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These reviews were added on 21 October 2001
Anweledig - Low Alpine/Ehangu
Crai
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
So this is it - after only two albums, perhaps the most entertaining band in Wales have decided to part (for now, at least). This is their Beat Surrender then, the entire career summed up in three and a half minutes of killer Anweledig.
The intro to Low Alpine sounds a bit too much like Gogz, and could have easily been dropped without adversely affecting the song, but I'm probably just being picky. The keyboard riff will stick in your head for weeks - it's one of those pieces of music which can't help but make you smile, though throughout their career, Anweledig seem to have been the experts of this.
Ehangu is closer in spirit to Gweld Y Llun, exploring further the lyrical maturity they've developed recently. Perhaps inferior to the live version which has been in the set for some time now, but it still sits easily alongside their best work.
If this is the final release, music has lost another of those rare things - bands who seem to be doing it for fun. Anweledig are one of the best groups which Wales has produced ever, and they'll be sadly missed.
So, see you at the 'Steddfod next year, boys?
DJ Komikon - World Beaters EP
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
On the whole, this is seemingly a set of 'experimental' beats. It's therefore a little difficult to define - it doesn't fit easily into the all-out dance DJing, nor into the Aphex Twin or Coldcut style 'dance music which you don't really dance to'.
Track by track then, 17-07 is a simple construction of beats, and almost sounds like it's missing a tune over the top... Variation on a Theme by Steve Reich possibly seemed like a good idea at the time, but on record just sounds like one of those whirly sound-tube things - maybe it is, I'm not sure. In any case, it shouldn't go on for the three minutes it does. Jingoism is far better, however, and the last two tracks, World Beaters and Your Epithet are actually really good - the former sounding like it belongs on a Game Boy soundtrack (that's not a criticism), and the latter bringing some decent, heavy bass into play.
All in all a mixed bag, but it'd be nice to see DJ Komikon developing this sound, cos there's definitely promise here.
Cyswllt/contact: Catchpenny Records, PO Box 88, Mold, CH7 4ZQ
Cut 23 - Metal Ghosts
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Featuring perhaps one of the scariest pictures I've recently seen on a CD case, and 'Industrial white noise' (always welcome on my CD player), these are eight 'dark industrial' tracks from a group featuring the unquestionable musical talents of Dewi Evans (Rheinallt H. Rowlands). The presence of said talent ensures that the strings on this album are truly astonishing, though sometimes the electronica over the top can sound extremely dated. For this reason, I'd advise you steer well clear of this if you're not fond of eighties style dance music.
When the group get the balance right however, the best way of describing proceedings is with comparison to Blwch Tymer Tymor-era Datblygu, and you don't need me to tell you how good that is. Perhaps the lyrics may not stand up against Dave Edward's brutal best, but the spirit of his music is certainly here.
I'm not too sure if Cut 23 are going to change the face of Welsh music in quite the way their press release would suggest, but hopefully they'll go some way towards scaring the fuck out of it.
www.cut23.com
Funkyhorn presents the UK HipHop Remixes
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Robin of Funkyhorn has been pretty busy as of late with helping out Pep le Pew by playing saxophone at their live shows, and judging from the quality of the two tracks here, he's picked up a few tips. 360 Degrees Midnite in particular is some of the best hiphop I've heard in a good while, and deserves to be heard and adored by a huge audience. And I'm not quite sure who the target in Mosax is, but somebody seems highly pissed off... Don't take my word for it though, you can download both of these at www.ukhh.com (entries 2001 and 3000, I believe). Do it, you won't be disappointed.
This review was added on 30 September 2001
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - How I Long To Feel That Summer In My Heart
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Gorky's eighth album (somewhat unbelieveably), sees them with yet another changed lineup - two of the original five remain - and a sound completely incomparable with most of their previous releases.
Some of these songs have been an integral part of the live set for over one and a half years, so it's good to finally have a record to listen to at leisure. One warning - if you were put off by the fact that The Blue Trees was a bit too acoustic folk, be prepared to despise this album. Fortunately, I think Gorky's fans are a bit too open-minded to allow things to disintergrate into old vs new Manics-style argument. For the record, though, I DO think that Bwyd Time was one of the best albums released in the 1990s, and GZM would have to do something truly incredible to better it. Still, with songs like the gorgeously bleak title track and Honeymoon With You, the band show further that they can master pretty much any genre they care to throw their hand to. One of the great eclectic bands of our times, so savour them.
These reviews were added on 16 September 2001
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - Stood On Gold
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Richard's soothing, sweet vocals take the fore on the first single from new album How I Long To as the musical direction veers towards all out acoustic folk. There's still an unmistakable Gorky's sound (as always) on all three new tracks here, the other two being a 90 second stomper called My Honey, and a cover of a song Out On The Side by Harold Eugene Clark. I'm glad to see they've actually recorded the latter, because it has been by far one of the most enjoyable songs in their live set since as long ago as the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in 2000, if my memory serves me correctly. Great stuff, I can't wait for the album.
Elan - Facts, Pics and Trivia
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Formed in Aberystwyth, and hailing from Dudley, Northampton and Cardiff, Elan are an all female three piece out and out folk band. While not likely to be taken to as far and wide as their own roots, all four songs on this EP are quite sweet and pretty (I know that's a little patronising, but this genre is not going to produce another Ramones, is it?), the kind of stuff you want to listen to late at night, sat dreaming of better times. I can imagine it working well live too, at one of those 'sat cross-legged on the floor' gigs, if you know what I mean. You probably don't, so I'll just recommend catching Elan live if you see them playing near you.
Glove Box vs Tammy Jones - Hyfryd
I never complain when I get a bit of dreamy electronica to review, so no complaints shall be forthcoming, I hope.
I think the best way to describe this is sitting in a room with two stereos, each playing a different song. The vocals of one player drift in and out of direct rhythm with the beats and bass of the other, and as awful as this might sound, it actually works really well.
Perhaps not exactly 'hyfryd', but a good track nonetheless.
This review was added on 5 September 2001
Manic Street Preachers - Let Robeson Sing
Epic
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
The fourth, and therefore probably last single from Know Your Enemy, and it looks like they're shaking off the counterproductivity of the Cool Cymru times pretty well.
Fronted with semi-Pollockesque (and frankly hideous) artwork, and promo'ed with a rather patronising video, the song is fortunately good enough to overcome these obstacles. The Manic Street Preachers have always been best appreciated by taking the music and ignoring the various stages of rhetoric which have come with it, though, and this song would seem to qualify that still further.
Paul Robeson never really asked to be some kind of Luther King style martyr figure, as Nicky Wire has made him out to be here. However, it seems that they have finally got the post-Angry Young Men music right. Gorgeously catchy acoustic guitars and James singing better than he ever has done make this the best of the recent singles, without too much doubt.
These reviews were added on 27 August 2001
THE BIG WEEKEND FESTIVAL KARRRDEFF!
review by Anita Bhagwandas
Friday
Saw Tommy and chauffeur-who were wicked. New stuff’s good, go buy their new single, which is out on the 2nd September - can’t remember what its called sorry, alcohol induced amnesia. Tetra Splendour who’ve changed their name but are still boring cunts (formerly Robots in the Sky) and Lost Prophets who weren’t too bad. A pathetic excuse for a pit though! Missed Gorky’s but they sounded good from the hotel toilets. We managed to get in there cos I cut my mate (unintentionally with a bottle). I was in the toilets with my 2 mates who were spewing everywhere instead which was nice. 2 litres of vodka and 6 blokes between us... also got approached by a rather nice man with blue eyes from LP's but said to him 'woah are there two of you? oh my god you're twins' when in fact there was just one and must have had double vision... sure he was terribly impressed :( Saw the one who looks like a monkey from Terris too. Nice weather. Almost got thrown off the train then I saw a purple fish in the sky... but no-one believes me.
Welsh celebrity spotting rating- 8
Saturday
Lots of shitty Red Dragon FM pop wank, Times 4 who appeared to be some sort of shake your booty rn b act, and some other girl bands whose names for quite obvious reasons (they were pants) escape me. Apparently Red Dragon is Wales' number 1 radio station(?). Not sure how this works cos doesn’t it only go to Bridgend? Hmmm... Saw Feeder 'mime' 3 shitty songs - Buck Rogers, Seven Days in the Sun, and We Can’t Rewind. Well I say mime - they sang but probably didn’t play their instruments live. Also met the lads quickly after and gave Grant a thong which he expected (it’s a joke between us and in all honesty is not very interesting so I wont explain it) - he’s shrunk too, and has brown hair. He’ll grow it back when the NME slag it off. I say NME,I mean Mark ‘fuckwit Beaumont’.
Also EMF and I am Kloot... can't remember them. A band who had cockroach or something in their name... erm... so went on the waltzer's and ate candyfloss instead! Shit weather. Torrential rain all day. Bollocks. My hair ran pink all over my t-shirt which was fucking marvellous.
Welsh celebrity spotting rating-sodding awful! only feeder and one of them’s Japanese... It gets 2!
That's my report back from THE BIG WEEKEND. stay tuned for the next exciting installment of Anita gets around - but not in that way folks!
Transposer - We.R.here?
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
http://fly.to.transposer
It’s magnetic when you can hear the struggle and the commotion of seduction, if you give yourself to the listener. Such is the drama that Transposer’s Nathaniel Shelley brings on his second EP. Melodic vaguely space tinged melodies and stoner beats make for a welcome break from the habitual indie/guitar existence. Its all epitomised in Narcotic Flame which starts like Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer (albeit the slow version). This is no bad thing, as like Bon Jovi Shelley’s got the tunes. He’s also got the voice if only he’d muster enough energy to start playing live again.
The Hunt For Meaning - MC Mabon
ankstmusik (www.ankst.co.uk)
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
If Mr Blaidd was the beginnings of Gruff Meredith's transformation from G-Man to MC Mabon, then The Hunt for Meaning seems to be the complete assertion of his status as one of the most impressive solo artists around today.
An English-language concept album following the course of one Iago Prydderch (I won't spoil the surprise as to how it ends), one review has called this an 'underground half-brother to... Rings Around the World' - perhaps unknowing of the actual family ties between the two artists - and it is every bit as good as SFA's masterpiece. From the hilarious shouting fest of Fuck U If U Think You're Cool and the gorgeous Fire Within, to the disco-dancing, arse-kicking, long-name-having Iago Prydderch And The Rejection of Irony And Western Metaphysics, you will want to buy every song on this album a drink, and tell them how good they all are. Perhaps that's just my fantasies though.
I cannot stress enough how vital it is that you go to www.ankst.co.uk and buy this album right now, it is completely worth the £10.
These reviews were added on 25 July 2001 at 11.20pm
Mo-ho-bish-o-pi - Hear The Air
V2 (re-released)
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
It's simple. Built from joint gasping vocals and screech guitar noise like a beloved but forgotten record pulled out of vinyl purgatory. This re-release sees Martin Bimrose in vocal perfection with Rachel Tomsk uncovering this lost gem lurking in the stagnant fraction of the lad’s career that we don’t talk about. Many bought it the first time, I’m sure, but don’t be drawn into futile indie snobbishness. Marvel instead at its eccentricity; cherish it like a newborn child. Fresh it may not be, but designed extraordinarily well for the task in hand. A song from before rock was manufactured, before pop ate itself, before pretty much everything. But just after the invention of Prozac.
These reviews were added on 16 July 2001 at 12.50pm
Murry the Hump – Songs of Ignorance
Review by Sara Huws
The Question: Welsh Guitar Pop
The Answer: Shining–style shudder and perhaps a bloodcurdling scream sound-effect. Murry the Hump are different. For a change, an album that sends the right kind of shivers down your spine. Matthew Evans drawls his way through ditties about drugs, love, sex, drugs and sex like the boy who sat in the corner in maths and never said anything. The Aber ex-pats have managed to capture that summertime ennui, you know: sitting on the beach and not pulling any tourists. The Hump are a nice break from your average ten-bob-rhyming-dictionary guitar band – coupling catchy riffs with pretty lyrics ranging from the cutesy-poo Booze and Cigarettes ('You and me / we go together / like hair on a soap / on a rope for ever') to the gorgeously sleazy Valley Girl ('Lady let's make love tonight…' makes you feel all dirty and used, doesn't it?). The singles have lost their small-town edginess in favour of a more stylised, 'proper album' feel – jangly harp added on Green Green Grass and some fancy Hawaiian guitar on Colouring Book. You can see it on the sleeve too: the gaudy pink vinyl and kebab shop postcards have been ditched and arty two-tone photos adopted instead. It's like Murry bought himself a stiff new suit from Peacocks and combed his hair out of his eyes. But I have a sneaking suspicion that he still hasn't changed his pants…
Y Cwestiwn: Guitar Pop Cymreig
Yr Ateb: Ias o boen lawr dy gefn di, à la The Shining, sgrechfeydd, newyn, pla o locustiaid etc… Ma' Murry the Hump yn wahanol. Am newid, albym sy'n danfon ias go iawn lawr dy gefn di. Mae Matthew Evans yn canu'n ddiog am gyffuriau, cariad, rhyw, cyffuriau a rhyw fel yr hogyn rhyfedd oedd yn eistedd yng nghefn y dosbarth heb ddweud dim. Mae cyn frodorion Aber wedi llwyddo i ddal yr ennui canol-ha' erchyll yna – eistedd ar y traeth yn methu pwlio'r twristiaid. Ma'r Hump gan mil gwaith yn well na'ch band gitar arferol pwy-sy'-wedi-dwyn-yr-odliadur – yn cyfuno riffs bachog â geiriau del: o'r gân serch neis-neis Booze and Cigarettes ('You and me / we go together / like hair on a soap / on a rope for ever') i'r Valley Girl ffiaidd ('Lady let's make love tonight…' neud 'chi deimlo'n fudur, tydi…?). Mae'r senglau 'di gollwng eu sain garej-gefn-yn-Aber ac wedi mabwysiadu gwedd fwy taclus, gerddorol – telyn wedi'i hychwanegu ar Green Green Grass a gitar ffansi ar Colouring Book. Mi fedrwch chi ei weld o ar glawr y record hefyd: mae'r vinyl pinc llachar a'r cardiau post siop gebab wedi newid yn luniau du a gwyn arti-ffarti. Mae'n debyg bod Murry 'di prynu siwt newydd yn Peacocks, ac wedi cribo'i wallt allan o'i lygaid. Ond 'dwi'n dal i amau 'fod o heb newid ei bans…
These reviews were added on 14 July 2001 at 4.30pm
Feeder - Turn
(Echo)
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
There’s no characterisation, no cars and definitely no talk of transvestites, as Feeder set out to capture the world of balladry with the third release from their top 5 ‘Echo Park’ album. Regrettably it's not much in comparison to the rawer, heavier and altogether more filling Feeder sound they epitomised on debut album Polythene, however it’s definitely one of the best from a claustrophobic and technical sounding album.
Although lyrically it professes to be a little less quirky and more heartfelt than its predecessors ‘Seven Days in the Sun’ and ‘Buck Rogers’, ‘Turn’ shows just how far the band have sunk into the realm of mediocrity.
Skep - Bingo EP (6 tracks)
Dockrad Records
Review by Debs
Wasn't at all sure what to expect of this, but former Tystion man Dai Lloyd's first release on his new label doesn't disappoint in any way.
There's something very 80s-dance about this - anyone remember "Wordy Rappinghood"? There seem to be nods towards Datblygu - there's something about Dai's voice that reminds me of David R Edwards, and that definitely raises a smile - and there's perhaps even some Geraint Jarman buried in there.
So it's mostly lively and dancey with some frankly brilliant beats (in a Diffiniad stylee, in places) yet just full enough of fabbo squeaks and bleeps to keep it from being completely retro.
This has to be one of the most enjoyable releases I've been sent this year - every track is an absolute gem. Brilliant!
See dockrad.com for more details.
Estella - Demo
Review by Debs
Estella have been kicking around for a couple of years, but aside from the 1998 Eisteddfod I hadn't heard anything from them until a few months ago. Thankfully they're gigging pretty regularly now so I'm happily managing to get my fix of their laid back yet ballsy jazz/funk/lounge mixture.
The demo, then. There's something very 70s about it - and that's not just because of the classic track about wanting to live in the 70s, Saithdegau - and there's more than one nod to the Kozmic Blues Band, not to mention shades of Edie Brickell, Melanie, Joni Mitchell and Mary Hopkin, to name but a few. Funkeee! Incidentally, Estella's fans include none other than Bryn Terfel - takes a voice to know a voice, eh?
This Blaenau Ffestiniog based five-piece is led by Lauren Bentham, winner of the "Best Female Vocalist" award at this year's Radio Cymru Rock and Pop Awards, a title she clearly deserved if this demo is anything to go by. Lauren's voice is gutsy and distinctive, perfect for the lounge lizard funkiness of the songs. Estella are certainly a band to watch out for - at a time when WBW is receiving hardly any female vocal-led material, the gorgeous sound of Estella is extremely welcome.
An exclusive interview with Estella will appear in Issue 10 of Welsh Bands Weekly
Spoonidols - Demo
Review by Debs
A farout trippy shagfest, this, helped along the way by the amazing Syd Barrett cover whose name isn't written on the CD but which was mentioned in the covering letter which I've unfortunately lost. I'm crap, me. But anyway, it's a return to sixties psychedelia but without sounding in any way dated - perfect for both floating horizontally, full of chemicals, and dancing around to dementedly. Fucking amazing!
Farout and trippy are pretty much self-explanatory, but let me explain the "shagfest" element of the above paragraph. Basically this means it should be the soundtrack to all the best shags you have for the rest of your life - it's downright sexy and just... well, it's fucking saucy, if you ask me. Said in my best Babs Windsor voice, natch.
Indescribably lovely, this demo is an absolute treasure in its downright grooviness. Best listened to while lying on the floor stoned out of your box, I reckon, which is why I'm going to make sure it's in my bag at Miri Madog. And I'll make sure I bring a CD player too.
These reviews were added on 9 July 2001 at 8am
Juxtaposed With U - Super Furry Animals
Sony
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
SFA are back! You don’t need me to tell you that this is fantastic, because, let’s face it – have they ever released something which you didn’t think was one of the best records of the year?
The thing about Juxtaposed, for me, was an initial worry that SFA have gone all Burt Bacharach on us, but... I’ll try to describe the ecstasy of this song. Remember when Unstraightforwardtune by Derrero gave Debs a musical orgasm a couple of issues back? Combine this with that passage from Trainspotting (you know, the one where Renton tells you to take your best orgasm and multiply the feeling by twenty). That’s nearly how good this song is.
Maybe I’ve been deprived of the Super Furries for too long, but everything on this reminds me why I fell in love with the music of SFA – the strings which can only be described as luscious, Gruff’s gorgeous crooning in the chorus, or the general rhythm of the whole thing which just screams at you to GET UP AND DANCE. Super Furry Animals are one of those bands who you just know in years to come will be talked about in hushed, reverent tones in the manner the Beach Boys are now, and that’s because they really can wrench your emotions. Watch those people with massive grins on their faces when the intro bars of Northern Lites start up and try to tell me otherwise.
If Juxtaposed With U is an indication of what the album is going to be like, then I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’ve got an absolute classic on our hands. This is musical genius the likes of which come about once in a very long time.
These reviews were added on 1 July 2001 at 10.45pm
MC Mabon - People Are So Stupid/Route
(Ankst, see ankst.co.uk for more details)
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
GRUFF MEREDITH IS BACK! And very welcome he is, too. His solo work to date has proved to be quite a departure from Tystion, while conversely, Steffan Cravos has driven his band to a more beats and bass-driven sound. The two complement each other extremely well, I find.
People Are So Stupid is something of a distorted jangly song (if that makes sense - does it?), not massively unlike Cariad y Cwn At y Moch from debut album Mr Blaidd at times, with Gruff demonstrating his vocal abilities in the singing, rather than rapping department. I'm extremely glad that Gruff decided to start singing on his records, 'cos he has one of the most distinctive and generally enjoyable voices around.
The other side of this split promo, Route, contains the words 'Big Bad Backdated Beats', as far as I can make out. Lyrics like that don't come around every day, so pay attention. MC Mabon is most definitely building on his well-received first album, and if these two tracks are anything to go by, the new album should be a stormer. 'Say tally-ho to the world you know/Come on the hunt for meaning'? If the soundtrack to the hunt sounds like this, I don't mind if I do.
These reviews were added on 19 June 2001 at 7.45am
Sugarcane - Monkey Logic EP
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Weren’t the early nineties great? Baggy was just about enjoying its swansong, MDMA gave people something to do on a Friday night, Thatcher was in power, recession was widespread, crime was high… Well, maybe those last three weren’t too good, but Sugarcane seem to think that this era is adequate for revival, ‘cos that’s exactly where this EP is based. The Stone Roses immediately force themselves into my brain, which is unfortunate seeing as I fucking hate them.
Sugarcane, though. I’ll just try my very hardest to think exclusively of them. Well, for a start the singer isn’t the greatest at hitting the notes (a bit like Ian Br… no, I promised myself...), the guitar lines are most definitely jangly with a little distortion in there, and the basslines are quite evocative of a warm summer’s afternoon spent catching up on what was happening in the Gulf War...
I’m sorry, I can’t help myself any longer. There’s nothing wrong with this EP, but the Stone Roses did do this style far better, and 10 years ago to boot. And the skratching (sic) on the last track is just annoying. There’s only so many times you can hear a man saying ‘ah yeah!’ without wanting to shove the turntable sideways down his oesophagus. Examples of how to scratch can be found to great effect by watching DJ Jaffa of Tystion, so do that for a bit before you try your hand at it yourself. Ah yeah.
These reviews were added on 12 June 2001 at 7.30am
Babakin - Northlingular Circular
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Once again I am faced with a demo cd, and once again it's pretty goshdarn tidy. Babakin don't seem to come with any kind of agenda, they just seem to be a bunch of people having a good time. Of the songs on this four track release, the one which instantly struck me as I listened to it for the first time was Good People - The Stooges reborn. In my opinion, sounding like the Stooges is by no way a bad thing, in fact quite the opposite. Let's face it, all Iggy was doing was adapting an existing genre, and that's what's being done here.
The other three tracks are nothing hugely special, but then nothing to sniff at either. It's very easy to do the whole guitar/bass/drums thing, but much more difficult to actually pull it off and make it in any way listenable. Babakin make dirty, 70s rock songs with a certain personal stamp, and it's actually rather good. Investigate - I would.
Fantastic Super Foofs - Gliptus
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Oh dear. Somewhere along the line, somebody has either spent a very long time pondering a name, or just used anything which popped into their head. Even more worryingly, this band have three members, so none must have objected.
Without wishing to sound like a patronising bastard, if you're not that famous, people are going to decide whether or not to go and watch you play on the basis of names. This is not a particularly inspiring one...
Going back to my point in the Babakin review, it's difficult to make a three piece without any real guitar effects to speak of sound that original, and singing like Dave Grohl doesn't really help matters. If you're proud of your roots, as the blessing in the sleeve suggests, then don't sing in an American accent. It's not as if it's natural, and it is in fact quite disturbing at times. Not that an American accent on its own is disturbing, nothing of the sort, but the knowledge that this is emerging from a few thousand miles east of the US is.
I also think that a physics lesson is needed- a rainbow is an optical illusion, you can't ever reach the 'end' of it! Gah, sorry, I'm being pedantic, aren't I?
Once again, the problem is not quite as simple as mere bad music, no, that can be solved by simply quitting the music industry. Instead the beast which ravages this review and rids it of commendatory comments is that of blandness. Not even radio-friendly blandness, but the kind which creates uninspiring rock, which will change nobody's life.
These reviews were added on 9 June at 10.45pm
Manic Street Preachers - Ocean Spray
Epic
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
So, the Manics are well and truly Back, as it were. They’re now three singles into their newest album, so is this, as has been claimed, a return to Proper Rock?
Hard to say. The whole thing does smack a little bit of old men trying to be eighteen again, but I’m certainly not reaching for the skip button as much as This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours inspired me to. One thing really does piss me off quite tremendously, though. The post chorus part seems to have been produced by an idiot, with some absolutely horrifically clunky drums that completely ruin the entire song. And that is a terrible shame, because it would otherwise be one of my very favourite Manics songs. I’m going to leave the music at that, because that part just ruins the entire song for me.
The lyrics, then. Apparently James-Dean Bradfield wrote them about his mother’s death, which is a reviewer’s nightmare quite frankly, ‘cos I’d feel extremely guilty about criticising them. It’s a great relief, then, that they are actually quite lovely, and with the subject matter in mind, are quite moving. Even though they’re about cranberry juice (and I’m not joking – they actually are).
The choice of B-Sides is spread between the now-obligatory Sony artist remixes (If anybody from SFA reads this – please don’t allow yourselves to go down that route) which the promo doesn’t treat me to – these are on disc 2 – then there’s Groundhog Days and Just a Kid on disc 1. The former is more Rockin’ Out (if you’ll pardon the phrase) after an acoustic intro, while the latter is a nice and tuneful mid tempo lament with painfully ironic lyrics (“Just a kid/Acting like I used to be”) which I’m sure Freud would have a field day on. A tip - avoid the cassette’s B-side, Little Trolls, at all cost. Don’t ask why, just do it. Imagine Moloko covering anything by the Pixies. Doesn’t that sound scary? Exactly.
These reviews were added on 2 June 2001 at 6.30pm
Murry The Hump - Songs of Ignorance
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
Fed up with mind-numbingly futile r’n'b and swaggering garage efforts, indie lovers can find solace in these genteel dreamers. Half expecting a middle-class pile of folk wank this classy affair offers more than the habitual. In Murry The Hump’s world everything’s calm, peaceful and so goddamn perfect. From the anthemic Booze and Cigarettes to the quirky Don’t Slip Up the bespectacled Matt Evans makes early 90s nostalgia seem like the next frontier.
These reviews were added on 23 May 2001 at 1.30pm
Pep Le Pew - Y Mwyafrif
Fitamin Un
Review by Debs Prowse
Laid back and extremely relaxing, if hip hop can indeed be such a thing, Y Mwyafrif is equally perfect for both crashing out to while stoned and for blaring out loud on the car stereo on a hot summer's day.
It's just so chilled (man). Mmmmm, yummy. Gentle strings and a guitar to die for combine with some gorgeous drumming and just enough vitriol in the rapping to produce what should be - if there's any justice in the world - one of the big hits of this summer.
And it really is a song for the summer; try as I might, I just can't shake this mental image of frantic sex on a secluded beach in the midday sun. Now I wonder why that might be...
Nutonic – Everyday
East Central Four Records
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
Every now and then you get a record which makes you stop and think. One of those records that sounds quite average, but in conjunction with a certain amount of mystery and polished riffs provides a musical experience which falls just short of amazing. Roughly translated as somewhat short and depthless biography and nice geetaring. Still Nutonic have a lovely sound. Its nothing new or exciting, its just simple Britpop which, after the masses of nu-metal and nouveau punk wank, is a blessed relief.
Psychosquad - Things Fall Down
ffvinyl
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
Welsh nu-metal? Surely you’re taking the piss I hear you say? I assure you not punter as the ‘squad’s latest offering takes a very similar cue to Pontypridd’s finest Lost Prophets. It’s a refreshing change from the habitual offerings, which range from indie to… er… more indie. This scene definitely needs a kick up the arse and Psychosquad could be just the ones to do it!
These reviews were added on 20 May 2001 at 1.30pm
Stereophonics - Have a Nice Day
V2
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
With million’s of records sales and sold out gig’s etc life for Cwmaman’s best and only is undoubtedly plagued by very nice days. This track off the album Just Enough Education To Perform is probably the best of an over-produced bunch. Realistically it will do well, they’ll headline the festivals again and be hailed as Wales’ best band since the Manics. Safe for the masses, but a bit too Virgin FM for me.
Mo-ho-bish-o-pi - Names For Nameless Things
V2
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
Taking a lo-fi, strangely subversive cue, the latest single from Cardiff’s best species of extinct bird comes with a certain amount of sophistication. Airbrushed and neatly packaged it’s like the birthday present you never had. With single after single of pure quality, the album should definitely be worth the wait.
These reviews were added on 13 May 2001 at 11.55pm
Continuous Sound Labordy - Swn Cont
[BoomBoomBomB, Trawsfynydd Lo-Fi Liberation Front, S.J. Ù, Llwybr Llaethog Sound System and Dave Handford]
Fitamin Un
Review by Hamish Healy
Reading the press release I wasn’t sure what to make of this from the outset. This diverse collective say they’ve set out to blur the boundaries of music and art, reinterpreting the meaning of noise and sound. In this aim they’ve totally succeeded, trashing anyone’s preconceived ideas of what defines music.
At times disturbing, a soundtrack to a very confused night, there really is no liking this EP; it’s either love or hate. As something so very different I found myself waiting for the repetitive loops and samples of side one to break into something bigger and to ease my aching head, disappointed that it went no further. This really is something not to listen to when you’re down.
Side two opens with the far more accessible Llwybr Llaethog’s Cathod Mawr, a welcome relief from the depths of side one.
As an experiment in sonic expression, with a refusal to play instruments, this will either ignite your passion or make you want to smash your stereo.
These reviews were added on 9 May 2001 at 7.30am
The Afternoons - A Change in Season
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Judging by the press release, the Afternoons have had some great press from the NME in the past few months, but we shouldn't hold that against them, should we?
So, the songs. The a-side is certainly demanding of some regard, with its spiky guitar strums and sassy bassline, and then the chorus kicks in. And, Jesus, it's really quite beautiful. The vocals suit it perfectly, and blend with the violin in a way that'll leave you aching for more. How the fuck did this not go top 10? And how can a band write something this good for a second single?
The one bad thing about having such a good song on a single is that the b-sides can seem... well, like b-sides, really. Do the job, but nothing too special, and unfortunately, Coming Back For Good is a victim of this. That probably makes it sound worse than it actually is, but I'm sure you understand me.
All in all then, worth investigation.
Released on FF Vinyl records, see website theafternoons.com for more info.
The Johnny Narcissist - Sweet Nothings
This is the kind of thing that really gets me excited, something which has been recorded on a small budget and released by the band themselves but which still manages to sound great.
Sweet Nothings is an understated masterwork of songwriting, with the classic summer/winter verse/chorus contrast (cf. Siwt Nofio by Gorky's), that is to say a calm, relaxing relationship description in the verse, breaking into a chorus which you wouldn't look in the eye if it passed you in the street, with its "I THINK I LOVE YOU TOO MUCH!" semi-shouted lyric. It all works out ok in the end though, don't worry.
Mr Carousel is an altogether dirtier affair, with a guitar line that'll gatecrash your mind, and the lyrics are generally excellent, though one or two of the lines leave something to be desired. It meanders a little too much towards the end, but that's not the worst crime in music, so it's forgiven.
If only Johnny Narcissist had a little more cash to buy some time in a decent studio, these would be under ridiculously heavy rotation on my stereo. I can't have everything though, can I?
Independent release, contact 28b Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2AE for details.
These reviews were added on 1 May 2001 at 10.30pm
Teflon Monkey – Farming In Space
Placid Casual – release date 14 May 2001
Review by Debs Prowse
Now then. If I start going on about Love and Gorky’s having a secret lovechild that is somewhat similar to Rheinallt H Rowlands on speed, who then jumps into a tardis and goes back to medieval times and forms a very tweety, la-la-la-y one man band that performs songs about washing your hands before saying goodbye, do you promise not to look at me like I’m nuts? Because that’s exactly what Farming In Space sounds like, if you don’t include the tenseness of Y Mudiad or riverdancing-mouseness and weeping-wolfness of the guitar in Keep The Light On.
Well, think I’m nuts if you want to, I don’t care. I can now sit here and smugly say that I’ve made a major discovery: not only does this CD make you smile and twitch with joy, but it makes you invent new words. And any CD that makes me do that is fine by me.
Love it.
Funkyhorn – Funk The Skunk
Funkyhorn Productions
Review by Debs Prowse
Well, this outfit lives up to one half of its name, at least – it’s certainly funky. Whether or not it gives me the horn is something I’d rather not comment on at the moment, but suffice to say that its hippy hoppy laid-backness and pan pipes and fairground organs and scratchiness and Ray Charlesness do get you writhing about a bit.
So. It’s hip hop, but it’s ultra mellow and jazzy and funky and gooooood. And we like that.
Bois Bach – Dal Fi’n Dynn
Rasp
Review by Debs Prowse
First we had the first-ever Welsh girl-band (Eden). Then we had the first-ever Welsh boy-band (Mega). Then SFA, Gorky’s, Rheinallt H Rowlands, Ectogram et al went one step further and created the first-ever Welsh supergroup (The Serpents). Bois Bach have gone one better than all of these, however, and created the first-ever Welsh spoof boy band.
Now watch the point go whizzing over my head. Okay, so there’s some funny lyrics about a small brown loaf and a nice fat crispy turkey, and about one of the band, Wili, being “fine”, but there’s not much else. If you buy it, it’ll only be so that you can play it to your mates when they’re stoned to make them giggle, before putting it back on the shelf to gather dust for six months before the next party you have where you decide it would be really wacky to play it to the rest of your pals.
Sorry boys. Come back again when you’ve made a proper record, one that people will listen to because it’s good rather than because it’s silly.
My boyfriend, incidentally, thought it was brilliant. And that really frightens me…
Sikorski – Demo (untitled)
Review by Debs Prowse
Due to the beginning of the tape being chewed up it’s difficult to comment on the first song, however the second - Speedway Suicide - is thankfully unchewed and jolly lovely to listen to.
It’s like the singer is afraid of singing, somehow. But that’s really cute; it’s like he’s only dipping his toe in the waters of his voice, before making the decision to take the big plunge. Sort of an experiment-gone-right, if you will. A pretty song, one that perhaps shouldn’t work with guitars that have either a wah-wah or flange effect on them (I can’t quite work out which), or with the rude drum sound or the whole damn kit and kaboodle. But it does, strangely, and the result is an unproduced, recorded-live-in-garage song that is just utterly listenable.
Niiiiiiice.
These reviews were added on 24 April 2001 at 11pm
Texas Radio Band- Y Tywysoges
Rasp
Anita Bhagwandas
Quite honestly the prospect of reviewing another bland bi-lingual indie record infuriates me! I’m completely fed up with whiny vocals, incompetent guitars and over-produced effects. Luckily for me (and for Texas Radio Band) they avoid all these pitfalls and produce a pretty impressive release. ‘Casino’ fuses a variety of instrumental feats with smooth vocals and baseline. The influences are obvious Air, SFA and GZM but take a pleasant twist on their classic sound!
Title track ‘Y Tywysoges’, a little up-tempo ditty, seems to borrow the chorus from Only Fools and Horses but it works nicely - and there’s some pretty skilful manics style trumpeting! ‘Hey girl’ is a little more groove and funk based - probably my favourite - and there’s those trumpets again. It’s refreshing to hear this sort of thing just when you think the commercial dross of new metal and faux punk have taken over completely. Perfect Sunday afternoon record! The stage beckons.
GOGZ - Troi Am AdraCrai
Stefan Kubiczyn
Gogz are one of those bands I seem to have known of for ages, but never actually got round to listening to, so I jumped at the chance to review this.
While I can’t say that I was blown away, it’s by no means a bad EP. The songs are all catchy, with music somewhere between the final Topper release and early SFA.
Standout tracks for me included track one, Mynydd Mawr, which opens with a muffled tune sounding a little like Clymhalio from Ffa Coffi Pawb’s Hei Vidal, then bursts into a moderately rocky tune with the singer shouting something that I swear is “Made to work your socks off”. But don’t quote me on that, I could be wrong. Also good is the title track, which might be what Coldplay would sound like if they could write a decent tune. And sing in Welsh. Again, maybe that’s just me…
So, using the age-old recipe of guitars, drums and vocals (with some keyboards thrown in, of course), Gogz have managed to create what is possibly not the most original sound ever, but is definitely worth checking out.
Crai Records - www.sain.wales.com
These reviews were added on 13th April 2001 at 9.50pm
Manic Street Preachers - Know Your Enemy
Epic
Review by Vickki Bradfield
Okay, this has been a long time coming; I couldn't wait to get hold of Know Your Enemy. Found That Soul and Why So Sad are two totally different singles and I was unsure what to expect. When I attended the Manics Press Conference in Late 1999 one of the questions I'd asked was whether the rumours were true that the next album would be going back to their musical roots, to which the roundabout answer was "yes and no". To be honest I think that's completely true.
Upon first listen a couple of songs that really stuck out for me were Intravenous Agnostic and Dead Martyrs. Is this because I'm one of these so-called "Old Skool" Manics fans, I wonder? They are two of the punkier efforts on the album and just appealed to me straight away. As exceptional as the last two albums were, I think I've been craving this side of the Manics since the sheer greatness of The Holy Bible, and these two gems do not disappoint.
But then you have the other side of the coin - there are a few upbeat songs that contrast perfectly. When I say upbeat I do use that term loosely; I refer to the music and not the lyrics, I'm sure you understand! But the cream of the crop here has to be Miss Europa Disco Dancer, a future single if ever I heard one. I dunno if the lads have been watching re-runs of Saturday Night Fever in their absence but they must have been inspired by something to write this masterpiece. A point to mention here about this song is that I have a friend who detests the Manics and I bet her that I could play her a Manics tune that she would actually enjoy. She readily accepted my wager, but after hearing Miss Europa was big enough to admit that I was right! HA! Sadly though, she now says to me "Play that 'Manics' Bee Gees' one, will ya?!"
I have a confession to make: each time I listened to this album I skipped Wattsville Blues. I know, I know; I can hear you all chastising me, but it reminded me of that scrawny, pigeon-chested, wrinkly Mr Iggy Pop and it just put me off straight away. Terrible, aren't I? But guess what? After seeing Nicky and James sing this live I'm no longer a complete Iggy-phobe and in fact I really have grown to love this song; love it like it was a fluffy kitten called Kevin.
Know Your Enemy is 75 minutes long (value for money or what?) so I'm not gonna give you a blow-by-blow account of each and every track, but two that I can't fail to mention are Ocean Spray (a great cure for cystitis and another future single, perhaps?) and Let Robeson Sing, which is possibly the most beautiful song on the album.
Overall, I think this album has a really wide appeal and will satisfy old and new fans alike. I think James, Nicky and Sean should sit back with smug looks on their faces and be proud of this amazing material. Definitely one of their best albums.
As a final point, I liked the swearing; a bit more would have been good. Probably wouldn't be able to compete with Generation Terrorists, but it is big and it is fucking clever.
These reviews were added on 11th April 2001 at 1.40pm
The Flower Killers - Be Real
Pressgang
Review by Debs Prowse
Like Stereophonics doing Madness, or Feeder doing The Wonderstuff, this lively little number is a bit of an unexpected amalgam of rocky naughtiness and pop purity. Oh, and worth a mention is the fact that on the b-sides vocalist Julian sounds like an early Jon Bon Jovi. Whether that's a good or bad thing I'll leave you to decide...
But back to Be Real - it might not jump out and throttle you at the first listen or two, but give it a few plays and you'll be singing along.
Flipside - Demo
Review by Debs Prowse
So. It's Tuesday morning, you've not been getting nearly enough sleep, you feel like crap and would rather be in bed. But Those Who Pay Your Wages And Must Therefore Be Obeyed insist that you sit goggle-eyed at a computer all day, guzzling Red Bull and getting bizarrely hyperactive in the process.
There's only one thing you can do. You bung the Flipside demo into the CD drive and whack up the volume. The MD shits his pants, the Accountant accidentally gives everyone in the company a 10% bonus, the Personnel Manager inadvertantly increases everyone's annual leave entitlement by 10 days, and the General Manager pops down to the bakery and treats the entire workforce to cream cakes.
To say that I like this demo would be somewhat of an understatement. This Cardiff band are loud and very naughty-sounding, some sort of weird cross between Limp Bizkitz, Gaye Bykers On Acid and Primal Scream, perhaps. Sampling and bleeping merge fantastically with metal guitars and demonic vocals, the frantic scratching only serving to enhance things by -ooh- at least 2000%.
This band scare me. This is a good thing. I like Flipside. You will too. Check 'em out.
Pep Le Pew - Demo
Review by Debs Prowse
Apologies first for adding an 'e' where it wasn't wanted. It's PEP LE PEW, right? PEP. No 'e'. Not Pepe. Not Peppy. Pep. Yes.
The spelling of the name isn't important though, not really. Once you hear the music it takes over, everything else fading into that minor detail insignificance that won't get in the way of this band's extremely promising future.
Okay, so we've heard Welsh hip hop before. Llwybr Llaethog have been around for an eternity, then there was Datsyn, and more recently the equally wonderful Tystion and MC Mabon. You'd think that PLP wouldn't have anything new to offer, but they so obviously have.
It's not just about the Welsh rapping, the words shaping themselves so comfortably to the rhythms, nor just about the kick-arse attitude or the obvious talent these boys have. No, y'see there's so much more there. The tunes are just so fucking funky, even the shaky production can't ruin it. And the one-track collaboration with MC Mabon was a wise move - bringing in established, respected artists will do PLP loads of favours.
Pep Le Pew are playing at Cardiff's Clwb Ifor Bach on 28 April. I'll be there with bells on. Question is, will you? If you've got any sense you will.
These reviews were added on 9th April 2001 at 9.35pm
Nim Chimpsky – Demo
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
Crikey, this lot get around! Having played every south Wales venue possible from Le pub to Pontllanfraith RFC, with such an impressive live history this demo should definitely be worth a look.
First track ‘Relaxing Chap’ showcases the perfect ‘slow then scream thing’ best utilised by the Smashing Pumpkins and the like. With excellent thrash metal interludes this track also seems to be close to the band’s heart. Lyric ‘oh no don’t go we haven’t finished the show’ pleads with a crowd who seem posed to walk out during mid set. Bad experiences, eh lads?
‘Bad News’s Brown’ epitomises mall rock with its blatant hooks and pertinent dance sensibility. And the final track ‘Again Amor’? A full on white metal assault. Simply noise with intent. Nice.
These reviews were added on 9th April 2001 at 10.15am
Feeder – Seven Days In The Sun
Echo
Review by Anita Bhagwandas
Picture this. You’re stood in the cold, freezing your bits off. Need cheering up? This is the song which meanders through your subconscious. Another scenario, your ex has eloped with a Britney Spears look alike (scary thought) and you desperately need cheering. This is the record you listen to.
Taking a very Americanised cue, the second single from the band’s fourth album, Echo Park, looks set to follow in the massively successful Buck Rogers’ footsteps. Indeed, it seems almost to take the finest ingredients of the previous three albums and mix them all together, epitomising the classic Feeder sound. In the bridge there’s the potent kerrang riffs from debut album Swim, then the blatantly ferocious Polythene hooks allied to the radio friendly pop rock chorus utilised heavily on the Yesterday Went Too Soon LP.
A pretty top record by the highest of standards. After over a decade of tuneful Brit rock anthems, hopefully Mr Nicholas won’t be thinking about that house in Devon for quite some time.
Llwybr Llaethog - Hip-Dub Reggae-Hop 1985-2000
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Llwybr Llaethog have possibly been known more through the nineties for their collaborations with people such as David R Edwards and remixes of SFA and Anweledig, so this serves as a great reminder of just what Ford and Griffiths have achieved in their 15 or so year career. Always at the forefront of electronic music, but with nods to bands such as Kraftwerk evident in some tunes, the duo are part of the group of bands (Datblygu, Anhrefn and Y Cyrff are other good examples) who pushed boundaries politically as well as musically, yet went largely unrecognised for long periods of time. Luckily, most of these have been given hindsight reverence through endorsement by, and involvement with, the young breed of Welsh bands.
Highlights of this album for me are Popeth Ar Y Record Ma Wedi Cael Ei Ddwyn, which does exactly what it says on the tin by sampling everything from Datblygu’s version of Hen Wlad Fy Ndhau to Ll-Ll’s own Dyddiau Braf (Rap Cymraeg). There’s also the collaborations with David R Edwards (Gimi Gimi) and politically-charged poet Ifor Ap Glyn (Fydd Y Chwyldro Ddim Ar Y Teledu Gyfaill), both of which combine lyricists at their most powerful with musicians at their most potent.
Listening to this album, it’s no wonder that this band have been an inspiration to dozens of bands in the past, are still an inspiration to bands like Anweledig and Tystion, and hopefully will remain an inspiration to bands for years to come, Welsh and otherwise. New material can’t come soon enough.
These reviews were added on 8th April 2001 at 5pm
Barker – Trecco Bay EPReview by Stefan Kubiczyn
None of these songs really burst out and slap you in the face, or even gently prod you, though there’s nothing wrong with the melodies themselves. It’s certainly all well played, inoffensive stuff, but I can’t help thinking that they would be so much better if their influences were a little less apparent.
The songs are quite pleasant, the singer’s voice is good, but it’s not THEIR songs, it’s not HIS voice. This does make me angry, when an obviously talented group get so het-up over influences that they become that band whom they wish to emulate. Or in Barker’s case, those bands - ‘Fireside Conversation’ is the Smiths with a male Alison Moyet on vocals, ‘Trecco Bay’ is the Housemartins, ‘Wish You Were Here’ is Madness trying to do rock, and it is so painfully obvious that ‘Every Loser Wins’ is trying to be Billy Bragg that it just isn’t funny anymore. The clean, strummed guitar with a little solo piece over the top, the-heart-on-his-sleeve vocals and lyrics, not to mention the obligatory ‘We’re actually working class’ football reference. It all combines to make me feel ill, so then I switched it off. Not recommended.
Dragonfall- In The Valley/Yn Y Cymoedd
Sweet Starling Records
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Dragonfall are GREAT! First of all, I start laughing for absolutely no reason when I listen to them, which is always a good sign. Next, they’re the most unbandlike looking people ever (which is also a good thing). And finally, they released this twice, both CDs containing almost exactly the same music but with Welsh lyrics on one and an English translation on the other.
They’re not really folk, but then they’re not really indie or pop either. Dragonfall are very much set in Celtic roots, but this isn’t a bad thing. Try not to think of the Corrs, because Dragonfall are far less radio-hugging, and they can refer to being a Celt without drowning the listener in it.
Definitely a band who fall into the ‘really should be getting more attention’ category.
Llwybr Llaethog v Y Cyrff – Llanrwst
Fitamin Un Records
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
Llwybr Llaethog- one of the most pioneering and interesting acts in British electronic music, criminally unrecognised by the media at large.
Y Cyrff- group with similar semi-legendary and massively influential status, with Catatonia’s Mark Roberts on vocals.
Two groups, however, who could not be much further apart in style. Bearing this in mind, and memories of similar remixes being a great disappointment, I played this reworking of ‘Cymru, Lloegr a Llanrwst’ with some degree of trepidation. But then I remembered- this is Llwybr Llaethog, and they KNOW how to remix (cf. Ford/Griffiths remix of SFA’s Download). So it’s not really too surprising in the end to find that this retains all the catchiness of the original, with the added bonus of some well-worked beats over the top amongst other things.
It was recorded on Christmas day 2000. And it has a picture of a policeman on the front. So it’s good, then. Buy.
Something Personal- Boomerang
Review by Stefan Kubiczyn
I put this on, pressed play, and thought ‘Derrero’. The acoustic guitar with little arpeggios over the top in the first song is nice and gentle country-indie sounding, though once it actually gets going, the band’s own style becomes apparent.
Their ear for a good, attention grabbing choruses is certainly a good one, and the melodies are beautifully relaxing. The kind of songs you listen to in late summer, the day after a festival, when you’re still in that semi-dreamlike state.
If they haven’t been signed since this EP was released, then somebody’s missing out on a big opportunity.
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