Hailing from North Wales, Maines is a combination of Post-Rock, Punk, Shoe gaze and noise rock. The band have previously released two EPs and two singles.
Maines have self released their latest album ‘Sometimes We Live’, which is a reflection of their struggles over the past three years, the pandemic, losing two band members and vocalist Dave moving to Reading for 18 months and was recorded at Penmaenmawr at Orange Sound Studio.
As the band continue to develop their sound they stand poised, ready for an exciting journey ahead. On the release of their brilliant debut album they have become and exciting band on the rise.
Check out their debut album out now on all streaming platforms.
Hailing from Swansea, The Stray Pursuit emerges as a dynamic force in the realm of Alternative Rock. Distinctive for their guitar-driven riffs and captivating vocals, each track becomes an embodiment of their eclectic musical tastes. Inspired by bands like Green Day, Stereophonics and Guns N Roses, their music resonates with a unique fusion of influences.
The four-piece consists of the lead singer Aaron Morgan, lead guitarist Dylan Evans, bassist Fred Wilkinson, and drummer Ben Lewis. They had their first gig in November 2018, quickly followed by a string of sold-out shows. Including Swansea’s renowned music hub Sin City in March 2019 with their debut single release show of “Out of This World”. Since then, they have supported The K’s, featured on This Feeling’s ‘Big in 2020’, and played alongside Sub Focus, Steel Bangelz and Caity Baser at the Swansea Student Summer Ball 2023.
The band’s origin story traces back to an unexpected bus ride that led Aaron and Fred to forge an unexpected bond. Despite being rivals in separate bands, their chemistry became undeniable during a jam session. The addition of exceptional talents lead guitarist Dylan and drummer Nicky solidified the line-up.
Tragedy struck when founding drummer Nicky Bevan passed away in December 2022. The devastating loss catalysed a renewed purpose for the band: to honor Nicky’s legacy and prove their potential for greatness. The pandemic-induced hiatus and Fred finishing university provided a window for maturity for the band. Emerging from this break in June 2022, and Ben joining the band later in April 2023, The Stray Pursuit re-entered the practice room, channelling their energy into crafting new tracks and elevating their stage presence and live performance.
A new chapter unfolded at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, where they collaborated with producer Romesh Dodangoda to record their debut EP. Scheduled for release by December 2023, this EP promises to be a testament to their growth and artistic evolution.
About the song:
Delving into the intricacies of a strained relationship between a son and his mother, ‘Mama’ becomes an emotional canvas where frustration and confusion are elegantly woven into a quest for clarity, improved communication, and a shared understanding.
The song’s foundation is built upon a commanding bassline, driving the rhythm with unwavering intensity. Intermittent pauses and calculated breaks strategically highlight moments where the titular word ‘Mama’ is delivered with unwavering vocal prowess, charged with raw power and undeniable passion.
This punchy and enthralling composition not only captivates the senses but offers a tantalising glimpse of the journey The Stray Pursuit promises to embark upon.
Produced under the expert guidance of Romesh Dodangoda, at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, this single aims to leave an indelible mark on the auditory landscape.
South Wales based Stellar Echoes fuse elements of alternative, indie and psych rock. Their debut album was recorded at Kings Road Studio in Cardiff after singer, guitarist and songwriter Huw Webb found a renewed rush of enthusiasm to write music again after being stuck in lockdown.
Stellar Echoes consists of Huw Webb (Vocals, Guitar), Dan John (Guitar), Dean Powell (Bass) and Michael Nash (Drums).
So give their fantastic new album a listen, you won’t be disappointed! Out now on all streaming platforms.
Nominated for the Welsh Music Prize, JAMMY is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist from Cardiff. Heavily influenced by Nik Kershaw, Tom Petty, John Mayer and all things 80s.
JAMMY has previously released a full-length album and is now working on his second album. His first single of the upcoming album, ‘Sing’ received great praise, and now his second single ‘Try’ has already caught the eye of Welsh Connection’s Michael Kennedy. He says ‘Do we like it? We LOVE it – it’s got a fantastic 80’s retro feel to it but with enough contemporary touches to avoid it sounding in any way dated. There’s a backbeat reminiscent of Tears For Fears but everything else is 100% Jammy and it’s the sound of a massive hit.’
JAMMY also produced and played on fellow Welsh artist, Kaysha Louvain’s, Welsh Music Prize nominated album ‘The Song Goes On’ Try is the second single from Jammy’s upcoming untitled second album.
Swansea indie-fuzz favorites Swan Hill have not one, but two new offerings of hooky guitar goodness in the shape of Double A-Side ‘Rosebud/Landlines’. Following hot on the heels of the success of 2022’s ‘Unlucky’, these two complimentary tracks showcase the band’s unmistakable style.
The anthemic ‘Rosebud’ has become a staple of the band’s live sets with it’s driving guitar riff, searing Mascis-esque dual guitar solos and vocal harmonies akin to the Wilson brothers after several cans of Oranjeboom. The lyrics touch upon age old topics such as the loss of youth, microwaveable evening meals and the poor selection of vinyl at charity shops.
‘Landlines’ broadens the band’s musical palette, opening with a simple programmed drum machine beat before bursting into layers of angular guitars and asymmetric descending basslines. A paean to an obsolete format of tele-communications, this catchy sub 3 minute indie banger is the synthesis of the coolness of early Strokes and the chaos of Guided by Voices you never knew you needed.
The tracks were recorded by the band in a shed somewhere in the valleys of Neath and brought to life by the mixing and mastering of esteemed Leeds based producer Bob Cooper (Jools, Ferocious Dog, Don’t Worry , Hot Mass).
Swan Hill are Chris (Vocals/Guitar), Dan (Guitar), Rory (Drums/Vocals) and Owain (Bass/Vocals). Since their first few shows in 2021, the band have made a name for themselves as a tight knit musical unit, spreading their gospel of fuzzy power pop and off kilter humour on small stages across the UK that they can barely fit their pedalboards on. This has included a DIY tour of England, a couple of packed out sets at The Swansea Fringe Festival and headlining the legendary Clwb Ifor Bach.
‘Rosebud/Landlines’ is the new Double A-Side single from Welsh fuzz enthusiasts Swan Hill. The band’s 90s tinged indie will be sweet-feedback-laden music to the ears of fans of Pavement, Weezer and Dinosaur Jr. Out July 28th on streaming services and cassette tape.
This year Wrexham are celebrating a whole decade of Wrexfest! From indie rock vibes to soulful ballads, there is something for everyone at Wrexfest. Dive into a world of music, arts and culture right in the heart of Wales’ beloved town. To top it off most events are free, experience top entertainment right on your doorstep. So whether you are looking to dance to fresh beats or relive classic tunes, Wrexfest is the place to be this weekend! Let’s celebrate community, culture and connection.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre and FOCUS Wales announce the inaugural edition of a unique festival of audio visual exploration – Trawsnewid : Transform – which will take place in Aberystwyth, on the west coast of Wales, across the 2nd & 3rd February 2024.
Following on from their last fantastic single Neb Arall, Celavi drop their genre exploding album for all to hear.
Known for their heavy guitar riffs in contrast with soft, feminine vocals and bilingual lyrics, North Wales Nu Metal Goth band from Bangor North Wales consists of Gwion Rhys Griffiths and Sarah Wyn Griffiths. With over a million streams internationally the band is on the rise.
For fans of Evanescence, Paramore and The Pretty Reckless.
AWAY WE GO’ is the fourth video in a series of five music videos to be released by the band created by award winning Ukrainian Filmmaker Taras Merenkov.
This video for the single ‘AWAY WE GO’ is taken from the Druids and Bards album and was filmed by Jason Griffith.
Notably, Taras won an award for the video he shot for the band for their video for ‘The Hurt Within’. Merenkov’s hazy cinematic style of direction really emphasises the music and makes a formidable visual, filmed on location in the band’s local vicinity in Wales.
‘AWAY WE GO’ is taken from the band’s critically acclaimed album ‘Druids and Bards‘ which is out now via Welsh label ‘Yr Wyddfa Records’.
‘Druids and Bards’ has been championed by Gary Crowley on BBC Radio London and playlisted on Amazing Radio’s A List, Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music and with BBC Radio Wales support from Huw Stephens and Adam Walton. It’s fair to say that North Wales Psych-Rock Band Holy Coves have had quite the year!
Through long time friend and Producer David Wrench (just mixed the new BLUR album), ‘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 ‘Druids And Bards’ album and it has certainly contributed massively to their new sound and ethos.
The track ‘AWAY WE GO’ is the work of Welsh Singer/Songwriter, Scott Marsden and was Recorded at Pehhesgyn Hall Studios, Menai Bridge Anglesey, Produced by Scott Marsden, John Lawrence (Gorky Zycotic Mynci ) & Owain Ginsberg ( We Are Animal / Hippies vs Ghosts) and Mixed by Erik Wofford (The Black Angels) in Austin Texas USA.
Scott has said of the inspiration behind the track and video:
“The line ‘ All I see is you and me ‘ was written for my wife. She’s my soulmate,
We’ve been through so much together, Whenever I sing this I think of her.”
And further
“This record is about stepping out of the darkness and into the light”
The physical copies of the Druids and Bards album sold out within just two months and the band are set to release another coloured vinyl pressing shortly.
This year has also seen Holy Coves touring the whole of the UK and they have plans to do so again before the end of the year. During their earlier tour of the UK they took in festivals such as the Isle Of Wight Festival where they enjoyed playing to a packed out tent on the This Feeling stage.
Huw James is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Gwent valleys in South Wales.
Though many styles are noticeable throughout Huw’s songs, they all stem from a love of Folk and Blues. For many years Huw was part of a successful covers band called Flashback which played extensively throughout South Wales and the South-West of England, as well as making a couple of appearances at The Queen’s Birthday Ball in Cairo, Egypt in 2002 and 2004.
In 2015, Huw finally left the cover scene after being inspired by his previous bands, Flashback and 3MPH. They eventually became the vehicles that drove him to pursue his love of songwriting. Huw is back with a spell-binding 13-track album, available now on all major digital platforms.
Indie Revolution 