The band performs at Camden’s Electric Ballroom.

The past year has seen VANT rise to be one of the most flamboyant provocateurs of 2017. With their politically charged anthems, their capslock messages and their youthful charm, they have quickly become a band people draw to in times of political uncertainty.

Backed up by (Transmission) VANT enter the stage at Electric Ballroom tonight. It’s the last stop of their Dumb Blood tour, supporting their debut album with the same name, and the boys themselves seem beyond excited to play this beacon show.

Firing up with Fly-By Alien, VANT go full energy from first seconds, pushing through the undertones of a slight metal nature into the territory of straight up punk. Unleashing their power-chords on Jesus Was A Conman from their debut EP Karma Seeker.

With the engaging melodies flaring through the air, the gig is an absolute madness. “Please be considerate to the small people in the front. You’re too big to crowd surf – now let’s rock.” Though they are careful, VANT truly mean what they do, and it manifests in every aspect of their being.

Mattie Vant’s characteristic vocal presentation contrasts with Henry Eastham’s slapping guitar melody in ballsy collision of tones. The distinctive bass structure of Billy Morris emphasises the current theme expanding through their work, with David Green’s auxiliary percussion as a steady ground throughout.

“Before playing here, I was on Electronic Ballroom’s website looking at all these posters of bands that have played here”, Mattie tells the audience. “And now we need to pretend we’re in the 60’s right now,” he states, descending into the depths of Welcome to the Wonderful World of Berners Lee. Their joyous enthusiasm and energetic melodies mirrored by the audience every step of the way.

Throwback nostalgia aside, “We’re back in 2017 guys. Unbelievable,” Mattie states as the quartet heads into their most contemporary relevant tune Birth Certificate. The heartfelt presentations evoke the feeling of ultimate urgency in the message of the anthem.

Taking it down with the swaying melody of I Don’t Believe In God, the balance between the raw honesty and the technicality of playing out feelings within a melody becomes vibrant. The passion these guys feel, not only for their craft as musicians, but in a bigger picture conveys to their fans. Not only creating a loyal following, but also boosting a spark of infectious energy and dedication.

Their guitar to bass combo is flawless in the manner of getting people moving. And with authoritative lyricism and something to say, their partly slam poetic quality evokes the pure essence of VANT.

“By being here you show that you can  use your voices – so go out and do that in the real world too,” Mattie encourages his fans as their most stoic and established tune Karma Seeker takes a grip. Through the bombastic proportions of this stoic anthem, the crooning guitars digging into your spine, VANT still appear refreshingly compassionate towards their audience.

“Thank you so much, this is pretty crazy,” the boys state. “We just released our first album. Every fucking lyrics on that album means so much for us and the fact that so many people give a fuck fills me with hope.” Mattie states, gazing over the crowd of people simply there to see them this Thursday night.

Kicking off the encore with a song “about the two things that control this world – Time & Money.” A hammering statement flourishing with a slight late 90’s nostalgia. Taking any option to speak about what matters, Mattie preaches: “Yesterday was the International Women’s Day. And if anyone asks what’s the point of International Women’s Day, tell them they’re a fucking idiot. We’re finishing with a song about respect. Something you’ve done great tonight. There is one thing though – women get touched inappropriately at gigs, and it’s not fucking okay.”

We completely agree, and as VANT finish off with Parking Lot, they’ve given me a bit of hope in the future as well.

Photos: Aurora Henni Krogh