Since forming in 2004, Milton Keynes quartet ANTI VIGILANTE has built a rock-solid reputation based on ferocity – both on stage and on recording – and good old-fashioned hard work.

Breaking free of the conventions of the ska-punk genre from which it was born, the band pays as much attention to low strung hardcore noise as it does rampant saxophones. As likely to pulverise with a pummelling breakdown as breakout the dancing shoes, Anti Vigilante constantly pushes the boundaries of invention and originality.

The band released its eagerly-anticipated second album ‘Tempest’ in July to acclaim from critics and fans alike. The 11-track follow-up to 2009’s ‘Secure Beneath the Watchful Eyes’ was heralded for its musical progression and lyrical maturity. Its impassioned lyrics tackled everything from political inequality to the very personal and heartfelt loss of former drummer, Oli Smith, who passed away in 2011 following a battle with abdominal cancer.

The album’s lead single, ‘Go Outside and Play’ was picked up by Mike Davies at BBC Radio 1 ahead of the album’s release, and has enjoyed constant rotation on the Punk Show since. On the back of this, the band was invited to record an exclusive live session at BBC’s iconic Maida Vale studios.

Renowned for an onstage energy that’s second to none, Anti Vigilante’s hi-octane performances inevitably leave the crowd gasping for more. This skill has been honed sharing the stage with international acts such as Strung Out, Leftöver Crack and Voodoo Glow Skulls, as well as the best of home grown talent, including Capdown, The King Blues, The Skints and Random Hand.

The band is a regular at Rebellion Festival – Blackpool’s annual punk rock get-together – and has appeared at a host of independent festivals, including the 2012 instalments of Crash Doubt in Lincoln and WTFest in Southampton. The band’s first venture overseas saw a warm welcome from a raucous crowd at the Mighty Sounds festival in the Czech Republic.