30 years of Tarantism

Tarantism began almost 30 years ago, forged from the underground scene in North Wales in the 90s. Techno parties collided with dub sound systems and punk folk music, the hills were alive with BASS and joyful revellers. All over the country similar scenes were evolving and it gave birth to a sound, a fusion, a melting pot of musical genres creating an undeniable need to dance. It was the sound that defined the end of the decade and the end of the millennium. And none of it would have sounded quite the same if it hadn’t been for the seminal influence of Tarantism.

In the noughties the chaotic DIY culture of the previous decade gradually became more organised. Tarantism spent a decade touring Britain and Europe with a clutch of bands, DJ’s and circus acts under the eye of Chris Tofu.

With their thorough dedication to music, constant drive to improve and develop, Tarantism became a solid live act, always evoking emotion amongst their audience. The often changing line-up began to settle, with the current Tarantism family the musical bond and kinship enabled the production of the albums to get better, with the writing getting stronger as each album progressed. Tarantism clearly don’t make records for money, and they don’t release an album unless it’s a development from the last one. 2022’s ‘A Pill to Purge all Melancholy’ showed them at the peak of their powers Mels Rogers’ voice sounding more rounded and powerful than ever. It was an album that feels like a joyful, yet sad, summing up of the band. A band who embody the positive, party spirit of their generation. A perfect springboard for the release of an extra special 30 year anniversary album

The band you know, despite drawing attention on some great main stage slots, will still be playing on a little stage at some crazy time of the festival, or round the fire singing folk songs till the sun rises. They’ve always been there, every year, every festival season, established 1995. Hard to believe it’s nearly 30 years since they first splurged on to the festival scene shouting:

“Take me or leave me, I don’t fucking care!”.

I guess we need a party to celebrate, Tarantarti Party take it from here.