EP REVIEW: Treehopper (Vol.3) – Vantre

The final part in their three EP series, Treehopper (Vol.3), is another exciting release for VANTRE. While those who have listened to the previous releases will not need convincing to pick this EP up, these songs are still incredibly strong and entertaining.

The solidly named Fart In A Jar does have a lot more to it than the name implies. While full of pretty potent playing, there’s less of a stink about this track than a pleasant groove. At four minutes, VANTRE manage to put a big chunk of jazz-infused psychedelia into their work. The ensemble work tightly, and in doing so create the illusion of effortlessness, the air of spontaneity raising the heartrate and adrenaline. It’s a hefty slab for sure, but the moments that play with time signatures and your perception of space against the consistent tumbling of the drums is super engaging.

Speaking of, while the quality of musicianship is clear, the front runner is the way the rhythm is approached. Percussive, expressive and technically proficient, the undercurrent of tone the drums bring is paramount to the whole ensemble feeling so fresh.

Taking that snappy energy and turning it on its head, Vitalik B. is a snarking, menacing bit of post-punk that enjoys crunching up the distortion. The quieter moments here, rather than playing with your perceptions of timing, aim to build tension and apprehension. It works a treat too, with that enticing drum section cracking and hissing as the guitars build on a moody, droning melody. When things build to their conclusion, VANTRE go all out to make a big ending that will be a phenomenal thing to see live.

If you’re listening to this EP in isolation to the previous volumes, even as a three-song outing, the variation in what VANTRE can do is pretty spectacular. Veering more into their post-rock, shoegaze inclinations, Pillage is a beautiful soundscape of mournful guitars and weighty drums. Overall this may be a sombre end, but it adds a tone that fans of this series will enjoy.

A solid conclusion to their three volume EP series, VANTRE have made some emotive, experimental music on Treehopper (Vol.3) that goes beyond shoegaze and pushes some weird and fresh musical ideas.

Rating: 7/10

Tree Hopper (Vol.3) is set for release on April 14th via Forbidden Place Records.

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