Initially emerging in 2011, Valerian Swing cemented their place as one of most interesting bands in the Italian heavy scene with their second album A Sailor Lost Around The Earth, and then at an international level with 2014’s Aurora. Now, 2017 sees the band return following a change of personnel. One that saw the exit of bassist Alan Ferioli in favour of baritone guitarist Francesco Giovanetti. The trio went and created their fourth full length album, during a period of artistic growth and maturity that has seen them gradually expand their spectrum of sound beyond the boundaries of just being “heavy”. This latest chapter has resulted in new album, Nights, that is undoubtedly their most accessible, rich and varied record to date.

Composed last summer over a relatively short time period (by their standards) and recorded at the turn of 2016 in Bologna and Reggio Emilia, Nights saw the band work with long time friend and sound engineer Raffaele Marchetti. Mixing of was handled by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis, Botch, Russian Circles, Caspian) at Red Room Recording in Seattle.

Nights is a record that showcases Valerian Swing’s sublime technique and speed but unlike previous albums the aim was to focus more on the melodic construction of their songs and less on the extreme. The result is an album that explores more expansive post-rock, rhythmic and cinematic sounds.

At certain points throughout Nights especially with the added vocal elements, some tracks verge into experimental pop territory, an area the band were unafraid to visit. The influence of new baritone guitarist F. Giovanetti (and synths) on Valerian Swing is evident. His place in the band allowed guitarist/vocalist Stefano Villani to lead them in a more free way allowing for experimentation with computers, electronics, processed vocals and devices different from the guitar.

Having played all over the world, including the SXSW, and having shared stages with bands of the caliber of Russian Circles, Boris and This Town Needs Guns, Valerian Swing will bring their eclectic Nights in concert, first in Europe from the end of April - including a slot at Colossal Weekend in Copenhagen with Deafheaven, Oxbox and many others.

Nights will be released in UK via Small Pond on 12th May.

The band are set to tour the UK in April with Alpha Male Tea Party:

26th April - Bristol, Stage & Hounds

27th April - Manchester, Aatma

28th April - London, Birthdays

29th April - Brighton, Green Door Store

Andy Smith (ex. Portishead), The Eskies, Fish Go Deep and Blood and Fire Sound System feat. MC Brother Culture are among the acts just added to this year’s Vantastival line up. London-based DJ Andy Smith made his name as Portishead’s international tour DJ and his sampling formed the basis of the band’s unique sound. Since the Portishead tours Andy has established himself as an underground producer of some of the most irresistible hip-hop breaks-based music around and has a strong cult following. He will close the woodland stage with a late night set on Saturday 3rd June.

The Eskies have been busy bringing their unique brand of folk noir/gypsy jazz/sea shanty and swaggering stage spectacle to venues across Europe over the past couple of years, and will have their first opportunity since 2013 to perform at Vantastival on Sunday night, 4th June.  Blood and Fire Sound System will also play on Sunday night, featuring original Rasta MC Brother Culture, while producer duo Fish Go Deep from Cork will headline BackwardS, a new late night area in the woods at Beaulieu, where DJs will keep revellers dancing till the very early hours.

Vantastival’s impressive line-up already includes The Riptide Movement, Overhead, The Albatross, Lankum (formerly Lynched), Kíla, New Secret Weapon, MINDRIOT, Cat Dowling and a host of other Irish names with the usual focus on up-and-coming unsigned acts. The Glasshouse Stage is another new addition to the site, an intimate acoustic experience featuring solo slots from singer-songwriters including Keith Plunkett, Grainne Hunt, and Niall McGuigan (ex. Speedking) among others. Meanwhile Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education will bring back the popular DFEi Music Stage, run by students and featuring a line up of former and current DFEi students. With still more acts to be announced, this year’s festival will be a veritable feast for music fans.

Vantastival 2017 will take place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June at Beaulieu House & Gardens, Drogheda.  Other attractions will include art installations, fire performances, drum circles, festival traders, an Alice in Wonderland-themed kids’ camp and much more.  Vantastival has something for everyone, with or without a campervan. Weekend tickets are on sale now at €85 + booking fee for two nights camping. Day tickets cost €40.

The full line up and festival details can be found here