I wasn’t expecting by only the third month of 2022 that we would have so much amazing new Welsh music already released. It’s not that I don’t already know how much talent we have out there in Wales, but to capture brilliance on a record is completely different!!
Swansea based band Bandicoot have just gone and done that and released one of the albums of the year for me. It’s sheer class from beginning to end, it’s easy to raise comparisons to Gorkys & Race Horses (already a huge compliment!) but that would really be a lazy critique of something which ventures so much further than both these bands put together.
For me its got everything, I love how they leave the door open to so many more possibilities and you can’t completely lock them down to a specific genre. There are so many great influences on this record. I can hear psychedelia, pop, alternative rock and a bit of 90’s nostalgia. it has everything, Its a very cleverly thought out record. Moments remind me of old school Radiohead, grooves like Can then melodies of a My Bloody Valentine record run through a song! I love the energy, the drive, the melodies and most importantly I love the vocals and what Rhys Underwood sings about, I believe what he says and at the same time don’t have to take it too serious. He transports me to a head space where I can listen to him clearly, understand him completely and still enjoy listening to the music.
I think its the cross over into alternative which really sets them apart from other bands I’ve listened to over the years. But whatever genre they cross over into I think it’s important to remember that Bandicoot are a band who excite me. Without a doubt this has to be nominated for a Welsh Music Prize.
Along with Buzzard Buzzard Buzzards debut these are the two best records to come out of Wales so far this year!! LETS REMEMBER ITS ONLY MARCH!!! Personally this would be my pick between the two. Really looking forward to watching this band mature over the years and I’m already excited about the follow up record.

Black After Dark is available on all streaming also on vinyl and cd from Libertino Records.
https://www.libertinorecords.com/

Emily Marsden – Editor
@MusicSceneWales
#MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com