Disappearer, The Lanthorn Scarecrow, Substate, and Vagabond were the future stars plying their trade at York’s impressive and under threat venue, The Crescent.

By Stanley West

Photos by Stuart Duthie

People are still walking in as Disappearer play their set, and it’s a shame that a few missed the distant meows of their wailing guitar. The fact they were the least heavy band that night really says something about the rest of the acts.

The Lanthorn Scarecrow are up next playing what I’d probably call metal, except for a great Lana Del Rey cover. The two singers have a cool Black Francis/Kim Deal dynamic which has really developed lately.

Next, it’s Substate with an absolute riot of set. With the amount of shows they’ve played over the last few months, it’s a surprise that they still have so much energy in their live performances. Highlights of the set included their ever-popular originals and a cover of Wunderhorse’s Rain.

The closing band, Vagabond, are an absolute blast. Even if I had hated their music (which I certainly didn’t) they’d be more than worth watching for their showmanship alone. They organised a brilliant mosh pit and gave an incredibly polished performance, which is a huge surprise for a band of teenagers. It’s obvious they have a lot of live experience.

Whoever organised the schedule deserves credit too. The bands gradually get louder and fiercer as the night goes on, and each follows well from the last. From Disappearer’s mellow cries to Vagabond’s high energy pop punk, it’s an incredibly loud night. All the bands are absolutely worth seeing.

Kickstart took place at The Crescent, York on Tuesday 18 November 2025.