This year Vantastival has assumed extra importance in the Irish festival calendar with Knockanstockan on a break and BARE In The Woods postponed. Vantastival is left flaying the flag for championing local talent. After the rip roaring success of changing dates and venue in 2016, Vantastival returns to Beaulieu house once again as a two day festival. We've sifted through the line up to highlight some of the best acts to catch this coming June bank holiday weekend.
Just Mustard
When: Saturday @ 16:05 on the Firestone Stage
What To Expect: Glistening, shimmering shoegaze dream rock with a psych edge. Just Mustard made one of 2016’s better EP’s in their self-titled debut. They shift between wistful, blissful meandering and full on sonic assault. Songs like Ice Cream and Under Blue best epitomise their captivating sound.
What It Will Sound Like?
Vulpynes
When: Saturday @ 17:55 on the Volkswagen Main Stage
What To Expect: Dublin two-piece garage punk band Vulpynes play with a frantic intensity. Drummer Kaz Miller batters the symbols while singer and guitarist Maeve Molly lacks nothing in her playing or delivery. Imagine L7’s whole weight of sound being packaged into a two-piece band but losing nothing in the sheer size of that sound and you’re homing in on what Vulpynes are like.
What It Will Sound Like?
The Future West
When: Sunday @ 16:20 on the Firestone Stage
What To Expect: The Future West have only gone and made of the best albums from an Irish band so far in 2017. It's jam packed of hurried Interpol-esque duelling guitar lines with tinges of The Coral’s idiosyncrasies and penchant for a catchy chorus. If that sounds right up your alley then be front at centre to see them at Vantastival
What It Will Sound Like?
Lowlight Gathering
When: Saturday @ 20:45 on the Firestone Stage
What To Expect: The Monaghan lads of Lowlight Gathering made a highly polished and emotive EP ‘Young Hearts’ from 2016. Fronted by the dexterous voice of Charlie Livingstone, Lowlight Gathering’s lush balladry is pock marked with sumptuous backing vocals and delicately placed weeping guitar.
What It Will Sound Like?
Overhead, The Albatross
When: Saturday @ 23:35 on the Volkswagen Main Stage
What To Expect: The ladder playing enthusiasts bring their mightily impressive post rock live show to Vantastival. We at GoldenPlec are long accustomed to the epic quality of their music and the grandstanding nature of the live sets. If it’s your first time in seeing them you are in for a treat.
What It Will Sound Like?
Cat Dowling
When: Saturday @ 22:05 on the Woodland Stage
What To Expect: Cat Dowling has been fervently working on the follow up to her acclaimed 2013 album The Believer. She’s been kept very busy and just completed a tour in the USA. Her songs are rich in melody and detail while live she is an engaging performer. It’s good to have her back gigging on these shores.
What It Will Sound Like?
Frankenstein Bolts
When: Sunday @ 17:35 on the Woodland Stage
What To Expect: The Wexford duo of Justin Cullen and Dan Comerford make glorious dream pop that evokes the sights and sounds of summer. Album number two should be arriving shortly and if it approaches the high standard of Frankenstein Bolts sun kissed debut album it’ll be worth waiting for. In the meantime, we might get a preview of some of the new songs at Vantastival. It ought to be worth waiting for.
What It Will Sound Like?
Twin Villains
When: Sunday @ 19:45 on the Firestone Stage
What To Expect: While Vantastival is one of the strongest supporters of Irish music out there it has always held a soft spot for local Louth bands. There is an especially strong representation this year and Drogheda’s Twin Villains are certainly no token local act added to the bill. Their self-titled debut EP is a confident hook laden collection of three minute rock songs packed with punch.
What It Will Sound Like?
Hvmmingbyrd
When: Saturday @ 17:30 on the Woodland Stage
What To Expect: Hvmmingbyrd are purveyors of bittersweet understated electro pop songs. The duo of Deborah Byrne and Suzette Das veer away from the almost identikit millennial whoop of modern day pop music to focus on a less is more approach with lyrics that are refreshingly honest lyrics. Hvmmingbyrd are on an upward curve with a slew of festivals in 2017. Make sure to see what the fuss is about at Vantastival.
What It Will Sound Like?
Sub Motion
When: Sunday @ 14:00 on the Volkswagon Stage
What To Expect: If you are looking for music much more loud, bratty and brash, Sub Motion will scratch that particular itch. Amongst all the acts booked for this year’s Vantastvial they arguably have the most impressive decibel busting credentials. If their live show can come close to matching their full on sound then we’re in for a treat.
What It Will Sound Like?