Bands you should be listening to #1: VANT


In recent years, it is fair to say that it has become increasingly less popular for bands to possess such a strong opinion on current affairs and political incorrectness. London four piece alternative/punk band 'VANT', equipped with their catchy choruses, incredible guitar riffs and pulsating drum beats, tackle ideological and political issues through their passionate lyrics. Accompanied with their sheer energy and electricity when playing their live sets, it makes for an utterly incredible show.

What makes VANT such an intriguing band is that even if you do not agree with their political ideologies and the controversial outlook within their lyrics, you can still find yourself thoroughly enjoying their music. Their debut album 'Dumb Blood' is absolutely rammed with mind-blowing instrumentals, gritty vocals, slow build ups and heavy drops. The song 'The Answer' captures all of these factors to perfection and makes for a captivating live song that fans regularly mosh pit to. Another song from the debut album- 'Karma Seeker' could easily be mistaken for an early Nirvana classic, with its heavy grunge sound and emotional vocals.

With a tendency to play gigs at a variety of smaller venues across the UK, it allows them to capture a degree of intimacy that all fans love to be a part of. Their upcoming 'Last Days of Punk' tour includes quaint venues such as 'Fibbers' in York, 'Hobo's' in Bridgend, and even a gig in the tiny Cornwall seaside town of Perranporth at 'The Wartering Hole'. Although being easily capable of playing venues three times the size, the choice to play such venues cements VANT's status as a band who are in it for the sheer enjoyment and adrenaline of playing shows to smaller crowds, with three times the intensity.

Recent airplay on stations such as Radio One and Radio X has given VANT the platform they have needed for a number of years and has allowed neutral music fans to become increasingly more aware of their sheer talent. I personally became aware of VANT when scrolling through the music section on BBC iPlayer whilst at a loose end. I saw that a Live Lounge special involving the bad had been released and decided to give it a watch. They began the session with what I believe to be the best song from their debut album 'Dumb Blood'- 'Do You Know Me'. The intro had me hooked instantly. A powerful guitar riff, followed up by the intense drumming and Matty Vant's stunningly unique vocals.To follow up, they played a cover of 'Chained To The Rhythm' by Katy Perry. The fact that they made a seemingly shit song by an overplayed pop artist sound like a grunge classic had me pleasantly surprised.

A band who are associated with playing smaller venues, but can also translate to the big stage. VANT blew mainstream fans away when they took to the main stage at Reading and Leeds 2017 and had the crowd bouncing from start to finish. We can expect VANT to be playing the same stage in years to come, but a lot later than their 2pm slot that they played this year. Watch this space.

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