Anti-Vigilante

Formed in 2004, Milton Keynes quartet ANTI VIGILANTE has spent the better part of a decade terrorising the punk scene with a unique blend of low strung hardcore and up tempo ska bounded together by a need to distort the boundaries of invention and originality. The band released its eagerly-anticipated second album ‘Tempest’ in July 2012 to acclaim from critics and fans alike. The 11-track follow-up to 2009’s ‘Secure Beneath the Watchful Eyes’ was heralded for its musical progression and lyrical maturity. Its impassioned lyrics tackled everything from political inequality to the very personal and heartfelt loss of former drummer, Oli Smith, who passed away in 2011 following a battle with abdominal cancer. Tracks from both albums have enjoyed heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1’s Punk Show, which led to the band recording a live BBC session at the iconic Maida Vale Studios. Anti Vigilante’s musical output is augmented by the band’s hi-octane live show which inevitably leaves the crowd gasping for more. These furious performances have been honed over years of sharing the stage with renowned international acts like Strung Out, Leftöver Crack and Voodoo Glow Skulls, as well as the best of home grown talent, including Capdown, The King Blues, The Skints, Sonic Boom Six and Random Hand. 2013 saw Anti Vigilante take the tempest on the road once more. The band again hooked up with Leftöver Crack, this time blazing a trail across Europe for the first time. Upon returning to British shores, the band was invited to play the Lock Up Stage at the Reading and Leeds festivals, a scrapbook moment for any U.K. punk band. A ferocious performance on the day set the bar for the likes of The Bronx, Sick Of It All and Mike Patton’s Tomahawk. The latter part of the year saw the band take to the road for a U.K. tour with fellow Lock Up performers and returning ska-core legends King Prawn. The Muso’s Guide described Anti Vigilante’s performance at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds as “the perfect endorphin-inducing rush to combat work-based flagging,” an appropriate account of what was a triumphant tour for both bands. Anti Vigilante will celebrate a decade in the business in 2014, a year that will see the band take to the road once more. Amongst other confirmed dates, fans will see the band take its bow at Bearded Theory festival, one of the best independent festivals on the circuit. ‘Tempest’ is a bruising slab of intelligent, ska-infused punk rock that’s laced with heartfelt emotion and the seeds of invention, all of which makes for a pertinent and impressive sounding album. PUNKTASTIC.COM This isn’t the time to shy away and back down, this is the time to stand up and be heard and Anti-Vigilante are doing just that with sheer force. ROCKREVIEWS247.COM Having your say is what this album is all about and it is delivered with all the piss and vinegar that is required to properly do just that. BIG CHEESE Sure enough it has been revealed to be an accomplished piece of art that any young band should be proud of and any music lover should admire. ALREADYHEARD.COM