THE Van T’s are one of the most exciting bands in Britain.
Long before they picked up Best Live Act at last year’s Scottish Alternative Music Awards, the Glasgow quartet built up a solid fan base following their stellar performances at the likes of T in the Park, Electric Fields, King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution and the always-amazing Tenement Trail.
Hitting the Highlands for Belladrum, the band once again delivered a knockout performance. However, they were in part let down by the audience.
The Van T’s – made up of twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thomson (vocals/guitar), Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums) – want you to party. They want to see the crowd dancing and bouncing around to their sweet surf-rock sounds.
Maybe it had been a long warm Friday or maybe it was the general chilled-out atmosphere within the XpoNorth Seedlings Stage tent – whatever the reason, the crowd did not fully let their hair down along with the band. But that’s not to say they left unsatisfied. In fact, it was the complete opposite.
The Van T’s gave it everything they had – which the audience lapped up. Bittersweet went down a storm with its anthemic chorus, while fresh track Three Words was an absolute beast and a shining light of what’s to come from future releases.
As always, The Van T’s sugar-sweet harmonies, monster grunge riffs and driving beats were on point (as was the glitter face paint and Hannah’s tartan jacket). The band members worked well together, each bringing their own confidence and energies to the mix.
Refreshingly, from the moment the quartet stepped out on stage they were there to play music. There was no shouting, swearing, or aimless chatter. They were there to give the audience what they wanted.
Read more: Belladrum 2018: Emily Burns – an English rose with Scottish roots
You can tell The Van T’s love a raucous crowd. While the Belladrum audience failed to show off their wild side in the evening heat, the band should know that everyone who left that tent walked out as a Van T’s fan.
For more info, like facebook.com/TheVanTs.
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