Biography

Antillectual from Nijmegen, the Netherlands plays a politically charged, melodic blend of music, ranging from ‘90’s skate punk to ‘00’s emo and ‘10’s orgcore. The band is considered the torchbearer of the European punk rock genre.

 

The easiest way to get a grasp of Antillectual’s extensive service record would be to simply summarize what the Nijmegen-based band has not done yet. Ever since their 2005 debut Silencing Civilization, they have been revving the engine to the max. Hence why the influential Dutch music magazine OOR labels them ‘the hardest-working punk band’. Subsequent albums Testimony (2008) and Start From Scratch! (2010) allow the band to further expand their territory. The vast array of shows played in Europe, the USA and Russia have earned the band a spot in Buma Cultuur’s list of ‘top musical export’ 2 years in a row.

One of the best and most honest records I have heard this year, filled with tunes that make you want to rock and still make you think

(Mass Movement Magazine, USA)

Antillectual’s passionate, socially and politically charged music is melodic and energetic.  With a sound firmly rooted in the combustible, dynamic punk of the ’90′s skate scene while incorporating hints of modern emo, orgcore and even metal, the band’s sound is very distinctive. What defines that sound is a sense of urgency that resonates in each and every song.

Antillectual from Nijmegen has every right in the world to be mentioned among bands like The Loved Ones, A Wilhelm Scream or Against Me! When listening to “Testimony” you realize how much heart those guys put into writing and composing. You get the feeling of holding a record in your hand that European punkrock can pin its hope on

(Slam Magazine, DE)

Antillectual have perfected the romantic idea of being a touring band into a routine that is carried out with full dedication of all band members. They have played their energetic, inspiring live set to audiences across the USA, Russia and Europe well over 600 times, supporting a full European tour for Boysetsfire and opening for Rise Against, the Gaslight Anthem, Against Me!, Propagandhi and Hot Water Music among many other peers. Festivals such as Eurosonic / Noorderslag (NL), The Fest 7 (Gainesville FL, USA), Incubate (NL), Give It A Name fest (IT), Fluff Fest (CZ) and Jera On Air (NL) are merely the tip of the iceberg.

Antillectual is the only Dutch DIY band, besides No Turning Back, that is willing to take that next step in music. Where most bands try it, Antillectual does it and makes it look really easy

(Asice.net, NL)

“If you want to achieve something, work as hard as you can”. In short, that is Antillectual’s epigram. Rooted in the Do It Yourself culture, the band approaches their cause professionally, both on and off stage, proving that DIY need not be synonymous to unprofessional. On the contrary! Their relentless efforts have seen the band achieving many peaks, such as frequent support for their tours by the Dutch MusicXport programme.

If you’re looking for a band that’s lively, passionate, and true to the original punk-rock creed, search no more

(Buzzlegoose, USA)

Their most melodic release to date, Start From Scratch! consists of 12 songs ranging from blazing hardcore to emo rock, accompanied by lyrics on politics, protest and personal perceptions, supported by pounding drums, pumping bass, catchy guitar riffs and guest vocals by Propagandhi’s Chris Hannah. Released November 1st, 2010 by 10 different labels throughout the USA, Russia and Europe. The band offers the album as a pay-what-you-like download at music.antillectual.com. Februari 2012 will see the album being released in Brazil.

That feeling that you are listening to something unquantifiably special

(Pastepunk, USA)

With rave reviews in the pocket, Antillectual are well on their way to get their music heard, in new territories, by new people, and not the least by the fan base the band has carefully built up.

Don’t expect anything like the Sex Pistols

(Room Thirteen, UK)

Discography

  • Silencing Civilization, 2005
  • Waves EP, 2007
  • Testimony, 2008
  • Pull The Plug EP, 2009
  • Start From Scratch!, 2010
Antillectual is:
Riekus van Montfort: drums & vocals, Glen ten Haaf: bass & vocals, Willem Heijmans: vocals & guitar