An Over-view
With the exception of the likes of the Super Furries and more recently Melys, there hasn't been much to shout about round here (Snowdonia) for a while. But there appear to be bubbles under the surface and an under-currant of original talent that is brewing and near ready to boil.
And these bands are very nice, more importantly, in the live arena and carry with them a genuine desire and passion to perform and play their music for the sheer love of it rather than for the drive for success.
Though not of the traditional 'Welsh' music scene which is still in abundance and mostly catered for by the likes of Rhys Mwyn and 'Sain' records www.sain.wales.com (have been -Gwacomoli, Gogz + Pep le Pew to name but a few), these bands have been very much on their own and ones to watch out for come under such headings as 'Valleum' - hard rock and probably one of the best live acts around here at the moment, playing 'out of town' regularly inc Glastonbury, having supported Chumbawumba there two years ago, has obviously done them no harm.
'Trnstone' - soft rock, though more acoustic centred, with stunning female vocals (Fleetwood Mad meets Tanita Tikaram), carry with them an enormous amount of attentive energy on stage. As well as these seasoned campaigners are 'Pocket Venus' who are starting to make a notable amount of noise and impression on the popular listening world inc. Radio 1 air play, supporting REEF @this years 'Wakefest' in Abersoch and the Bluetones in July. (Also at Hendre Hall, Tal-y-Bont, nr Bangor on Thurs 18th July).
'Gabrielle Twenty Five', a fresh bi-lingual quartet of appealing pop and much potential, are slowly making a name for themselves on the welsh scene and further afield. Watch out for them at the Maes B Eisteddfod, St Davids in August. Whilst on the drums for these guys (G25) is the one and only, ex of Gorky's, 'John Lawrence' having gotten married in a grand Celtic celebration at the end of a lake (Nant Gwynant) at the end of June is releasing his second solo album 'sounds of Nant y Benglog' on Ankst records on the 15th July and subsequently taking the show on the road, with the 'infinity chimps' for a well deserved test drive. (Also performing at the Maes B Eisteddfod).
Other names to watch out for and go and see and hear round here are the likes of Kobe, Fubar, Kona, Wil Williams and the Amphibian Monks. These last two forming part of the growing trend and appeal toward the more acoustic based performances. Wil, a welcome out of towner, bringing with him his own distinctive bluesy feel to the area whilst the Amphibian Monks(of which Wil is one) tend to mutate and vary their performance regularly. Fronted by a combination of performers (inc cellists, percussionists, pipers and primarily acoustic guitarists), bandy together and present their musical wares and share the backing of each other harmoniously as they go, to pull off some wonderful and un-stressful performances, (other performers in this troupe include the likes of Sion Gwennalt, Benno+Peter, Tony O'Dae, Tommy Bell Hughes, Stelios etc.).
by R edon: 1st July 2002
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HONK (it's a magazine) 17th September 2002
'Old Poster's' 11th September 2002
The Room (it's 'was' a play) 1st August 2002
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