Welsh Band

The Immediate Release Mold Box Set (’92 – ’93)

Apr 24, 2023 — Leave a comment

FOR FANS OF: The Who / Husker Du / The Jam / Badfinger / XTC / 60ft Dolls / Teenage Fanclub / Ride

The Immediate are a mod-ish, guitar-fuelled, power pop three-piece from Mold in north Wales.

To celebrate 30 years since our first release as The Immediate, They have compiled a C90’s worth of our best moments. ‘Mold Box Set – Wide Misses and Purple Flashes’ features highlights from our earliest years as well as recordings from our more recent albums, 2017’s ‘Manbuoy’ and 2018’s ‘More Sheep Than Humans’.

The compilation is available as a limited edition cassette (in the tradition of the original ‘The Boy Who Tried To Change The World’ tape from 1993) on bandcamp, and as a digital download / stream from all of the usual platforms.

The songs have been played on 6Music, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Wales and on a number of other excellent radio stations and programmes around the world.

This is the back catalogue of a band who unintentionally evaded every zeitgeist like pre-topknot Gareth Bale evaded the Milan defence. By the time Britpop slid in, we’d already been ripping off Waterloo Sunset for half a decade.

The band were always more in thrall to The Real People than they were to Oasis. They supported Stereophonics the night they were signed to V2 Records, and did nothing to stop it. Played Mansun’s debut album launch party at the Stakis Casino on the Isle of Man, confusing the gathered crowd who asked why they hadn’t played ‘Wide Open Space’ as we shuffled off stage.

Never made it to Camden, but we were massive in Crewe. For one spring / summer in St Tropez they were almost proper pop stars: not bad for dole kids from Mold, north Wales.

Adam Walton says:
“There are reasons for our lack of success; so many near miss / one-that-got-away stories, but they’re stories for another time. This is a collection of our tunes, and – if we had anything right – it was our tunes. Unironic, heart-on-sleeve, power pop anthems wrought from our love of All Mod Cons, The Who Sell Out and Ride’s first two albums.

If you love The Who / Husker Du / The Jam / Badfinger / XTC / 60ft Dolls / Teenage Fanclub / Ride there will be music here you will like, and hopefully love.

The story stretches from our first UK release in 1993 to our most recent recordings, last year. The fact that it all sounds like the same band – whether it’s the pre-Suede nocturnal psychodrama of 1993’s ‘Praying For Sunshine’ or the fierce, tight, tuney thunder of this year’s ‘Divide’ – is a matter of some pride to us.

We never sold out, probably because no one was buying, but the fact remains.”




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

Holy Coves Announce Free Entry Welsh Tour For March 2023

Mar 10, 2023 — Leave a comment

Alternative Psych-Rock band Holy Coves head out on a free entry Welsh Tour of Wales in March to help the Welsh independent music scene during the cost of living crisis. The tour kicks off at The Parish, Wrexham on Thursday 23rd March, followed by Cwrw, Carmarthen on Friday 24th March and the final tour date at Cader Rocks Torrent Walk, Dolgellau on Saturday 25th March. The band will also play an acoustic instore, free entry gig at The Second 45 Record Shop in Llanelli on Saturday 25th March at 1pm, in partnership with Yr Wyddfa Records, Music Scene Wales, Welsh Connections and Cader Rocks.

Thu 23rd March – The Parish, Wrexham.

Fri 24th March – Cwrw, Carmarthen.

Sat 25th March – Cader Rocks Torrent Walk, Dolgellau

* FREE ENTRY *

Sat 25th March – 1pm – The Second 45 Record Shop – Acoustic instore gig

*FREE ENTRY*

Please come a long and support the venues!

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

CHROMA DOUBLE-A SINGLE: ‘WEITHIAU / CARU CYFFURIAU’ OUT 24TH JUNE ON LIBERTINO

Jun 19, 2022 — Leave a comment

‘Weithiau’ (Sometimes) is an emotionally powerful song that is one half of Chroma’s Double-A single ‘Weithiau / Caru Cyffuriau’. This is the group’s first release after joining the Libertino label. The songs were recorded live to capture the versatile and energetic sound of the Valleys trio by producer Kris Jenkins (Cate Le Bon, SFA, Gruff Rhys).

“‘Weithiau’ is about ending a relationship with someone that you love deeply. The process of coming to terms with the fact that the relationship doesn’t work, and putting your self first in that situation.” – Katie Hall, Chroma In perfect musical contrast to the sometimes melancholy ‘Weithiau’, ‘Caru Cyffuriau’ is a non-stop ‘in your face’ punk song about being a teenager in the South Wales Valleys.

“Caru Cyfffuriau is a song about being a naughty teenager in the valleys experimenting with drugs and sex because there’s not much else to do. I think there needs to be more stuff going on so young people don’t feel so isolated. We wanted to write a welsh language punk song that reflects young people’s lived experience today.” – Katie Hall, Chroma

Weithiau is the BBC Radio Cymru’s Track of the Week this week.

LISTEN // STREAM // DOWNLOAD

https://haulix.promo/pj2

@Chromabanduk

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

Ex-Estrons Guitarist Rhodri Daniel is ‘Heddlu’ and unveils new Video for pulsing new ‘Locker’ single

Jun 18, 2022 — Leave a comment

Heddlu is the new musical project by Rhodri Daniel. The Ceredigion native was a founding member of renowned Welsh band Estrons who had a major impact on the industry having gained rave reviews from the likes of NME, Vice, DIY and Clash to BBC Radio, Radio X, Ultimate Guitar, The Guardian and Independent.

After finishing the band in 2019, Rhodri became aware that his hearing was severely damaged. Years of touring the live circuit had taken their toll, Rhodri ultimately being diagnosed with hearing loss, tinnitus and severe sensitivity to noise. The effects were so acute, Rhodri was unable to be in the same room as other people, leave the house or play music for almost a year.

A chance encounter with a retired record producer, who’s old forgotten studio on the slopes of the Cambrian Mountains was filled with antique synthesisers, inspired Rhodri to consider music once more. Advised to get outdoors to aid recovery, he embarked on a three month hike spanning 900 miles of the entire Welsh coastline, where he conceived the new project and was inspired to write the music in his head, to be recorded upon his return. Serendipity led Rhodri back to music, and Heddlu was born. Meaning ‘Police’ in Welsh, from the words ‘peace-force’, Heddlu’s music has been true to its’ name, offering a force of peace to the songwriter.

‘Locker’, Heddlu’s 2nd release, was born from the frustration of being unable to escape from the confines of the artists’ own mind, after months of insomnia caused by incessant tinnitus. Sung from the perspective of a mad-man the protagonist is imprisoned with, under the sea. The repetitive distorted riffs were inspired by constant hammering of rolling waves on the cliffs of West Wales, when walking the entirety of the Welsh coastal path, where the song and debut album were written.
‘Locker’ is out on now on ‘Zawn Records’.

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

King Goons long awaited debut LP – “Admit Nothing! Deny Everything! Lie! Lie! Lie!” is out now.

Jun 13, 2022 — Leave a comment

“Admit Nothing! Deny Everything! Lie! Lie! Lie!” is the long-awaited debut album from Swansea Ska-Punk band KING GOON.

Still buzzing from their recent Swansea Arena show ‘King Goon’ release their debut album to the world. Described as “11 tracks of high energy, genre-hopping melodic noise that mixes upbeat ska with alternative rock and dance” the band are keen to get their album heard, with feature track ‘Gambling Fool’ being the feature track of the mission.

King Goon were formed in Swansea in 2011. The original concept was for different groups of musicians to re-record the demos that guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Joel Morgan was making, hidden away in his bedroom with his beloved 8-track.

This idea, however utopian, proved impractical, and soon a band emerged, comprising of still-standing members Keith Robertson on guitar, James Mitchell (Galanastra / Doris Karloff) on bouzouki/keys/violin and James Morgan (The Afterglow / Salvador Sanchez) on bass/vocals – as well as a drummer, a percussionist, a lead singer and two backing singers.

In 2013 they recruited Hywel Griffiths (Judge Tuxedo/Greenmailer) to take over on drums, and released their first single, “The Playing Fields of Eton”. An album was begun in 2015, and then abandoned after the engineer absconded with all the recordings. Several years and many mad gigs passed: the band headlined stages at the Swansea Fringe Festival, played for the BBC and made a name for themselves as an exciting and unpredictable live act. Then, in 2019, Elaine Forde joined on saxophone and the band started work on their debut album proper, which was delayed massively by the pandemic, but has now been released.

Released on 25th March 2022, the 11 track album is available on all the usual digital streaming platforms, with physical copies available for order (CD’s) and pre-order 12” 180gm Vinyl from http://kinggoon.bandcamp.com.

The album was recorded over a 2 year period at Creature Studios in Swansea, and produced, engineered and mixed by Allen Chambers and King Goon. The release was heavily delayed due to a mixture of line-up changes, interpersonal chaos and…well, a global plague. The band describe the album as “11 tracks of high energy, genre-hopping melodic noise that mixes upbeat ska with alternative rock and dance, with a smidge of folk-punk swirled in for filthy measure.”

King Goon played the biggest gig of their inception on February 26th, at a ‘mini-festival’ of Swansea-based bands playing at the newly-built Swansea Arena, following that up by supporting the mighty Afrocluster at The Garage Music Venue, Swansea on March 11th.

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

‘Holy Coves’ unveil new animated video for  ‘The Hurt Within’ 

Apr 10, 2022 — Leave a comment

Holy Coves unveil new animated video for ‘The Hurt Within’ directed by acclaimed Ukrainian Animator and Filmmaker Taras Merenkov. It emphasises how art and creativity can still thrive and maintain a positive from a negative situation.
Taras added; “Together will win all agressors and dictators!”✌️

Available now across all streaming platforms.
Watch here:

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

Black After Dark Is Debut Brilliance

Mar 20, 2022 — Leave a comment

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

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard Are Buzzing!

Mar 12, 2022 — Leave a comment

Cardiff Rock band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard released their debut album Back Hand Deals last month and it’s absolutely buzzing!! Whoever said ‘They don’t make rock bands like they used to’ must listen to this record. My introduction to the bands music last week was by a friend who said these exact words “Whoever said they don’t make bands like they used to is talking shit!! Have you heard the new Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard album? Its buzzing!!!” I must admit at first I was sceptical, especially because I’ve not heard the word ‘buzzing’ in a sentence since the nineties!
Back Hand Deals is a phenomenal record. This is as old school brilliant as you can get. Go listen to this record today.

Available on all streaming, vinyl & CD.
https://buzzardbuzzardbuzzard.com/

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

Welsh psych-rock band ‘Holy Coves’ are poised to release new ‘The Hurt Within’ single 25th March

Mar 5, 2022 — Leave a comment

North Wales Psychedelic rock band ‘Holy Coves’ are poised to release their brand new single ‘The Hurt Within’ on Friday 25th of March via ‘Yr Wyddfa Records’.

Lead by Welsh Singer-Songwriter Scott Marsden, ‘Holy Coves’ find themselves crossing an unseen threshold on a fantastical new journey where new psych-hazed material spells an exciting new era for the collective.

Through long time friend and Producer David Wrench, ‘Holy Coves’ were put in touch with Texan Producer Erik Wofford(The Black Angels / Explosions In The Sky) and have built quite a magical working relationship, one where Wofford found himself on Mixing and Mastering duties for the material and certainly contributes to their new sound.

You can listen to ‘The Hurt Within‘ single via the #soundcloud link below

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/Fcy7e
https://twitter.com/HolyCoves?t=EUGtUnZH1GXd9vIsoF9WBQ&s=09

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