Pixy Jones Announces Debut Album ‘Bits n Bobs’

El Goodo guitarist and songwriter ‘Pixy Jones’ has announced that his debut album entitled ‘Bits n Bobs’ is due for release on 16th of September via Strangetown Records. Branching away from the familiar El Goodo platform, Welsh psych scene stalwart Pixy Jones has himself compiled a truly remarkable collection of tracks that fluctuate from 60’s harmony-rich psych pop, to Alt-Country with ringing tremelo guitar.

The swaggering ‘I’m Not There’ is the first single to be taken from ‘Bits n Bobs’ accompanied by a magical version of Beatles track ‘And Your Bird Can Sing’ as it’s B SIde, which is available to stream now.

Pixy had this to say about the release:

The album was originally intended as a solo project under the pseudonym of “Wallace Russell”. I recorded it alongside the recording of Zombie (El Goodo) whenever I could get in the studio. There are some really old songs that have always been overlooked for ‘El Goodo’ albums for one reason or another, a few new ones which I wrote specifically for this, and a couple that would have probably ended up on the intended double album version of Zombie if we’d kept going with the double album idea. I’ve since ditched the ‘Wallace Russell’ name and gone back to ‘Pixy Jones’ as I figured there’s no need to have a pseudonym if nobody knows who you are in the first place. Even though I dropped the name I’ve kept the walrus mask for now as it is more photogenic than my actual face.

I had no recording budget so I had to fund it by quitting smoking and saving the money up to pay for studio time. It took, I think, two and a half years to record, which is by far the quickest I’ve ever recorded an album. Would have been quicker too if it wasn’t for Covid!

Originally I wanted it to just be a quickly recorded slap dash and get it out sort of thing but I had a year and a half during Covid to think about it a bit more and ended up taking more care to get it done properly. It was just me there so I played most of it myself apart from Stephen Black (Sweet Baboo) who played brass and woodwind on one song and Rhodri Brooks (AhGeeBe) plays some pedal steel on a couple.

Elliott and Canny from ‘El Goodo’ played drums and bass on Wind Street during the Zombie recording sessions.

The album was recorded and mixed in Aerial Studios with Tim Lewis, (Thighpaulsandra), a couple of songs were finished in the house during the lockdowns.

It’ll be released on Strangetown Records.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Afal – Adam Walton Album Review


Adam Walton will take you on a journey of memories you may have of sitting in the sun by the river and switching off, a refreshing take on the ever increasing ‘home-studio’ sound.

‘Afal’ is a mixture of personal songs played soulfully on acoustic guitars, the hypnotising, almost whisper-like voice of Walton, interspersed with 30 second experimental instrumental interludes that act like palate cleansers that have you ready for the artist to take you in another direction and the listener getting lost in the sounds.

‘Afal’ was partly recorded at the artists home studio which fills the songs with a sense of humanity and the individualistic sounds created left me satisfied and wanting more.

I thoroughly enjoy Adam Walton’s music and ‘Afal’ is no exception, it is has been my choice of album whilst sitting in the garden watching the birds flying above on a warm day. Perfect. 

Listen out for ‘Mary Sees U.F.O.S’

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

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
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

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

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