didn’t go unnoticed — I’d definitely recommend catching them as soon as you can before they come untouchable.
VANT performing at Bedford Esquires (Photo: Kamala)
Finally, the Newcastle indie rock quartet took to the stage with their high-tempo energy. They started off with one of their most well-known songs in the form of Fly-By Alien before moving their way through a number of meaningful, politically challenging songs and even adding Parking Lot onto the bill to top it off.
The way Mattie Vant interacted with the crowd was like nothing I had ever seen before, especially when he took a phone from a surprised audience member and tried to answer the call for them (the guy in the audience was answering it mid-song, or something like that). The night had some seriously hilarious moments to remember, supported by a fantastic selection of bands.
VANT are not only an amazingly talented and knowledgeable band but also political voices for our generation. Which, at this point in time, we are all in need of. Mattie Vant, the lead vocalist and guitarist, is committed to making a difference, stateside and in the UK. It is clear throughout their songs —particularly PUT DOWN YOUR GUN and PEACE & LOVE — that VANT just collectively want to make a change with their music by making such bold statements and expressing exactly how they feel about the world.
VANT performing at Bedford Esquires (Photo: Kamala Adams)
After the show, we had the pleasure of meeting and shaking hands with VANT. We hadn’t expected them to be as kind as they were (especially Billy, one of the kindest band members I’ve ever met) but their all-around friendliness blew us away. We left the show feeling incredibly happy that we had gotten the chance to meet such a young and talented band, even getting the chance to have a quick chat before we said our farewells.
If you enjoy lyrics that challenge and decode the problems in politics and the world, or just enjoy rip-roaring riffs and energetic, sweaty performances, then don’t miss your chance to see such a talented band in an intimate venue. Alongside Timeless Lizards and Tangerines, VANT are definitely ones to look out for in the coming months as they grow in popularity and play gig after gig.
