There’s been times this year when it’s felt like I’ve been their biggest cheerleader, but I won’t make any kind of apology for that because there’s nobody quite like Van Zon, who have successfully mixed up post rock, folk and a bit of neo-classical to come up with a genre all of their own. They were the first gig I saw in 2024, my most seen band this year, and they’re looking to be one of the first bands I see next year too. The highlight for me was October’s Hidden Herd gig where they showcased the songs that they were just about to record for their debut EP (due to be released sometime next year), all of which felt like a step up from the high bar that they had already displayed. If you haven’t listened to Cannon Fodder yet, settle down and strap in for an epic eight minutes.
1 : Van Zon / Cannon Fodder
2 : Flip Top Head / 1st July 2006
3 : Cate Ferris & Champion Fever / Blinkers
4 : Ideal Living / Roam
5 : MEMORIALS / Lamplighter
6 : Hutch / Ice on the Lake
7 : Lime Garden / Pop Star
8 : Thomas Ducout / Feminina
9 : Jamie Broughton / The Sound
10 : David Best / Terms & Conditions
11 : Welly / Shopping
12 : Ellis D / Shakedown
13 : Ladylike / Horse’s Mouth
14 : AK/DK / Nobody Shouts
15 : The New Eves / Astrolabe
16 : Projector / Tastes Like Sarah
17 : Penelope Trappes / Sleep
18 : Lambrini Girls / Big Dick Energy
19 : Holiday Ghosts / Sublime Disconnect
20 : Plantoid / Modulator