On Tour with Pastel Swansea’S Next Big Thing?

APRIL/MAY 2020 ISSUE#10

ON TOUR WITH PASTEL SWANSEA’S NEXT BIG THING?

PLUS: JAMES WEAVER, SWANSEA UNIVERSITY, DAMIAN HARRIS, TOM EMLYN + MORE A message from the team at Soundboard Magazine:

We had hoped to be in print for Issue #10. As you may know, we rely totally on advertising revenue to ﬁ nance our production costs. This issue, the Coronavirus has meant that many of our advertisers have been forced to cancel events or close completely.

We truly understand why some advertisers have felt it necessary to withdraw (temporarily we hope).

This issue, therefore, will not be printed, but will be available as a PDF, which you are reading now, obviously. Please share it as much as you like, however you can.

We have included all the adverts from advertisers who wanted to continue, however these have not been charged.

The whole team (please DO read the credits on page 3) have worked hard over the last couple of months to bring you what we feel is our strongest issue yet. We hope you love it as much as we do. We are of course very disappointed not to be able to bring it to you in print.

Please leave your comments on our Facebook Page, we love hearing from you.

Stay well, and safe. We look forward to being back to normal as soon as circumstances allow.

Graham, Sarah, Joel and all the writers at SBM. SOUNDBOARD | ISSUE #10 | APRIL & MAY 2020

INSIDE THE LOAD-IN ...... 4 NEWS ...... 5 OH PEDRO ...... 6

THE NEXT GENERATION – TRENCH ...... 7

THE BIG READ – JAMES WEAVER ...... 8

THE LOCAL SCENE – SWANSEA MUSIC HUB ...... 10

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE – TOMOS SPARNON ...... 11

COVER STORY – PASTEL ...... 12

LIVE REVIEW – DYDD MIWSIG CYMRU ...... 17 PASTEL – Pages 12-15 RECORD REVIEWS ...... 18

LIVE REVIEW – SLUDGECRAFT ...... 21 Here are some of the places where you can pick up your copy: Derrick’s Music Viva La Frida Swansea Print Shop NIGE ...... 22 Psicon Music Hen Dderwen Hoogah’s SWANSEA UNIVERSITY LIVE MUSIC SOCIETY .23 Sin City Cadno Music The Bunkhouse Cinema & Co. Elysium bar Swansea Bay Records GIG GUIDE – APRIL & MAY ...... 24 Nat.Waterfront Museum The Garage The Brunswick Hobo’s Uplands Tavern GOSSIP ...... 25 Cover To Cover Copper Bar BEHIND THE SCENES – THE LIFE OF A PROMOTER . . . .26 Square Peg Noah’s FOLK MUSIC – DANNY KILBRIDE ...... 27 If you would like to consider supporting us by advertising, and stocking the magazine (you’ll get lots of people come to your place looking for it), CLASSIC WELSH ALBUM – STEREOPHONICS ...... 28 please contact [email protected] FILM – CONOR MCLAUGHLAN ...... 29

ISSUE #11 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: ROBOSCOPES ...... 30 13TH MAY 2020 FOR PUBLICATION JUNE 1ST THE LOAD-OUT ...... 31

APRIL/MAY 2020 ISSUE#10 PUBLISHED BY CHIEF CULTURAL SUBSCRIPTIONS SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE LTD CORRESPONDENT [email protected] 28 Rosehill Terrace, Swansea SA1 6JN JACK SOUNDS No part of this magazine may be repro- CO-EDITORS EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS duced in any form without the written per- FLIPSY MCCAW, & REVIEWERS mission of the Editorial Team. Personal views JOEL MORGAN, Flipsy McCaw / Sarah Birch, Joel Morgan, expressed in SOUNDBOARD are not neces- GRAHAM MORSE Graham Morse, Jack Sounds, Tansy Rees, Rosie sarily those of the publisher. Whilst every [email protected] Scribblah, Damian Harris, Tom Emlyn, Zach care is taken, we cannot take responsibility Aaron, Rob Nelmes, James Morgan, Hywel for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs, DESIGN & SUB EDITING Griffi ths, Rebecca De Marco, Joe Bayliss. or the bad attitude of your singer. : MAL VICKERS GRAHAM MORSE ON TOUR WITH [email protected] REVIEWS If you would like to stock PASTEL [email protected] SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE SWANSEA’S NEXT BIG THING? PHOTOGRAPHY please get in touch via advertising.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER? We want to hear from you. Send us your submissions. Email us. Please and thank you. [email protected] SoundBoardMagazineUK THE LOAD-IN WELCOME TO ISSUE #10 THE SAME, BUT DIFFERENT Album sales set DISSENTING VOICES WELCOME to help Welsh ’M WRITING THIS EDITORIAL FROM DEEP WITHIN THE BOWELS OF ﬂ ood appeal the earth, so – if you have any urgent messages for me – please leave Ithem with someone back up on the surface. I don’t think the lifestyle Friday April 3rd marks the offi cial, choices of liquor-loving, long-term smokers mix well with airborne res- digital release of Abertawe 13. piratory diseases, so I’ll be staying here for the duration, if that’s ok? This was a project where Death I’m joking; I shouldn’t make jokes about such a serious thing, really Monkey Records’ Dave Milsom and - but I’ve always believed that humour is an excellent tool for getting team commandeered Abertawe Road you through tough times; read between the lines and know that we’re Studios for four Sundays last May and all in this thing together, no matter if it turns out to be a paper tiger June, and recorded 13 local acts for or a concrete overshoe. Keep an eye on each other, and make sure you a limited-run cover cd for Issue #6 of wash your goddamn hands. SBM in August. Subsequently those And that’s quite enough of that! Don’t want to depress you before issues are now like gold dust. I tell you what a BRILLIANT issue we’ve put together for you. Many It was a massive project to under- thanks to all contributors, new and old, and a big welcome to those of take and features exclusive recordings you climbing aboard for the fi rst time. of tracks by the following regional, original acts: The Stray Pursuit, Pastel, Windshake, Tom Emlyn, Holy “We’ve had a shake up in the Home Video, Hawthorn Avenue, Sa- rah Birch, Dunkie, Joel Morgan, Lost way we run this whole shebang, Tuesday Society, King Goon, Green- mailer, and World Vs. World. rejigging the editorial process to be The compilation will be available from all the usual platforms, and artwork is more inclusive of a variety of different provided by Tansy Rees Illustration. All proceeds from digital downloads for – and, occasionally, dissenting – voices.” the foreseeable future will be donated to And why not? There’s no point in doing this if it’s just one big love-in. the ongoing Green Rooms/Clwb Y Bont There’s plenty of other publications like that, if that’s what you’re into, Flood Relief Appeal. So the money from many of them heavily subsidised by government arts funding and helped acquiring your digital copy goes straight along in administrative terms by an army of underage/unpaid interns, so back to those hit hardest in the recent the money remains in the hands of those at the top of the tree (and their ﬂ oods on the South Wales music scene. mates) rather than trickling down to all in a fair and righteous manner. So it always was, and so it remains. But that’s not how we here at Soundboard Magazine do business. We are truly, properly independent; we speak with many voices and we’re perfectly happy to amplify yours if you’ve got something interesting to say. Fascists and the hateful need not apply. You got to have a code, right? That’s ours. All other humans, get in touch if you want to promote your event or submit something for review. This is a broad church, and you’re always welcome to join the congregation. So, in this issue our cover stars are those tearaway talents, Pastel. They were going out on tour, so we tasked their mate and number one supporter, Zachary Aaron, with the job of reporting from the front line. We received his dispatches close to deadline, but – being used to the working practices of that rascally Jack Sounds – we were ready and wait- ing to spring into action as soon as his words dropped. And it’s great stuff: a report from right in the eye of the hurricane. Elsewhere, we’ve got the usual news and reviews, as well as a sprin- kling of gossip and some wild speculations. Pedro is apparently planning some kind of armed, Pug-led insurrection against all government institutions – he’s very ambitious, for a dog – and we wish him well in his endeavours, as we do to all of you reading this. Just remember, at all times, to be excellent to each other. That way, when all is biscuits and shortbreads again, we can party on. Much love. SBM Soundboard Magazine Issue #6, August / September 2019. Full version on our website ADVERTISE YOUR music / gig / shop / venue HERE [email protected]

4 soundboardmagazine.co.uk NEWS

The Kick Jetts Fresh new sign to Death Opera for the Monkey Records 21st Century elsh Trance duo Zirenz have Whad a long and successful career combining classical and trance music. The award winning iTunes chart-toppers will be previewing their new classical-crossover material (with an album set to be released in November on their own label: Afterworld Recordings), at a charity gala show at the Ffwrness Theatre in Llanelli. The performance, which is being artistically directed by sometime- SoundboardMagazine-writer, Keith Williams, is in aid of Neuroendocrine s we hinted in last issue’s Cancer UK. Zirenz are committed to APsssstt!!!, Death Monkey Records raising awareness for Neuroendocrine have indeed signed female-fronted Cancer, through their music. Zirenz’ alternative rock band, The Kick Jetts. Cat Llewelyn is a Neuroendocrine The Swansea band join 100000 Body- Cancer patient and has been living bags, World Vs World, Trackstar/ with and fi ghting Neuroendocrine Pornstar and Sarah Birch already on Cancer for more than twelve years. the label. The evening will be compared by Formed in the summer of 2019, the BBC Sesh Welsh female comedian the four piece is made up of: Louise Siânny Thomas, and will include live Webber (vocals, formerly of Run performances of Zirenz’ new single With The Ghosts/Raptures End); releases Un Bel Di and Gloria (featur- Amy Purdy (guitar, formerly of ing Welsh Tenor Aled Hall), as well as Zirenz’ Bex Hazard and Cat Llewelyn Dominic Nation & The Dirty Dead); other pieces currently being worked are the female duo who are classical Sophie Leyman (bass); and Cherie on in the studio, for the new album. crossover and trance vocalists, songwrit- Rowe (drums, formerly of Shy Lizard/ This new material takes well ers, vocal arrangers, radio DJs, remixers Lawless & Lulu). known operatic Arias and Sacred and music producers. Having relocated They are currently making a splash in Songs – from the Renaissance, from London, they are now based in the local area and are looking forward Baroque, Classical and Romantic Carmarthenshire. to getting in to the recording studio periods – and re-works them in a Bex is a classical and contemporary soon to work on their debut record. modern way. The fi rst single,Un Bel trained vocalist and composer, awarded Di is from Puccini’s Madam Butterﬂ y several scholarships to study at the Royal and is a tune that many of us would Academy of Music. Cat fi rst studied art recognise, albeit in a very differ- and then gained a Masters in Computer ent form, with its blend of operatic Science. vocals, electronic beats, rolling synth Their fi rst award for song writing basses and cinematic strings crafted as the duo Zirenz was an Honourable into a new arrangement. Mention in the world renowned John As well as joining Zirenz on stage Lennon Song writing competition USA for their performance, Aled Hall will in 2003. During the recent decade as be performing a solo set of opera and trance producers and vocalists, the pair classic Welsh songs. Also perform- have had number one, and top ten suc- ing on the night will be Rock Choir cesses in the iTunes, Deezer, Spotify and conducted by Dan Rodgers, Welsh Beatport Charts. composer and accompanist Lisa Their vocal trance singles and album Mears and an ensemble of vocalists releases have been remixed more than including Alexander Iles, Anwen 150 times to date making Zirenz one of Pike, Bethan Evans, Erin Jones and the most remixed trance artists in the Keeping in Ewan Forrest. world. In 2013 their independent label, Look out for a review of the night, Afterworld Recordings, signed an inter- in a future issue. national distribution deal with Believe the Riff Raff Digital, then in 2016 Zirenz signed to wansea live music venue Sin City Tickets priced £15 and £20 will be the award winning Sync Links and inter- Shave created a new brand called available from the Ffwrness Theatre box national music publishers Bucks Music Riff Raff. Working in conjunction offi ce (0345 2263510), or online from Group London whose publishing cata- with Swansea Music Hub, it primar- www.theatrausirgar.co.uk logue includes works by David Bowie, ily focuses once a month on having The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Brian an up and coming touring band For more information go to zirenz.com Eno, James Blunt, Professor Green, Ru- headline the venue whilst being sup- or follow them on Twitter: @zirenz, dimental, Beyonce, Pete Doherty, Roni ported by local artists. Find out more Instagram: @zirenzduo Size & Reprazent, and David Arnold. at: facebook.com/riffraffswansea or Facebook: @zirenz

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 5 OH PEDRO tansy.rees.illustration THE NEXT GENERATION

Introducing:

TRENCHRENCH ARE A THREE-PIECE WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR Talternative rock band made up INSPIRATION FROM PERSONALLY? of Dylan (13) lead vocals and bass, For me [Brandon] it has to be Logan (14) guitar, and Brandon Blink-182 and Travis Barker. I [Logan] (14) drums. They’ve been playing have always been massively inspired together for roughly nine months, by some of the guitar greats from after meeting each other at a local Jimi Hendrix to SRV. But musically show. During this time they’ve everything from rock to hip-hop and recorded and released a single that all in between. I’m [Dylan] a massive has had airplay on BBC Radio Wales fan of My Chemical Romance. Love and have been playing locally. Flipsy the music plus the lyrics and the McCaw had a chat with the lads: songwriting inspires me massively.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ARE LYRICS IMPORTANT IN YOUR YOUR MUSIC/SONGS? OPINION? WHAT DO YOU WRITE Our sound comes from a ABOUT MOST? combination of alternative rock with [Dylan] A lot of my lyrics are written a little bit of pop punk thrown in from teenage anxiety. I feel it’s there. Plus a little bit of anything something that obviously we can all that inspires us at the time. As long relate to. And also politics. I like to as we’re having fun writing and it comment on the world around me. has energy it’s all good with us. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE MUSIC HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME SCENE IN SWANSEA IN GENERAL? INTERESTED IN MUSIC AND LYRICS? WHAT’S IT LIKE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE? To be honest it’s more or less the The music scene in Swansea seems to same for all of us. We all had a love be growing massively at the moment. of music so we started picking up in- With some incredible bands and struments and gradually just started artists all emerging at the same to learn more and more whether it time. For us it’s great to be part of a was from school or being self-taught. community that has been extremely We just all fell in love with music nurturing and encouraging. We are and wanted to do something with it. growing with every show that we do And are learning the ropes as we WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO? WHAT’S go thanks to some fantastic friends ON YOUR PLAYLIST AT THE MOMENT? we’ve made along the way. We all listen to a little bit of everything and it’s constantly WHAT WOULD BE THE DREAM? changing. For me [Dylan] at the We have recently entered the moment it’s Nirvana. I’m [Brandon] Glastonbury Emerging Talent still loving and listening to competition. So it would be Blink-182. They always get me in absolutely incredible to play there. the mood to bang the drums. For me But honestly the dream is just to [Logan] at the moment it’s Stevie Ray play bigger and bigger stages whilst Vaughan – a massive inspiration and enjoying ourselves and writing more. I’m constantly trying to refine my skills on the guitar. WHAT EVENTS ARE COMING UP? WHERE HAS BEEN YOUR BEST (OR We have the quarter-finals for the MOST UNUSUAL) GIG? Last Man Standing/Battle Of The Bands Our best gig was probably the last competition at The Bunkhouse. Not gig we played at The Bunkhouse at too sure when it is but keep your the last band standing night. Some eyes peeled. As well as a few gigs in of the bands on the lineup were and around the area. Keep an eye on absolutely incredible and we were all our social media for updates. extremely fortunate and lucky enough to qualify through to the WHAT RELEASES DO YOU HAVE next round. It’s blown our minds, ALREADY AND WHAT’S COMING UP? couldn’t believe it. Can’t wait for the We released a single at the beginning next round and to go back there. of February called Shoe Shop Head Trauma on streaming sites. We WHO SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT hope to have an EP done and FOR? WHO HAS IMPRESSED YOU? released by the end of the year. If Some of the bands we really enjoy you wanna get in contact with us Seeing and listening to are Taxi Rank or book us for any upcoming shows and The Hip Fire. Both are just so feel free to drop us a line on our tight with some incredible songs. Instagram page @trench_band__ or by Watching the crowds go off at their contacting us on our Facebook page: performances is great. TrenchBandOfficial.

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 7 THE BIG READ

With a decade of experience in all things audio, one man has been quietly and expertly recording and producing some of Swansea’s best. he has an impressive discography including a lot of local names that you’ll recognise. JAMES Our own Sarah Birch had a ‘virtual sit down’ with James over a coffee (separately in our own homes) and conversed (by the power of Facebook/Google forms/Drive/t’internet) at length, so that we could let you know a little more about ‘The Weaver’ (a new nick name for him. He doesn’t know). WEAVER Isn’t technology awesome? AMES LIVES IN SWANSEA, sounds and creating a large library of Orchestra play music from the Assassins South Wales. He has been produc- demos for the band. I realised from Creed and Hitman game series. Jing, recording, mixing and that point on that my passion was to Genres of music have never been mastering music for artists all over make music full time. barriers for me. I just love to listen the country for more than 10 years, Skip to the present day and I’ve to music that is exciting, emotive, and has been operating his recording had the pleasure and privilege of explosive, and passionate. I hope studio in Mumbles for the last six. working with a massive variety of that translates over to my style of South Wales’ finest artists. production too. HOW DID YOUR INTEREST IN MUSIC START, IN PARTICULAR THE WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO? YOUR DISCOGRAPHY OF LOCAL RECORDING, MIXING AND PRODUCING WHAT’S ON YOUR CURRENT PLAYLIST? ARTISTS IS IMPRESSIVE, WHO HAVE SIDE OF THINGS? I have a very broad range of gen- BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ACTS TO My love for the art of recording res that I love to listen to, usually WORK WITH? ARE YOU EVER started when I was studying Music dependant on what mood and vibe CHOOSY ABOUT WHO YOU RECORD? Technology with my friends in Col- I’m in at the time. I love heavy rock It would be impossible to name my lege. I was engrossed in learning the music; Bring Me The Horizon, Don favourite act that I have recorded. ins and outs of music production, Broco, Periphery, Foo Fighters, Dinosaur Every single artist I’ve ever recorded and would spend hours on Cubase Pile Up, Arcane Roots, Rage Against the has their own unique characteristics trying to figure out how everything Machine to name a few. Sometimes and creative flair that they bring to worked. I remember my parents I’ll go down the Hip Hop, Rap and their music, which I adore. getting me a Line 6 audio interface R&B road with Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice I’m never choosy about who I for my birthday one year, and I was Cube and the chairman of the board agree to record with, I’m always up fascinated by the fact I could plug himself, Notorious B.I.G. I also love to for a creative challenge. I have start- my guitar in and record all the ideas listen to classical orchestrations and ed many musical journeys complete- in my head. It wasn’t long after that soundtracks from film and gaming. ly in the dark, only to find inspira- I was recording music with my band My all time favourite composers tion from new music along the way. The Effect, which lead onto record- being Jesper Kyd, Hans Zimmer, Lorne I feel like the majority of great ideas ing one of our first EPsEverything Balfe, and James Newton Howard. come from the artist though, and it Has Gone. My friend Joe and I would I was very fortunate last year to meet is my job to extract these ideas and spend hours and plenty of bottles of Jesper Kyd on my travels to Poland, build on them to make something rum experimenting with different where I watched him and The National bigger and better.

8 soundboardmagazine.co.uk THE BIG READ

WITH MANY RECORDING STUDIOS ing nonetheless. RECENTLY HAVING TO CALL IT A DAY, HERE’S AN (INCOMPLETE) I love that every project I work on (MOST NOTABLY MONNOW VALLEY) LIST OF ARTISTS WITH WHOM brings new challenges for me. Never WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE JAMES HAS RECENTLY WORKED: a dull moment. REASONS FOR THIS? IS IT DIFFERENT FOR YOU AND YOUR SET UP? All Dead All Dead, Andy Collins, Andy WHO (IN THE WHOLE WORLD) WOULD It is an absolute shame that Mon- McCaffley, Animal Brothers, Adam YOU MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH? now Valley is closing its doors after Williams, Apathy Avenue, Audio Jaxx, I would love to have worked with all these years. There is an incredible Bandicoot, Black Stereo, The Camel George Martin and The Beatles back in amount of music history behind Show, Conor McLaughan, Death By the day. Imagine that. I would love those big glass barn doors. I really Disco, Eleri Angharad, Emilie Merry, Euan to work with Foo Fighters on a track hope that they can continue the Morris, Falling Under, Ffion Peters, Fonz as I’m in awe of Dave Grohl. legacy for as long as possible. and the Poet, Gareth Lewis, Gess, God I also look up to current producers I would buy the place myself if I Only Crows, Hayleigh Smith, Helix and like Romesh Dodangoda, David Bend- had the funds, haha. the Hounds, Hobgoblin, Holy Home eth, Dan Korneff, Howard Benson, and I imagine the reason that a lot of Video, The Hip Fire, I Digress, In With Terry Date. It would be amazing to commercial studios are calling it The Jellyfish, Inscape, Jaycee, Kayleigh make a record alongside the masters. a day would be due to the advent Morgan, Laura Benjamin, Little Folk, of home recording in the last ten Miki Dollarude, Natalie Jones, Nathan WHAT DO YOU HAVE COMING UP? years or so. It is becoming increas- Launchbury-Jones, Paisley Park, Purge (THAT YOU CAN TALK ABOUT) ingly easy to record your own music The Ocean, Rebecca Need-Menear, I can’t talk about any current pro- at home with just a laptop and an Reckless Jacks, Red Morning Light, Rhys jects yet, although I’m excited about audio interface. A lot of computer Wilcox, RYG, Seven Stories High, Shona what’s in the pipeline. programs and plugins are beginning Hammond, Smile At Strangers, Songbirds, I’ve also got the busiest year of stu- to replace studio hardware, and the Steve Balsamo, String Theory, Swim, The dio bookings to date. I’m so excited quality is now near indistinguish- Effect, The Marks Cartel, The Now, The to get started. able. I don’t think this is inherently a Riff, The Stray Pursuit, Taxi Rank, Tom Swansea has always had a strong bad thing though. I feel that mak- Martin, Traffic Light City, Two Til Twelve, backbone of incredible music with ing music creation more accessible Underground Episode, Windshake, Weird a broad range of talented musicians to everyone can only mean more & Wonderful, Xivus, Zed Motel. to match, and I hope this continues creative output. Hell, didn’t Billie to grow and flourish. I have been to Eilish and Finneas recently receive a a massive amount of gigs in the past Grammy Award for a home recorded It’s becoming extremely prevalent few years, and it makes me happy album? More power to them. that big commercial producers will to see all the new talent emerging. I personally don’t think commer- employ home studio editors for audio I think it’s great that people are still cial studios will completely die out editing and mixing to make sessions picking up a musical instrument, though, as artists will always strive to run smoother. This opens up a whole forming new bands, and giving it make music in the best environment range of new jobs and opportunities their all. Keep it up. possible. Who wouldn’t want to re- for budding engineers that may not cord in an iconic studio like Monnow have existed back in the day. Valley or Abbey Road Studios? You can view James’ portfolio and ser- I feel like my studio falls some- WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE vices on www.jamesweavermusic.com where in between a home and UNUSUAL/ INTERESTING PROJECTS If you are interested in booking a record- commercial setup, where I can create YOU’VE WORKED ON? ing, or have any questions, drop him an professional sounding tracks for art- Most of the artists I work with have email at [email protected] ists at an affordable rate, all while in something unique that sets them a relaxed and creative environment. apart from the rest, whether its in- The most important part of any credible guitar technique, huge vocal studio is the producer and engineer ranges, or a production of weird and though, and as a producer my aim is wonderful synthesis. to build on an artists musical ideas, I really enjoyed working with The and make them the best they can Hip Fire recently on their modern possibly be. That and making great take of classic rock. I love working teas and coffees. with Gareth Lewis on his Americana I believe it doesn’t matter where style music, and have been work- you create music, as long as you’re ing with him closely on some more achieving your vision and having rockier projects that I’m excited to fun in the process. release soon. Working with Swansea’s acoustic duo Holy Home Video on James in his studio with Bandicoot HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT HOME their blend of chilled country and RECORDING AND DIY RELEASES? folk has been refreshing too. Coming from a home recording One of my favourite memories background myself, It has been a will always be back when I was a godsend to make my own music live sound engineer in The Scene, from the comforts of my own home. Swansea. So many great acts passed It’s from these roots that I had the through there, and I’ve met so many opportunity to perfect my craft and friends in bands which I’ve gone on build my own recording studio. to record in my studio. I love that we live in a time of no I was also given the opportunity musical restrictions now where home to do stage monitoring for Alien Ant studios and commercial studios can Farm when they played in Swansea. work side by side to make a hybrid of Possibly one of the most nerve rack- ...and Holy Home Video new, exciting music. ing experiences of my life, but amaz-

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 9 THE LOCAL SCENE

SwanseaMusicHub SWANSEA MUSIC HUB : LABEL LIMELIGHT @SwanseaMusicHub www.swanseamusichub.co.uk

LibertinoRecords @LibertinoRecs #1 / LIBERTINO www.libertinorecords.com HE MOST RARE MOMENTS OF UTMOST SONIC RELIEF AE EILIADAU PRINNAF RHYDDHAU SONIG – – sometimes challenging, and always superb – suf- weithiau’n heriol, a bob amser yn wych – yn Tfuse the roster of artists that make up the unique Mffurfio’r platfform unigryw ar gyfer cerddoriaeth platform for emerging Welsh music that is Libertino. Gymreig sy’n dod i’r amlwg, Libertino. At it’s core, Libertino’s growing bank of exponents is Yn greiddiol iddo, mae grw^ p cynyddol Libertino o inclusive and diverse, ranging from the power trio, and esbonwyr yn gynhwysol ac amrywiol, yn amrywio o’r feminine tour de force that is Adwaith, to the psychedelic triawd pw^ er, a’r tour de force benywaidd, Adwaith, i’r space pop solo outfitYnys and the electronic avant-garde unawdydd pop gofod seicedelig Ynys a gwerin electronig folk musings of Accü. avant-garde o Accü. Gruff Owen curates his selections with practiced care. Mae Gruff Owen yn curadu ei ddetholiadau gyda gofal With a keen ear born from experience – around 20 years hyfforddedig. Gyda chlust frwd wedi ei eni o brofiad - rhyw of it, in fact – in gigging, immersing himself in, and ex- 20 mlynedd ohoni, mewn gwirionedd – wrth gigio, trochi ac ploring all facets of the musical landscape around the UK. archwilio pob agwedd ar y dirwedd gerddorol ledled y DU. Primarily focusing on digital releases, Libertino’s limited Mae canolbwyntio’n bennaf ar ddatganiadau digidol, release CD and Vinyl are little gems. Colourful produc- CD rhyddhau cyfyngedig Libertino a Vinyl yn gemau tion, both visual and aural that lovingly make up little bach. Cynhyrchiad lliwgar, gweledol a chlywedol, yn treasure troves of ‘garage-infused’ songcraft; whether lo-fi creu trysorau bach o grefftau caneuon ‘trochi crefft’ yn post-punk (Adwaith), slacker rock (Papur Wal) or psyche- gariadus; p’un ai lo-fi ôl- pync Adwaith( ), slacker roc delic fuzz punk (KEYS) each Libertino artist evolves natu- (Papur Wal) neu pync fuzz seicedelig (KEYS) mae pob art- rally from single to single, album to album, minute by ist Libertino yn esblygu’n naturiol o sengl i sengl, albwm minute whilst always retaining, at their core, the qualities i albwm, funud wrth funud tra bob amser yn cadw, wrth that define them. eu craidd, y rhinweddau sy’n eu diffinio. Every release from Libertino is special. Every release is Mae pob rhyddhad o Libertino yn arbennig. Mae pob unique. Every release is unmistakably Libertino and every rhyddhad yn unigryw. Mae pob datganiad yn ddigamsyn- release is Welsh. JB iol Libertino ac mae’r holl ddatganiadau Gymraeg. JB Here are just a few of our favourite Libertino tracks / Dyma ychydig o’n hoff draciau Libertino: TJ Roberts, True Secret to a Happy Life; Adwaith, Lan y môr; Ynys,Caneuon; Los Blancos, Clarach; KEYS, Bad Penny

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SKETTY PARK DRIVE, SKETTY, SWANSEA SA2 8JH 01792 203631 ROSIE SCRIBBLAH | ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Drawing, Printmaking, Painting, Sculpture, Film Performance : A Search for a Contemporary Artist TOMOS SPARNON : MAKING ART, EARNING A LIVING AND JUST PLAYING IN A SHED IN NEATH

’M ONE OF THOSE SOCIALLY where he’s taken up metal plate awkward people who would much etching and likes to come and be Irather stay indoors with my cat, so amongst other artists, learning new when I’m out and about at exhibi- techniques, seeing etching done by tions, gigs and poetry readings, I get experts, realising the importance of absorbed in the work around me connections in the art world. so I don’t have to make small talk “I’m making the most of the oppor- with people. A while back I was at tunities. It’s so easy to take things for the opening of a group show Heart granted when you’re in Art College. The In Mouth in Galerie Simpson and my three years went by so quickly and I eyes wandered across the room to an miss having the facilities, the expertise enormous drawing which knocked and the opinions of others.” me sideways in its awesomeness. It was A Search For A Contemporary INSPIRED BY TRADITION

Figure by Tomos Sparnon. I’ve been a UNNAMED : 2019 massive fan of his work ever since. When I was in Art College, back in the Tomos hails from Neath, is 22 and days of the dinosaurs, we used to hunt graduated from Swansea College of Art through books in the library for informa- with a BA in Fine Art two years ago. tion about artists and art history. Tomos, Last year he was the Art College’s like many of his generation, has the Welsh media artist in residence and world of the Internet at his fingertips since then he has been working full and uses modern media for inspiration. time as an artist looking for different “I like Pinterest as I can have different opportunities, trying to develop and boards on there to inspire me: drawing, experiment in his studio, a shed in sculpture, painting and print. Inspiration his Neath garden. But it’s a struggle comes from many places. I like to look to make a living as an artist of any at other artists: Graham Sutherland, age so he’s also been running work- Frances Bacon, Velasquez, Rembrandt, shops, giving talks and arranging Frank Auerbach, Celia Paul, Rebecca exhibitions, doing all the things that Warren, Giacommetti, De Kooning.” creatives have to do to keep afloat. Tomos showed me his phone; it’s crammed with images of work by GRIEF II : 2019 WORKING WITH OTHERS many different artists. painting and sculpture really excites “Often I print these out and stick him but he often finds it hard to fin- “It’s been a challenge since leaving Art them on my studio walls, but sometimes ish things, starting to make work in College, sometimes I felt like I’m on my I have to hide them because all these a specific medium and then getting own; it’s strange working in the shed with great artists can become so intimidating, tired of it and wanting to move on. no-one around me after being in college but then I get them back out again to “Disruptive is the key word for me at full time. I like to work on my own but I look at them for inspiration.” the moment. I have to create my own also like someone to be in the same room.” timetable, be self-motivated and self- To overcome the isolation that so DISRUPTION AND DISCIPLINE disciplined, but I’m enjoying it.” many artists experience, Tomos is part I see many exhibitions by hun- of the GS Artists group on Swansea’s Tomos doesn’t see himself as mainly dreds of artists each year and it’s High Street, starting on the intern pro- a painter, or a sculptor, or a filmmak- rare for someone’s work to grab me gramme and still involved four years er, but as a multidisciplinary artist with enthusiasm and excitement like later, now as one of the directors. using whatever medium he thinks is the art of this unassuming and shy “Jane Simpson gave me opportunities I suitable for what he want to convey, young man. It’s really tough being a wouldn’t have had, it’s brilliant to be mostly painting and drawing origi- creative in any field, particularly the part of GS Artists; it’s a way to keep nally but now all sorts of things. He visual arts. I admire his dedication in contact with other artists, to have enjoys having the different options: and I’m looking forward to seeing one-to-one and group discussions. I also “If I’ve had enough of a painting, I can Tomos Sparnon making a deserved have an insight into the national and go and work on a film.” name for himself in future. RS international art establishment, assist- At the moment, Tomos is mainly ing established artists when they’re here working in sculpture and different Check out Tomos’ website: to have exhibitions and talks.” materials, found materials, “just play- tomossparnon.com Tomos has also recently become a ing in a way. Time to play with ideas member of Swansea Print Workshop, is very important.” The link between scribblah.co.uk

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 11 IN THE SPOTLIGHT | PASTEL POSTER: Jordan McGuire ON TOUR WITH

PASTELsoundboardmagazine.co.uk 12 IN THE SPOTLIGHT | PASTEL Jack, James, Liam Rhys and Aaron outside legendary PHOTO: Mal Vickers Manchester venue, Band On The Wall.

IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY HEARD OF THIS BAND THEN NOW IS THE TIME TO CLIMB OUT FROM THE ROCK THAT YOU’VE BEEN SLEEPING UNDER. YOU REALLY OUGHT TO HAVE HEARD OF THEM, EITHER FOR THEIR MUSIC, OR FOR THEIR OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME ANTICS. Zachary Aaron has been on tour with Pastel, and reports here for Soundboard Magazine.

ADE UP OF MANCUNIAN like Ride and The Verve with 60’s cousins Jack (vocals) and revivalists The Brian Jonestown Mas- MJames (rhythm guitar) Yates, sacre and The Stone Roses, you will along with Aaron Tormey (lead gui- find Pastel. Priding themselves on tar) from Dublin, Rhys Wheeler from good influences, there is a modern Ammanford on drums, and Merthyr’s correlation between the quality of Liam O’Shea on bass, Pastel reside on their material. When watching them the outskirts of Swansea. you are guaranteed an immense Pastel was born of a sequence of un- sound, cool swagger and a captivat- likely events. James and Aaron both ing aura. You might need to bring a moved to the South West Wales area spare pair of socks. around the same time due to their Since arriving on the local music parents seeking help from the Teen scene in late 2017, Pastel have grown Challenge Rehab. They got to know and matured quickly through their each other, and share common inter- teething stages. A hiccup here and ests which always resulted in music. a hiccup there, the band has dem- After playing in their front rooms onstrated its potential in more ways they eventually got bored of playing than one. to themselves and wanted to share Like any new up and coming band, their dream of playing their own mu- Pastel had to experience what exactly sic to other people. This ignited their they were playing towards. Instilling a ambition to start an original band. hard working ethic, and commitment The two knew Rhys from a local to making original music for not only Church and asked him to join. They the youth of today but for the people found their vocalist when Jack, to appreciate and get behind. Pastel’s James’s cousin, missed his train goal, on setting out, was to display home to Manchester after seeing The their own genuine attitudes and cre-

PHOTO: Zachary Aaron Stone Roses in Wembley, London. ate original songs to make a scene and Jack has lived in South Wales ever create an energetic buzz. since. Liam O’Shea, former Local En- Doing this meant dedicated gigging, emy bassist, later joined Pastel after and opportunity seeking for a decent sharing gig line ups together. support slot with a more known local If you combine late 80’s / early 90’s band, or contacting a venue just to shoegaze and rock’n’roll from bands get their name out there. Continues >

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 13 IN THE SPOTLIGHT | PASTEL

What sets Pastel apart is their increas- are six remaining tour dates to play: ing cult following. Not only are they Liverpool’s Jacaranda Club, Manches- A PASTEL branching out all over and gaining new ter’s Off The Square, Sheffield’s West fans, new fans are taking the time and Street Live, Camden’s Dublin Castle, TIMELINE effort to go further afield to see them. a TBC venue in Bedford, and a Swan- At the time of going to press, there sea homecoming at The Bunkhouse. 2018 Pastel Immediately hit it off by winning If you haven’t seen Pastel, then waste no more time and get down to The Swansea’s Student Digz and The Wave Bunkhouse on the 11th April to watch them conclude their tour. Battle of the Bands competition, only Pastel will leave you calling for more after their set. People leave their gigs four months into gigging as a band. feeling pumped, blown away, and sometimes emotional. This was rewarded by playing with They’re one of those bands that you just have to see live. Scouting For Girls at the Neath Round Table Festival. This created a belief that they were on to something bigger and better and the experience proved to the lads that this is the dream. To make and take every opportunity, to get to the next level. Coming from an underdog position, it didn’t take long for bands in Cardiff and further to hear about them. After taking Swansea, Cardiff and every venue by storm. Pastel’s first year gave them more than they anticipated, having played alongside Pretty Vicious at The Globe, Cardiff, and supported Trampolene on their hometown gig at The Bunkhouse, Swansea. This left them in a healthy

PHOTO: Aiyush Pachnanda position one year into their journey.

2019 This year began with a bang! Pastel “I felt his smirk felt the love of more than 200 people after selling out The Bunkhouse in as I entered the record time. Continually working hard, climbing the ladder, and spreading their room because it seeds, this was a momentous occasion in the band’s era, and particularly their immediately got onto personal lives. This gig will always be remembered by the band and will live my mouth. It was as long in the memories of the audience. It was manic. It was chaos. It was beautiful. if a smile took Viagra Pastel had reached what they set out to do. Create a name for themselves and and wasn’t going create a buzz in the local music scene.

down for a few hours 2020 SPIRIT OF Following a successful start to their jour- at least.” ney, there is massive anticipation for the SPIKE ISLAND year ahead. 2020 has big big promise. This is the year Pastel takes a leap, James says: “The owner of the label having signed a contract to a new and heard about Pastel whilst down from exciting independent record label, Spirit London at a gig in Sin City. He got Of Spike Island. talking to the sound engineer, asking Pastel are looking forward to working about the music scene in Swansea with the label and to sharing their long and the sound engineer told him awaited releases. She Waits For Me will about Pastel and said “if they do it be their first. right they will make it””. The band are excited to be involved in even more photo shoots, radio shows “They [the label] will provide us and podcasts and mainly spreading their with recording and mastering of a music how and where they can. single and hopefully an EP. It will Given this opportunity when they just allow us to go on bigger tours across landed, Pastel would have bitten your the UK. It will allow our music to be hand off. With their long hard work, heard on a bigger nationwide basis. opportunities are now coming their way. It will hopefully bring major radio There is truth in the saying: you reap play on nationwide stations and all what you sow. in all allow Pastel to become known as the most exciting band not only in Wales but in the UK and people will click on to it.” PHOTO: Mal_0804 facebook.com/officialpastelband

14 soundboardmagazine.co.uk IN THE SPOTLIGHT | PASTEL THE TOUR DIARY SO FAR... PHOTO: Zachary Aaron

’VE SEEN PASTEL PLAY MORE THAN a hundred-and- lost-count-times, but every time is a new experience Ifor me. When I stand shoulder to shoulder with the wall or allow my spirit to wander around the room I always imagine what other people are thinking about Pastel, I try to put myself in their shoes and interpret what they are witnessing. Perhaps that’s what makes my experiences seeing them all the time seem so new. But yes, I do think they have the style, the looks, the sound, the lyrics, the attitude, the aura and persona to be- gin to hit nerves within you that you never knew you had. The only things Pastel don’t have, thank God, are pointless guitar solos, unnecessary drumming and awful lyrics that mean nothing. Oh yeah and a choreographed stage presence.

MANCHESTER Wednesday 12th February Band On The Wall to get a lovely full capacity singing their praises at you from minute one. Especially when it’s the first time play- Pastel warmed up their tour supporting new and highly ing a brand new unfamiliar place. Not even bands that anticipated band Afflecks Palace at Band on the Wall, a are from that city and have played there six times in the venue I liked. A big stage and big balcony to take good last fortnight get that. photos from. This gig marked their initial meeting with Anyway putting the visuals aside the audio was good. label Spirit Of Spike Island and the lads were buzzing. They played well and got their set out of the way. It was It was a homecoming show in some ways due to James telling that a basement where you should store equip- and Jack originally coming from the city and they looked ment isn’t going to give you a wow factor like most ven- more at home when they got on stage. They’re in Man- ues do, like Sin City or The Bunkhouse in Swansea do. chester for goodness sake, the place where people actually It is a good thing to get the Bristol gig out of the way. like music, and dance to music like there’s no tomorrow. It’s close to home and if you don’t like the place and The crowd warmed more with every song they played. miss your dog, you might as well not waste time and get And there just seemed to be a good spirit about the night. home. There are of course more ways to look at things, What an experience, travelling up north, playing a sold if you want a graffiti-ridden, politically confused (every out show, enjoying quality time and mainly spending five other person you see is an art student), half finished hours in the tour van. For real. Five hours in a van is tedi- roundabout then go Bristol. ous and cramped. But not this one. This was Pastel’s van. I’m not going to lie and be one of them: “and oh yaas it was a totally amazeballs gig man Bristol is just so rad”. BRISTOL It was good based on the fact that the Pastel lads weren’t playing Swansea or Cardiff for the thousandth time. Sunday 1st March The Exchange CARDIFF Bristol it is and Bristol it was. That was it really. playing Saturday 7th March at The Exchange Venue looked promising until the lads The Moon dropped the gear downstairs into a basement looking room. Happy days Liam said in anticipation that they It was a busy one. Very busy in fact. I arrived at The have over an hour to take the gear upstairs to the big Moon at 10pm, following an hour’s drive from work, room. Well things aren’t that easy. The Mood changed to soak in the city sounds and the sound coming from instantly when the sound man said we’ll just get ready to Womanby Street. And there they were, playing to the sound check down here then. I actually hadn’t arrived by faithful fans who were singing along, Red Stripe in hand this point as I was still travelling over the bridge, but the and arms up as if they were praising the sounds coming contagious smirk in that moment hadn’t left Liam’s face out of the speakers. Not as if the speakers weren’t that till the gig was over. I felt his smirk as I entered the room good but the sound guy or desk wasn’t great but still peo- because it immediately got onto my mouth. It was as if a ple were grooving at the bar, the crowd was singing the smile took Viagra and wasn’t going down for a few hours lyrics back to Nothing to do. That was a special moment. at least. What didn’t help the matter was knowing there Having a crowd sing back lyrics is a touching thing, I was a heavy metal band playing upstairs, say no more. certainly felt it. The boys played well and it took me back when they On the whole, the atmosphere was good, especially with first started out and played through dingy looking sweat the rugby being on that day, people were letting loose. boxes of rooms. For me it felt more like band practice By the end of the set the sound began to deteriorate and than a ‘Hellooo Wembley!’ kind of vibe, or even a ‘Good Jack said down the mic: “Thank God it’s our last song!” I evening Clwb Ifor Bach!” found it funny, based on the fact that people were loving They were first on and as you expect you’re not going it and Pastel weren’t even playing with full potential.

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 15 CHECK WITH THE EVENT ORGANISER LIVE REVIEW DDYDD MIWSIG CYMRU PRESENTED BY: SWANSEA MUSIC HUB, BUBBLEWRAP COLLECTIVE AND PYST Cinema & Co., Swansea 7th February 2020

RIDAY FEBRUARY 7TH SAW Ddydd Miwsig Cymru events take Fplace across the nation and for the occasion Swansea Music Hub had invited Cardiff label Bubble Wrap Collective and Pyst up to Cinema & Co. to celebrate it with some of their most prolifi c acts. In the spirit of day, admis- sion to the show was free, making the opportunity to experience welsh music, language and culture, accessible to all. HMS MORRIS RHODRI BROOKS The line up for Ddydd Miwsig Cymru – Abertawe saw Rhodri Brooks, to offset the dark subject matter of Cotton Wolf and HMS Morris take his songs, Rhodri displayed an epi- to the stage, each with their own sode of The last of the Summer Wine unique expression of the Welsh lan- on the giant cinema screen behind guage through their music. Cinema & him. Although meant ironically and Co. being the perfect choice of venue as a continuation of the humour to host a night as culturally mean- that extended throughout his set (he ingful as this. easily won over the audience), the Subdued and sublime, Rhodri atmosphere of the TV programme Brooks’ melodic and uncomplicated eerily matched the sentiment of writing style is both mournful and ‘beauty in sorrow’ which his writing COTTON WOLF yet somehow full of joy. In an effort seemed to embody. MUSIC HUB SWANSEA PHOTOGRAPHY: Cotton Wolf perform ambient bass while presiding over a hulking electronica, and while it is easy to synthesiser. A phantom fourth mem- dismiss a performance of this kind ber was present in the Welsh female THE as ‘knob twiddling’ the spectacle vocal which is sung hauntingly over they create is impressive. Sebastian the top of the huge beats and orches- Goldfi nch, standing stoically and tral layers of synth pads. The trio cut sentry like, towering over his key- impressive fi gures against a backdrop boards, Llion Robertson commanding of spectacular shades of exploding WENDY proceedings, dancing nimbly centre neon. This combined with their fore- [ Transvision Vamp ] stage and Dewi Parry hammering out boding musical style, altogether gave the effect of being inside an eighties dystopian sci-fi fi lm. HMS Morris shifted the mood em- JAMES phatically towards psychedelic synth pop, something like Kate Bush with BAND prog synths and drum machines. Heledd Watkins’ glam attire was in contrast to Sam Roberts, who with his long beard and dungaree overalls, resembled a kind of electro-Amish outcast, providing a surprisingly falsetto backing vocal to the sultry lead. HMS Morris deliver high art, concept and performance, the visuals playing behind them were undeniably the most engaging of the night, taking the audience through what appeared to be 4th SEPTEMBER a disco themed acid trip. A eu- phoric conclusion to a night which showcased the excellence Welsh 6th MAY language artists are achieving and which was undoubtedly echoed at Ddydd Miwsig Cymru events across Wales that evening. DM

Another Live Review on Page 21 Tickets: Cinemacoswansea soundboardmagazine.co.uk 17 RECORD REVIEWS

SINGLE SINGLE ALBUM O NEFOEDD! RABBIT ON THE MENU, (O HEAVENS!) Buffalo Boy NOT A DINER Bandicoot My-Ra Superstar Is too much information a bad Hot on the heels of last month’s sin- thing? What happened to the un- It’s the 29th February, Leap Day gle (Glaw Ail Law, see our review in knowable joy inherent in mystery? 2020. Purposely, and aptly chosen, Issue#9), Swansea’s Bandicoot again I was wondering this (and many today is the day that My-Ra Superstar serve us a slice of modern pop in the other things) as I sat down to unleash their latest and fifth album, form of a bilingual conversation. listen to Buffalo Boy’s fantastic new On the Menu, Not a Diner. Opening with a clean guitar lay- single Rabbit. Seriously, listen to it Although geographically sepa- ered over a warm bass riff, O Nefoedd! , and maybe, like me, you’ll also rated (their guitarist lives in Spain); draws you in. It does that thing of hugely enjoy the immediacy of the three-piece are seamlessly uni- making you turn up the volume, the shimmery and probing guitar fied in their most recent offering. whilst knowing that the neighbours line, coupled with the wonderfully With an eclectic mix of sounds, On might regret you doing so, any driving pop-infused beats (which the Menu, Not a Diner gives the im- second… now! Heavier guitars and prompted an immediate smile to pression of a band that are scratch- drums pile in, but don’t kill the clean reach my lips) and the quite bril- ing a particular itch and satisfying guitar refrain, which sits beauti- liant basslines. their own need for a specific kind fully in the back of the mix with the The initial guitar riff which intro- of authentic sound. If no one else is organ. Rhys Underdown’s chocolatey duces the song is also quite remi- going to sate their appetite, they’ll vocal adds another layer, first in niscent of some of the more classic do it themselves. Welsh, then: “O Heavens, I’ve only guitar riffs of the late 70’s and early Without taking themselves too gone and sinned again.” Now that’s a 80’s, but it is quickly swallowed by seriously, On the Menu, Not a Diner good opening line. the stunningly melodic bass and explores the realms of mystery, We soon crash into a blasting cho- aforementioned fabulous beats, and although it isn’t clear if they’re going rus, shouting its way along, imme- then it completely disappears for to let you in on what they uncover. diately followed by a piano section the remainder of the song until it The introduction of their first that can only be described as furious. reemerges triumphantly right at the song, The Physicians of Myddfai, It’s like there’s an animal trying to end of the track again. It’s a great offers a melodic 90’s throwback. burrow out. It’s a contrast to the intro, sets up the song perfectly, and Steeped in Celtic mythology, this other instruments, but doesn’t seem I was hooked straight away. lulls the listener into a false sense out of place. The vocals are also perfectly of security as they hit you with A call and return (which appears pitched and compliment the musi- their second number, Fifth Column, to be a regular Bandicoot thing) clears cal arrangement fantastically well, a power driven explosion which the air and then we’re back to just although perhaps they could be from the off was a personal favour- the bass and drums. The two voices slightly higher in the mix. The lyrics ite from the album. The pairing of of Rhys and Tom return, combining seem to suggest a writer looking for these two opening songs sets the well together, and building towards answers to the age old question of feel for On the Menu, Not a Diner, another chorus. Things get progres- ‘How do I escape my own head, and where slower offerings are inter- sively more frenetic (but still tight), how do I create art that resonates jected with fast-paced punches the drums double up, the music is and communicates my thoughts and throughout. pumping, shouting, urgent. Then, feelings with others, when the gen- Unsure whether to don a tin foil just as you think they’ve run out of esis of it all is within me?’ It’s a tricky hat or stick a safety pin through space, and there’s nowhere else to one, and I wish them all the best, the ear, we journey on through the go, the tempo explodes and you’re but I also think that I’d really like to album where we’re hit with the Billy left thinking WTF just happened? It’s listen to them try and figure it out, Idol-fuelled, Fisherman: You Are My clever and exciting. It’s impossible especially if the by-product is music Victim. This is another stand out not to smile at this point. I imagine of this obvious quality. track, repetitive to the point of hyp- that live, this is quite something. Comparisons are of course odious, notic where the chant will reverber- I’m struggling to really pin down but I couldn’t help but initially think ate around your head throughout the influences; as mentioned last of a dreamier and gentler Foals, but the day. time I think Super Furry Animals are with a slightly more 80’s edge; which The harder, fast paced tracks are in there, and I hear a little of Crispin is an aspect which is lessened some- the highlights of the album and Hunt from Longpigs in Tom’s voice. what due to the exceedingly modern- demonstrate the energy that birthed Both good things in my opinion. sounding production. the band. These four lads know about Going back to the joy of mystery Made up of members who have dynamics, and how to bring the – which I mention here specifically a history of projects behind them, listener along for a ride. They’re not because I know absolutely nothing My-Ra Superstar will be able to put afraid to play quietly, and not afraid about Buffalo Boy, other than the fact their seasoned performers to best use to loosen the reins when it’s needed. they’re from Swansea, and they have during a live show where we will be All without seeming self-indulgent. an EP out some time in the spring able to witness the fun they’re clearly In a world where noise is prevalent of this year – for some reason the having. – in music and elsewhere – it’s hard lack of information is an extremely Their individual locations may to write good noisy music. Bandicoot beguiling and attractive element, hinder any plans for an upcom- are doing this, employing the noise and I almost don’t want to find out ing show/tour, but based on this only where it needs to be, and writ- any more, or even tell anyone about album, maybe they will use astral ing melodies that work within it. Go them, as I want to keep the secret all projection to complete the live and listen to it. GM for myself. JTM line-up. RDM

facebook.com/bandicootswansea buffaloboy.bandcamp.com facebook.com/myrasuperstar

18 soundboardmagazine.co.uk ALBUM SINGLE TUNE IN...TURN ON... VALLEY BEYOND GET PANDA’D Safari Gold

The Lost Stoned Pandas Safari Gold’s new track Valley Beyond is a peaceful, dreamy mix of delicately I don’t know what The Lost Stoned fi ngerpicked guitars and some inter- Pandas’ Tune In... Turn on...Get esting textural, cinematic electronic Panda’d is meant to be, and I’ve elements that paint a mellow picture. never listened to Sendelica before, It reminds me of artists like Iron & but I really enjoyed this. Wine or Sufjan Stevens. Like a long It takes me back to my psych-prog drive on a rainy day or a nostalgic years and the endless hours spent trip to the beach, it feels melancholic wandering avenues of wobbly synths and celebratory at the same time. and unknown sounds. I particularly This style of music is tricky because like how the track names are mis- it runs the risk of sounding a little matched with the actual track num- contrived or banal; it would be easy bers; for instance, track 1 is called to accuse someone of forcing sensi- track 7, track 6 is track 3. This gives tivity and sincerity as they timidly an fi tting sense of disorientation. coax arpeggios from their strings, if The album opens with layered you see what I mean. waves of bubbly Gong-like synths, The singer’s voice is pretty and a crashing over each other in waves little poppy at times, or at least pop- and revealing distant, alien spoken folk. The production is very clean and word; unidentifi able at fi rst then smooth, and maybe not suited to a morphing variously into primitive listener with taste that leans toward incantations or chanting, some the raw or lo-fi . But I thinkSafari Gold kind of sample from a documentary do carry the emotion of the track in voiceover, and even someone reading a genuine way, and I got more into Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem Kubla Valley Beyond as I listened to it. Khan, which seems appropriate. There’s just enough little snippets Then there’s a violin solo, a wild, of fractured storytelling in there to emotive piece of playing that goes effectively paint the dreamy, distant, on and on, gradually becoming half-remembered feelings that the enveloped by electronic fi lters ‘til it’s song seems to be trying to convey. a distorted, phasey, fl angey shadow “We split that pill in winter won- of itself. derland and rode the big wheel” is a Each track here is full of discov- nice line (although I’m not sure if eries and surprises, weird noises, I heard it right, but ambiguity is music that feels imbued with life and always good). It also seems to be a colour rather than stuffed full of stuff geographical reference to Swansea’s for the sake of it, and importantly Winter Wonderland, the tacky specta- keeps plenty of space for the atmos- cle that graces us each winter with its phere and emotion to shine through. cold lights. (Is this a Swansea thing? Everything is heavily processed but Thinking about it I have no idea if still feels warm and real. It’s obvi- this appears in other towns too. It ously improvised to some extent probably does). and there’s a feeling of freedom and The keyboard arrangement is lush exploration, and it’s repetitive and and ambient; I especially like the syn- hypnotic but still manages to take thetic brass part that comes in at the some unexpected twists and turns. end and how that works with the pad/ I defi nitely recommend this if you want string parts with their more extended to be taken on a hazy, weird journey. TE chord voicings, alongside the simple piano chords. It all works together to facebook.com/the-lost-stoned-pandas create something that’s both warm and cold at the same time, the organic guitars blended with the synths and production in an effective way. Valley Beyond is dreamy, distant, covered in mist, a day trip to some- SUBSCRIBE! where you haven’t been and didn’t For just £18 / year expect to go. TE SOUNDBOARD facebook.com/safarigoldmusic MAGAZINE delivered direct to your letterbox ADVERTISING CONTACT: @soundboardmagazine [email protected] .co.uk RECORD REVIEWS

EP SINGLE EP EP#03 YOU ARE THE ONE WINDSHAKE 2 Foxsleep Times Up Windshake

“Everything has already been done. One thing’s for certain from the fi rst Windshake are one of my favour- Every story has already been told, moment with this track, it’s certainly ite Swansea bands and it’s been a every scene has been shot. It’s our job up beat and bouncy to say the least. pleasure to watch them grow and to do it one better” said Stanley Ku- We are treated to quite a fi lled change over the years. They’re based brick (revered director; Steadicam en- sound musical introduction before in Bristol now, but it’s always good to thusiast; alleged lunar-conspiracist). dropping out for the fi rst verse to set go and see them when they’re back I found myself thinking about that the scene of the ‘story’ of the lyrics. for a gig. particular quote while listening to It’s plain to see from just a few Their new EP Windshake 2 is a very Foxsleep’s new release EP#03, and I’ll lines that this song is well and truly solid affair and seems to be a bit of return to it later when I tie up this dedicated to ‘the one’, whomever an evolution for them while still review in a metaphorical bow. they may be (sadly a name is not sounding exactly like Windshake. It EP#03 is a memorable trifecta of mentioned). Melodically and in follows rapidly on the heels of their well written and interestingly ar- structural presentation it reminds me last EP which came out just a few ranged compositions that skirt that very much of a show tune or poten- months ago. New member Killian perfect balance between musical tially fi tting of a musical of some Marillion, who plays guitar and keys, ambition and the needs of the song. sort, and I would be intrigued to see adds some fl air and different colours It’s a really tricky one to get right, how this tract would be presented and textures to the proceedings and but it’s an attribute I’ve always seen live, though that’s not what we’re seems to have brought a 12-string as being one of the major signs of a here to discuss right now. along with him too. really good band: making the com- There’s all sorts of sounds on here Must Have Been Young and Sud- plicated sound simple. helping fi ll the frequencies, and denly There’s Light are my favourite It is so easy to go off into ‘look many an abstract metaphor refer- tracks here, the former being one of what we can do’ when song-writing, ring to ‘the one’ this was recorded the frenzied, fuzzy freak-out acidic especially if you have the musicality for; however, I’m not sure if it’s to rock‘n’roll songs that the band does that Foxsleep have. They show a lot do with the slightly unconventional well, with some lovely hooky slide of restraint on these songs though, structure or simply because I wasn’t guitar parts and some effective, play- and they’re by far the better for it. prepared, but the song seemed to ful but spooky falsetto moments. The EP opens with Trail of Distrac- end rather abruptly, despite its 3:38 You can hear that they’ve played tion, a catchy Beatles-esque number, running time. together for countless hours; the with a gritty, psychedelic guitar Ultimately, I cannot say the song drums hold everything together in sound, which is kept vibrant by sparse itself is my cup of tea, but it’s well a chaotic fashion underneath the production and commitment to space. produced and has a happy vibe to it. sometimes lopsided and illogical They’re a little reminiscent of Longpigs I’m sure it will be the chosen tipple chord sequences and there’s a lot of on this track too, with that ‘right on of others. DH groove to it. Sometimes they sound the edge of a cliff’ sound which con- a bit like T-Rex, sometimes a bit like stantly threatens to tip over into full timesupband.co.uk Dave Davies from The Kinks. Sud- blown freak-out. It never comes, and denly There’s Light reminds me a bit that’s further evidence of the restraint of Pavement, and it’s nice to hear which I believe marks them as a band Email links to music for review to: them do something a bit gentler and to keep an eye on. [email protected] ballady-ish. The second track is called Else- The production fl ourishes and where, and the guitar here has an We make every effort to include as arrangements seem to be a bit more earthier acoustic sound, and the bass much as we can, but we do have lim- arranged and thought out than some ited space and cannot guarantee that has much more gain on it. Special your submission will be reviewed. of their old stuff, there’s some nice mention also to the drum pattern in layered guitar including a piercing the intro, simple but compellingly fuzzy solo at the end of the track, effective. There’s also a much more re- and some tasty lo-fi keyboards. strained delivery on the vocals, which The backing vocals are great too. It is slightly reminiscent of Idlewild, and ADVERTISING sounds like a lost psychedelic band there’s a real sense of yearning and @soundboardmagazine from the 60s that somehow ended melancholy in the performance. .co.uk up in 21st century Swansea. Sam’s Closing track Walter is a lot of fun, lyrics are fractured, like a series of combining an Eastern-European beat disconnected observations. and melody with some imaginative Their songs don’t explain them- doubled guitar lines that again threaten selves, they just are; it’s like listening to collapse throughout, but never do. to someone talk whose head is full of Time for the bow, there are only SUBSCRIBE! words and ideas that they can’t quite twelve notes in an octave, but the For just £18 / year get out fast enough (but in a good best musicians know it’s what you do way). There’s an internal logic to with those notes that sets you apart. SOUNDBOARD their stuff. Listen to Windshake 2 and Foxsleep are very aware of this I’m go and see them live, they’re com- sure, and they’re defi nitely doing a MAGAZINE mitted to what they’re doing and lot with those twelve notes. I think delivered direct to your letterbox you can hear for yourself that they’re with EP#03 however, they are, like Stan- having a lot of fun, and that’s the ley said, just doing it one better. JTM CONTACT: whole point. TE [email protected] foxsleep.bandcamp.com facebook.com/windshakeband

20 soundboardmagazine.co.uk LIVE REVIEW

PEOPLE AND OTHER DISEASES • THE RUSTY NUTZ

SLUDGECRAFTwith titles like Popty Ping and Hyper these guys are old school, I remem- The Garage, Uplands Value Song. They’re a good fun rock ber first seeing them about 20 years band these boys. ago (sorry boys) at least, and say- 15th February 2020 After a short break for a trip to the ing that makes me sound old too. bar and a quick chat to some famil- They’ve lost none of their energy T WAS ANOTHER WET AND iar faces People And Other Diseases and raw power in that time. They’re windy night in old Swansea town, took to the stage and immediately straight in to it heavy and hard Imany people were battening down upped the energy levels, you can tell from the off with some big brutal the hatches and staying firmly in- these guys are more experienced live metal riffs as if they were trying to doors on this Saturday night but no performers, they seem comfortable knock the front row down with sheer storm was gonna stop me heading onstage and very happy to smash volume alone. Sludgecraft aren’t just out, especially one called Dennis. I’m out their angular, punk noise to about being loud and heavy though, struggling to think of anyone of note whoever’s there to listen, and there there’s some good melody and some called Dennis apart from Dennis Berg- kamp and Dennis The Menace. One of them’s not real and the other was too scared to get on a plane, I’ll leave you to work out which one’s which if you don’t already know. Anyway I digress, I arrived at The Garage in plenty of time to get a beer PHOTOGRAPHY: HYWEL GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHY: in me before the first band started, the place wasn’t rammed but it was still a decent turn-out considering the weather, and there was a good atmosphere about the place, I like The Garage, it’s a good live music venue that really isn’t used enough. Opening band for the night was The Rusty Nutz, who are not a band I’ve seen properly before. I caught a small snippet of their set at the last Swansea Fringe weekend but I had to run off to play a second gig of the day myself, Fringe weekend is always a busy one. They started their set with a slow and brooding metal sounding riff that sounded quite appropriate for what I was expect- SLUDGECRAFT ing later on in the evening, as their set went on though they first went a were a few more people who shuf- nice grooves in there to keep things bit punkier and more energetic, still fled down to the front when they interesting and keep the audience on with a darker tone to the songs and kicked off their set. I like this band, their toes. They work the dynamics by the end of the set were playing it’s loud, noisy, energetic and not in the songs well too, from powerful tunes that were much more upbeat afraid to take a few slightly weird angry more punk moments to some and had catchier, poppier melo- twists and turns. Their Facebook nice filthy sounding grooves and the dies, don’t get me wrong these guys page describes them as post-punk/ rhythm section dropped in to a nice definitely ain’t a pop band but there garage/grunge which I’d say is a half time rhythm behind the guitar was quite a change from the start pretty accurate description. It’s at one point too. of their set to the end. The perfor- dark and nasty at some points but The vocals are, as you might ex- mance certainly improved as they they really do settle in to some nice pect, loud and angry sounding, in a went on as well, you could almost grooves that tie it all together and very punk, sharp and piercing sort of hear the band getting more warmed they’ve got some catchy melodies way, they certainly cut through all up as the set went on, although this in there too, now I didn’t make too that heaviness from the rest of the was probably helped by a few little many notes on these guys, but that’s band. If you like your music loud, tweaks from one of Swansea’s longest probably just a sign that I was enjoy- angry heavy, and powerful Sludge- serving sound engineers Chris Meek ing them too much to worry about craft are the band for you, and who behind the desk. The songs seemed being professional. would have thought it with a name to get more ‘fun’ as the set went on Last up, our headliners for the like that? HG as the guys aren’t afraid to inject a night Sludgecraft take to the stage. little bit of humour in to their songs For those of you who don’t know, Another Live Review on Page 17

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 21 NIGE SWAN PIE WESOME NIGHT LAST NIGHT, Nigel (Nige to his upped the stakes by doing a ‘dead Queen Mother ice skating’. friends) came over a bit earlier than usual. He wanted It took about ten minutes but Nige got it. Then Nige did this Ato show me his wallet collection. He has fi ve wallets in cueing action whilst acting out that he could hear the smallest his collection, all owned by the great man himself (Nige). of sounds. Obviously I guessed it was ‘Prince Charles playing He said he liked to change his wallet every fi ve or six years snooker’, “no” said Nige. I guessed a few more guesses from “just to keep things fresh”. They are all identical black leather ‘The Duke of Edinburgh downhill skiing’ to ‘Henry 8th curl- wallets. All bought from the same stall in Swansea mar- ing’, but to no avail. All my guesses were met with a resound- ket. “If it ain’t broke, then don’t fi x it” he said, wisely. He ing “no”. I fi nally said“I give up”. “It was Prince Charles playing still has his original National Insurance card in his very POOL!” Arrrrghhh, I was so close with my fi rst guess. I should fi rst wallet. He keeps it there for sentimental reasons and have paid better attention, Nige was clearly charading around a he knows his National Insurance number off by heart. six foot regulation size pool table. Well played Nige, well played. Such a great memory. After that we sat and drank and had a great chat about: We settled down to watch Bikes, Ducks, Speed Dating, The One Show, again we took Speed, Dating, Alex Jones, The it turns to sing the “One” Outer Rings of Saturn, Onion bit. It always sets the tone Rings, Combine Harvesters, for the evening. That tone Luke Warm Water, The Rus- being a nutty as heck tone. sian Revolution, Dinosaurs, We watched the one show Grapes, Kirk Douglas, Captain in absolute silence. Brilliant Kirk, The word Kirk, Chips. show. We still marvel at how After our last topic we both consistently great it is. Some- said we were quite hungry. We times it’s funny, sometimes fi nished our last can almost it’s heartbreaking (I remember in unison (it’s good to have a one segment where this bloke friend with the same drinking had a dog with no legs. He had speed as yourself. I suppose wheels fi tted (the dog, not the it’s a bit like females who live bloke)), always educational. together and their periods It really does have it all. Well become ‘in-sync’) and headed done The One Show. up the chippy. On the way we After that we went in to the had a 30 foot (the length of front room and cracked (not Mr Jones’ front garden fence literally) open our fi rst of four (we guessed)) slowest race (each) cans of Guinness. “Hey, competition. The only rule Rob, do you remember telling me is that you can not stop and the other week that you wanted to your motion must be forward. broaden your musical spectrum?” I was very pleased with my (I actually said I should listen time of 8 minutes 24 seconds. to more bands, but Nige has However, I am no match for such a brilliant grasp of the English language, he can make the athletic Nige who clocked up a new PB of 14 minutes anything sound better) “Yes” I said. “Well” said Nige, reach- 53 seconds, adding a 4 whole seconds to his previous PB. ing into his carrier bag where his now three cans of Guinness We got to the chippy and I said: “If they sold swan pies, I were, “check out this bad boy”. It was the CD (Compact Disc) would have one of those tonight, in respect of The Queen”. Quick of “Out of the Blue” by hard rockers ELO. I said: “OK, lets give as a fl ash, Nige responded with:“I don’t think I could neck it a go.” “Rob, do yourself a favour, set the volume up to number that.” So very witty, even the bloke behind the counter (who four” ordered Nige. Obviously I bowed down to Nige’s musical has limited English) smiled. Nige ordered a large sausage superior knowledge. OMG (Oh My Gosh), upon listening to in batter and a bag of chips and a can of Vimto. I ordered a Mr Blue Sky I became a fan of ELO. When they did that robot large sausage in batter and a bag of chips and a can of Vimto. voice thing in the middle of the song, Nige did a robot dance. I We then sat on the bench outside and ate our banquet under tried to join in but got it all wrong. I looked like a puppet with a nearly full moon. Before parting Nige asked me if I would weird strings. Nige said I could borrow the CD (Compact Disc) like to go to Homebase with him on sunday. “What’s wrong for two weeks. He really is so generous. with B&Q?” I enquired. “I just fancy a change” He replied. He After we listened to the rockfest of ELO we played a game is so spontaneous. “OK” I said, “pick me up at eleven”. “Roger of royal sporting charades, as a tribute to The Queen’s 93rd that” Nige said. Nutter. We high fi ved and went home. birthday (we both agreed that she doesn’t look a day over 87). When I got home I reminisced about our brilliant even- We had a brilliant laugh doing it. We had three turns each. ing, although I was kicking myself (not literally) about Firstly Nige easily got my ‘baby George playing table tennis’. the whole Prince Charles snooker/pool thing. What a Then I got Nige’s charade of ‘Princess Anne doing Formula One night. Nige has to be the best person in the world. I went racing’. Then Nige got my ‘Camilla having an arm wrestle’. to bed and dreamt about ELO arm wresting Henry 8th. Then I got Nige’s ‘Prince Andrew playing badminton’. I then Strange but true. RN ADVERTISE YOUR music / gig / shop / venue HERE [email protected]

22 soundboardmagazine.co.uk SWANSEA UNIVERSITY LIVE MUSIC SOCIETY

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS Matt Richards

T WAS NOVEMBER 2019 WHEN I LAST WROTE have been as successful as the year before. This competi- an article for Soundboard Magazine. In that article I tion was the pinnacle of the year for the LMS in 2019 and Idiscussed the plans for the year ahead, including our so we hope to see it do equally as well this year. Prizes for Battle of the Bands and Winter and Easter Showcases. A the competition have also improved, with the society now lot has happened since then, including my impending being able to award two bands with a spot at the Universi- graduation becoming much more ty’s Summer Ball, as opposed to only of a reality. Admittedly, I’m fairly one band last year. nervous about finishing my degree Finally, to finish off the year we and leaving the Live Music Society will be holding our very firstVarsity soon as they have been such a huge Battle of the Bands against Cardiff part of my life over the last three University on Saturday, April 25th. years. It was an inevitability from This event will see three Swansea the beginning, but it was much University bands and three Cardiff easier to shake off when it wasn’t University bands (all chosen by their three months away. With this in peers) each playing a set in Sin City. mind however, the committee has External representatives of each city teamed together to ensure that the will then make a decision on their year goes out with a bang. favourite of the bands and who the It’s been an eventful year for the winning University is. We hope to LMS, it’s had plenty of ups and see this become an annual tradition downs. I’ll admit that after a fun between the universities, with tick- but financially-batteringWinter ets for the current event now avail- Showcase in December since the able for £5 on the Sin City website. venue realised at the last minute Overall, there’s a lot to look that they’d double-booked us, forc- forward over the next few months, ing us to make an expensive move from our quiet Easter Showcase to to elsewhere, I admittedly lost what ought to be an earth-shatter- some hope. Luckily however, the ing night of music at the end of society seems to have only grown April. It will be hard to leave the stronger since Christmas. LMS behind once I graduate, but After investing in new equip- I look forward to seeing what the ment for our members and kick- next committee will achieve after starting the new decade with a they are elected in May. The cliché White T-Shirt Social (a beloved says that we musicians can be an university tradition), we began put- unreliable bunch and – like most ting some big ideas into practice. clichés – I think that there might be The first of these was our very some truth in that. When it comes firstCoffeeshop Showcase, hosted down to it however, I couldn’t have by the wonderful Hayes & Beale. met a more amazing group of peo- When our sound technician hit his ple if it wasn’t for this society. The head that morning and ended up talent, the passion and the camara- spending the day in A&E with mild derie that I’ve encountered as part concussion, I didn’t quite expect of the LMS (firstly as a member and the night to go as fantastically as it later as President) has been awe- did. Thankfully however, the rather inspiring. Thank-you to all of our sophisticated night of laid-back members, everyone who has ever music from Sam West, Natalie O’Shea, Piers Ellison and attended one of our events and to all of the people we Jack Martyn-Hillier saw the venue filled and proved to be have worked alongside to showcase some of the young a resounding success. So much so in fact, that we decided talent in Swansea. As I get ready to step down, may the to booked our April 2nd Easter Showcase to take place in society move further onwards and upwards! MR the same venue. The LMS Battle of the Bands (from March 16th-28th) will We all, at Soundboard Magazine, would like to thank you for have taken place before you read this, but will hopefully your writing Matt, and we wish you well in the future.

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 23 GIG GUIDE | APRIL & MAY

10TH 15TH 19TH 27TH APRIL NRG Presents: The Rotanas, Brixtons, Woven Man/ Swamp Those Snakes 31 Holiday Rave Parka + The Distance Thief Mines And More + Battalions + Support 1ST Rough As Comedy Club THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA CREATURE SOUND, SWANSEA THE ELYSIUM VENUE, SWANSEA Trevor Nelson 17TH 23RD PATTI PAVILION, SWANSEA Dreadzone Super Marine 3RD MAY + Special Guests + Special Guests Bassline Presents: 11TH 2ND SIN CITY, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA High Contrast Pastel Marilyn Manson and Korn Tributes SIN CITY, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA The Jam’d Live! 24TH THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA SIN CITY, SWANSEA Taxi Rank/News From Bj Live Riff Raff Introduces: Nowhere + White Riot HANGAR 18, SWANSEA Hallowed Fire + Infantry Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard Newton Faulkner THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA CREATURE SOUND, SWANSEA SIN CITY, SWANSEA PATTI PAVILION, SWANSEA 12TH Death Traps, The Bitten Oysterteeth Presents: All Dead All Dead – Molly Karloff/ Thirteen/ 25TH and Blunt Trauma Breaks And Bass W / British Heart Foundation Lynchwood Live Music Varsity Benton Charity Gig HANGAR 18, SWANSEA – Swansea Vs Cardiff THE DUKE, NEATH HANGAR 18, SWANSEA SIN CITY, SWANSEA Battle Of The Bands FM + Midnite City SIN CITY, SWANSEA 3RD 4TH 96 Bitter Beings PATTI PAVILION, SWANSEA Off With Their Heads Lovely Laura And Ben (Ft Deron Miller Ex CKY) You Flexi Thing SIN CITY, SWANSEA 18TH Swansea Launch Santiago Day And Night THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA 5th Party – Bambu Beach Bar RHCP Experience CINEMA & CO., SWANSEA SIN CITY, SWANSEA Indian Queens SIN CITY, SWANSEA 13TH Doctor and The Medics Tezaura, Serpentyne, THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA The Rusty Nutz Motley Crude + Poizon HANGAR 18, SWANSEA Ost In Thought THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA 6TH Ep Launch + Beneath My Sins Rockin Rabbi THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Richard Dawson THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Dirtbox 7th Birthday THE ELYSIUM VENUE, SWANSEA + Tapsew Tlft Live HANGAR 18, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA 14TH 26TH CROWLEYS ROCK BAR, SWANSEA Ryan Chrys and The Uptown Portrayer XSLF (Ft Henry Cluney Punk Poet Release Gig 7TH The Rough Cuts Ex. Stiff Little Fingers) THE ELYSIUM VENUE, SWANSEA Ruled By Raptors THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA

24 soundboardmagazine.co.uk GOSSIP

7TH 23RD The Mondaines/ White Meddwlfest: The Return Riot And More CREATURE SOUND, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA 24TH 10TH 100% Old Skool Courage My Love W/Todd Terry – Spectra UK Tour SIN CITY, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Noon Til Night 11TH The Bunkhouse, Swansea Negative Measures/ Ill 27TH Vision/ Negative Frame/ The Courettes Live Baddreams THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA THE DUKE, NEATH 28TH 15TH Dead Girls Academy Heft Live 001 W Samurai THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA SO WHILE I DON’T LIKE TO GOSSIP, I’M NOT TOO FOND Breaks OF HEARSAY AND I’M UNDOUBTEDLY NOT A FAN OF HE- CINEMA & CO., SWANSEA 29TH SAID-SHE-SAID... PULL UP A PEW (MOVES IN SLIGHTLY Warrior Soul – CLOSER)...YOU’LL NEVER GUESS WHAT?! 16TH 30th Anniversary Tour Bandicoot/Pilhouse THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA South Wales band FRENCH ALPS TIGER were due to be sup- and Support porting KAISER CHIEFS at Dingwalls, Camden, on 18th April. THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA 30TH Zervas And Pepper W/ We’ll bring you details when this is rearranged. Electrik Live Orchestra Sarah Birch/ Desert Life/ (A Tribute To ELO) Xerru WEIRD GARDEN is an occasional alternative music night happening in Lincoln, described as “Live musical improvisation for PATTI PAVILION, SWANSEA CINEMA & CO., SWANSEA electronics, percussion and whatever else is lying around. Carefully 17TH composed sound and images with the uncertainty of an improvised Geoff Tate: Send dates to: live accompaniment, by musicians who have never previously col- Operation Mindecrime advertising@ laborated”, the organisers are hoping to launch a Swansea night PATTI PAVILION, SWANSEA soundboardmagazine.co.uk in the near future, fi nd them on Facebook if you’re interested.

BANDICOOT announced that they were due to be playing two sets at FOCUS WALES in Wrexham on 6th and 7th May. Again, we will bring you details when things get back to normal. In the MONDAY meantime, see our review of their current single on page 18.

The Vivian Arms with Chris & Ian At the time of going to press, last issue’s cover artist First & Third Monday, 8.30pm SOUNDWIRE are looking for a new bass player. If you fi t the The Uplands Tavern NIGHTS bill, or know someone who does, fi nd them on Facebook. with Alan Margetson, 9pm Do you have some Hot Gossip? Have you Heard it on the Grapevine? TUESDAY Do you know any Rumours? Email us in confi dence: [email protected] The Bay View with Andy & Carl, 8.30pm

Hangar 18 Area SA1 with Ross Bullitt, 8pm OPEN MIC NIGHTS JC’s with Piers Ellison, 8pm The Brunswick with Lyndon Whife & Sian Richards Second Tuesday, 8pm CRAZE THE JACK WEDNESDAY The Wig & Pen with Mike Roberts, 8pm OPEN ROAD The Swigg with Paul Evans First Wednesday The Black Boy with Andy Collins Last Wednesday, 8pm NEW THURSDAY Paul & Bry’s Open Mics ALBUM Alternating Venues (see Facebook) The Perch with Laura Benjamin, 8pm OUT NOW SUNDAY The Brunswick with Rory Clark Last Sunday, 8pm CRAZE.THE.JACK The Globe Inn with The Captains, 8pm

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 25 BEHIND THE SCENES Shiny Vinyl THE LIFE OF A PROMOTER Jackson Lucitt is a Swansea-based manager and promoter. Soundboard asked him how it all came about.

N 2016 I WAS A HUGE FAN OF port from local bands The Sunset I’d encourage anybody to go out Swansea Indie-Rockers, The Riff. Radio and Frames (now Covent), the there and just do what you love II decided I really wanted to see night was an absolute success, so doing, whether it be making music, the boys play a show to a Northern much so that I really underestimated organising shows, selling tickets, crowd, who I knew would abso- what was in store for me. even knocking posters up, there re- lutely love what they were about. Fast forward a couple of years, I’d ally is something for everyone in this I was living in Selby at the time, a moved back home to Port Talbot. The industry and there is help available, small industrial town (much like my Riff approached me to help man- whatever your skills and whatever hometown of Port Talbot) nestled age them, and within months we’d your experience. I began this entire between York and Leeds. I think part organised their fi rst UK Tour, nine career as just a fan of local bands, of my motivation was that I wanted dates in total in Swansea, London, and I’ve since been approached by to show off exactly how good The Yorkshire and The Midlands. It was venues, bands, promoters, festivals Riff were to my new mates. then that I was encouraged by The and even radio shows to help with At the time, I’d never even or- Riff to take this promotion/manage- networking, promotion and manage- ganised a house party – never mind ment or whatever you want to call it ment and I have to say, it’s probably an actual gig – so this was foreign seriously and to start my own busi- the most exciting feeling in the territory. After speaking with the ness. After deliberation over the name, world when somebody values your frontman, Ben Curtis, for months on which was probably the hardest part ‘work’. The most important thing to end trying to fi nd the right venue of this, Shiny Vinyl was born. do is put yourself out there and just and date, all the while trying to gain You could say I lucked into this give it a try. JL his trust that I career based on my was competent, ability to spam my we fi nally found “There really is social media, but it the right place. really can be a lot of Upcoming A 150 cap venue, something for work. So what does aptly named, The the job really entail? Shows: Venue, was about everyone in this I speak to venues and Wednesday 15th April to host my fi rst fi nd out their free The Rotanas / Brixtons / gig, and The Riff’s dates, then corre- industry and there Parka / The Distance debut in York- spond them with the The Bunkhouse, Swansea shire. No pressure. is help available, bands I work with. After shamelessly After everything is Thursday 16th April ‘promoting’ the agreed upon, I create whatever your skills Carolines / Brixtons / Tracy Island event for around tour or event post- The Moon, Cardiff two months, we’d and whatever your ers, occasionally help sold more than fi nd supporting acts, Friday 17th April 90 tickets in ad- and fi nally I reach The Rotanas / Brixtons / Parka vance, with over experience” out to every corner Exchange, Bristol CHECK 120 in total com- of social media that I WITH THE ing through the doors on the night, can. When all is said and done, I get to Sunday 24th May EVENT ORGANISER the highest amount ever sold for an enjoy the music. (Bank Holiday) independent show at The Venue. I once read that if you’re ever think- Noon Til Night Festival Now, when I say I promoted the ing of getting in to music in any capac- (in collaboration with Truth or Dare Events) show, I mean I texted everybody I ity, it should not be for money, ‘cos The Bunkhouse, Swansea thought might be interested, and you won’t see any. I can promise you, then everybody I thought wouldn’t the excitement of organising your fi rst Saturday 1st August be. I posted about it on Facebook, gig, seeing people in a room, watching The Zinvandels / TBC / TBC Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat as well the bands you’ve booked, it’s spine-tin- Exchange, Bristol as taking fl yers to my local. But never gling, and Christ, it’s addictive. You’ll once did I consider myself to be a instantly forget all the stress you went 7th-9th August Promoter, as I had a different idea of through trying to pull it all together, Face Value Festival who could be a Promoter, and I was all the questions and self-doubt ‘What Carmarthen Showground not it. I just wanted to make sure if no one turns up?’, ‘What if the that once the show was over, I didn’t bands say it’s the worst gig they’ve ever www.facevaluefestival.com miss any opportunity to get people played?’, ‘What if the people who actu- @ShinyVinylPromo through the door, and ultimately, ally turn up, leave?’, and you’ll already [email protected] not let the bands down. With sup- be thinking about the next one.

26 soundboardmagazine.co.uk FOLK MUSIC DANNY, THE CHAMPION OF THE WELSH Danny KilBride of TRAC says his job description is: Saving the world un gân werin ar y tro. Some of you may know him from Rag Foundation. Those with longer memories may remember he played with Rory Furlong and Mike Harries’ Root Doctors. Those of you with even longer memories will remember him with Juice, Carreg Lafar, Yr Hwntws and others. Here, Danny explains how his organisation is supporting Folk Music in Wales.

HAT ALL THESE BANDS an enthusiastic amateur and a pas- We run residential courses for kids have in common is folk sionate advocate for an artform that of eight years and upwards leading to music, or rather music that informs society’s specific social and AVA N C, a shit hot band hothousing W ^ comes from communities. They all economic heritage. You don’t get all or brightest talent. We run a stage (Ty draw on music that is composed and of that with jazz and rock music and Gwerin) at Eisteddfod Genedlaethol that performed for kitchens, front rooms, that is what I love about what I do reaches around 10,000 people. We weddings, funerals, village dances, and why I stick with it. train our musicians in business skills and so on. Even the Root Doctors drew So welcome to my day job: Cy- and take them to showcases around on traditions from one community in farwyddydd of Trac Cymru, Wales’ the world to make sure they’re getting a small city on the edge of America. national development body for the the right kind of gigs. We founded the The other thing they have in traditional arts. We started in the Gwobrau Gwerin Cymru : Wales Folk common is that they are all modern late 1990s as a conversation about Awards to help our media recognise bands, adapting and composing new how the rest of the world looked the music and get it included in their songs and tunes for today. Lots of after their traditions but Cymru had programming. It also helps no end people say that folk music, tradition- nothing. This year will be our 20th to say that a band won best album al music, gwerin, all look backwards. in 2019 when selling them overseas. That it’s not modern and has no We attend conferences, meet with business in the 21st Century. So say “Lots of people say our Government and NGOs persuad- young men playing instruments ing them that Welsh art forms are as invented 100 years ago and drawing that folk music, worthy of support and recognition as on the traditions of Welsh and Irish opera, sport and tourism. slave owners who ran away from traditional music, So what next? Well immedi- these islands 300 years ago. ately we’re tendering for the next Ask yourself this: “Why is this gwerin, all look five years of support from theArts music – the music that has been with us Council of Wales, developing an since the very first humans sat round a backwards. That it’s exchange between Breizh : Brittany fire, the music that every generation for and Cymru; opening up an exchange thousands of generation has stewarded not modern and has with Aotearoa : New Zealand based and passed on to their children, the on language and defending living music that has marked the lives of every cultures; developing a programme of generation that has lived in Cymru since no business in the ten conferences around the world to the Ice Age – not dead yet?” bring Welsh bands to showcase and The answer is dead simple. It still 21st Century” to write proper up-to-date intelli- speaks to us and it’s as backward gence on what a band from Cymru looking as the language you learn anniversary as Traddodiadau Cerdd could achieve; preparing to present from your mother. As I type this Cymru Cyf : Music Traditions Wales 60 hours of gigs at Eisteddfod Gened- I’m listening to Calan’s new album Ltd., a charity and company limited laethol and a presence at a 700,000 Kistvaen. They’re playing tunes writ- by guarantee with core funding from audience festival in Lorient; deliver- ten by people I’ve known since they the Arts Council of Wales and full- ing a partnership training project for were infants, songs about leaving time staff. We have a fairly loose de- young musicians with CCSkills for home, breaking your heart, at least scription of those traditions because the Welsh Government, planning a one booty call from the 17th century traditions move and shift over time. Wales-wide tour for AVANC in 2021 and acoustic dance music that would There was a time when loop ped- and loving spreadsheets. fit in any festival club tent. als and Ableton never appeared on I’r gad! DK This is what we see as special and a stage. We insist that whatever we unique about canu gwerin Cymru. support has a relationship with the It’s a social thing with very fluid body of songs, tunes and dances that For more information: boundaries between performer, audi- come from Cymru : Wales. www.trac.wales ence member, participant and sup- We work largely in three areas: Engag- www.trac.cymru porter. A traditional musician may at ing young people, creating an industry the same time be a tradition bearer, from a sector, and advocating for re- You can catch intimate, acoustic gigs at a teacher, a professional performer, sources, awareness and understanding. Ty^ Tawe, Swansea most Friday nights

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 27 CLASSIC WELSH ALBUM

Stereophonics WORD GETS AROUND V2 Records, 1997

“I once met a bloke who told me he’d actually moved to Wales to work because of Word Gets Around.”

ELL, THIS IS A BIG ONE: the album that brilliantly simple, elegantly complex songs. I’ve heard a launched a thousand Welsh bands in the late lot of muso types over the years tell me that the ‘phonics W90’s, mostly fronted by a bloke playing a red were “boring” or “not heavy enough”, but, frankly, those Gibson SG and giving it the big one with the baritone people can just fuck off! voice and the draaaaaaggged ouuuuut vocaaaaallls. Sadly, Because if you ever had the pleasure of seeing them most of these handsome chancers missed the whole point play, back in their heyday, with that wonderful maniac of Word Gets Around: which is that it was never about Kelly Stuart Cable behind the drums, you wouldn’t have walked Jones or his charm or his massive voice; no, it was about out of their gig and said, afterwards, hand on heart, that the songs and the lyrics and the stories he told you, bril- it was anywhere approaching “boring”. It was intense, liantly, about the characters and events that populated noisy as all hell, celebratory and utterly berserk. I’m not and shaped the Cwmaman of his youth and adolescence. talking about anything they’ve done since (Performance The songs on Word Gets Around emerged fully-formed and Cocktails was superb, mind) but, from 1997-1999, I’d and blinking in the light from this probably-quite-insular have put them up against any other three-piece band you small town/village crucible, the kind of place where the could care to name. jukebox in the lounge hasn’t been updated since 1986, I’d also put their debut album up against all the other, and everyone knows the local copper by name, and also more-celebrated indie debuts of the mid-to-late 90’s; if knows that his cousin, Johnno Twp, sells hash ‘round all you think Embrace or The Bluetones ever wrote a tune as the pubs – stuff he buys off some Eastern European bloke interesting as Same Size Feet, then I’ve got a few choice down Pembroke Docks – and Betty down the fl orists has words for you, buddy. Just think about it: from the uni- been ill, but she’s on the mend now and she’s taken up versal sadness of Billy Davies Daughter, to the humour and with another old spinster of the parish, Mary Owens, and sharp observations of More Life in a Tramps Vest; from the they’ve decided to be lesbians together after seeing a pro- perfectly-constructed pop/rock of Local Boy in The Photo- gramme about it on telly... you know the kind of place? graph to the lo-fi , dreamy yearning ofNot Up To You; from Yeah, me too. And that’s the world that these songs the brilliantly observed lyrics and anthemic delivery of that resembled, as much as songs, a series of perfect, self- Traffi c to that glorious paean to the vagaries and constric- contained, almost screenplay-esque narratives (populated tions of small town life that is Goldfi sh Bowl, there’s not by the kind of characters that you’d either met yourself really a weak track on the whole damn thing, is there? or heard about down the pub or the shops) spoke so ear- Goldfi sh Bowl, man! What a tune! nestly and so beautifully about. And it resonated, massively, not just with a Welsh Th e same long faces in the workmen’s hall public who knew these people in their hearts, but in the Caramel Crisp counts his birds wider world, too; for example, I once met a bloke who Cliff Chips lines up his dominoes told me he’d actually moved to Wales to work because of Kingfi sher lead singer calms his nerves Word Gets Around; I’m serious! He told me that: “It painted I’m drinking, sinking, swimming, drowning a picture of the kind of world that I wanted to live in; roman- Working, smirking, learning, burning, sleeping ticised, obviously, but it nevertheless spoke to me, and that’s Thieving, cheating, beating, I’m eating why I came here.” I’m deep in a goldfi sh bowl Really true. His name was Paul Lissenden, and if he’s read- It’s sink or swim ing this I’d like to apologise for the inevitable paraphrasing. Musically, Word Gets Around is relatively straightfor- You’re damn right there, boy, and you do know what’s ward: simple chords, simple melodies, simple arrange- happening ‘round here, don’t you? Mister Jones? Yeah, ments; but what helped elevate it from the plodding, he did, and – for a while, at least – he told it better than self-effacing, half-ironic indie rock of the time (aside, almost anyone else, before or since. naturally, from the lyrical genius) was the performance If you haven’t heard this album, where the hell have and dynamic sensibilities of the whipcrack-tight three- you been the last twentythree years? piece band that actually honed and performed these Mack the knife swigs a can and sings the day away... JEM

28 soundboardmagazine.co.uk FILM MAKING

E HAS A GENUINE AFFECTION the aesthetics and in the eccentric for ordinary people and the rhythms of the editing and dialogue; Hsmall, funny details of life. he’s finding his own cinematic This year he’s released two short language, and it’ll be interesting to films, starting with the whimsical see where he takes it next. He has a Mun which deals with chips, seagulls, good eye and there are some unusual suicide, taxi drivers, dogs, and Boris and effective framing and cinemato- Johnson (amongst other things). The graphic choices. You can tell he’s put second film is calledBerk Street, and a huge amount of effort and time is hard to explain: it’s a mysterious into carefully crafting these films. It’s Kafkaesque tale of a double-glazing “Keep an eye out for the things an artist notices that char- salesman who has a bizarre encoun- acterises their style; the details that ter with a group of old women. his next film Sovereign capture their eye that they feel wor- Mun elevates both Port Talbot and thy of attention and preservation, everyday life in general to mythic Blue, which will be and there’s so many small touches status. By casting his dad and uncle here that put the film-maker’s per- in the lead parts, you get a real sense released sometime in sonality across, like the shot of the of his affection for his subject. It feels cigarette burning in its holder, or the like a very warm and sincere por- 2020 and is about a shaky hands of the woman carrying trayal of a place and its people. Two the cup of black coffee. characters sit at a plastic table and Berk Street also opens with a talk in the vague way that people pigeon race that goes very subtle, nostalgic and melan- do: “Do you know what I’ve noticed cholic musical choice. The beautiful this summer? There’s not many seagulls terribly wrong.” Swimming Pools by Patrick Watson Conor Mclaughlan Conor Mclaughlan is an independent film-maker based in Port Talbot who has been quietly developing his own cinematic vision. His style is reminiscent of films like Richard Linklater’s Slacker, or Harmony Korine’s Gummo. He works mostly in black and white, and so far everything he’s made has been set in his hometown of Port Talbot. about.’’ ‘’Thank fuck for that, they all tent to sit around peacefully in the introduces the film and sets a very want fuckin’ shootin’.’’ The improvised sun eating chips, talking nonsense mysterious tone as we watch a lanky dialogue is vague and apparently and watching the afternoon go by. black-suited man striding along a meaningless, but seems to have some The taxi driver character is relaxed suburban street. It’s interesting that deep wisdom buried in there, some- and ebullient, driving around, seem- each film uses its own piece of music where. The shaky handheld shots add ingly aimlessly, without much of a to set a very specific tone. This is a a sense of intimacy, as if you’re there sense of urgency. The film is hilarious much weirder film thanMun – you’re with the characters, eavesdropping in a black-comic way. never quite sure of the significance as they ramble on. The film finds It’s impressive that Berk Street is of most of what’s going on – the profundity in small moments. such a different piece of work to inexplicable, exaggerated confusion Conor’s use of music is power- Mun; it shows that he’s a director of the women when the double glaz- ful and fits the context perfectly. with a developing, unique vision, an ing salesman knocks on the door is Mun is soundtracked by Yak’s song artist that can handle different styles hilarious. It’s almost a little spooky, Words Fail Me, which gives a feeling but also maintain his unique feel in too, at times, and dreamlike, is this a of epic mock-heroic grandeur to the coven of glasses-wearing witches in a seemingly trivial but essential views semi-detached house, all wearing the of passers-by and terraced houses, same wig? Or some kind of haircut- especially in the opening shot of the based cult? I won’t spoil the ending, film, in which a dramatic, powerful but it’s strange and funny. Keep an chord plays as we watch one of the eye out for his next filmSovereign characters walking through his front Blue, which will be released some- door into the outside world. There’s time in 2020 and is about a pigeon a melancholic yet comforting feeling race that goes terribly wrong. Conor’s to the way the music and visuals films are singular, idiosyncratic and work together. wonderful, and should be seen by By micro-focusing on the Sand- everyone, including you, especially fields area of Port Talbot that he if you enjoy lo-fi art that’s genuine, knows well, Conor captures some- slightly imperfect, and human. TE thing human and tender. None of the characters in Mun seem to be going anywhere in particular, or have Conor’s films are available any goals in mind, they’re just con- to watch on Vimeo.com

soundboardmagazine.co.uk 29 ROB IS AN EXPERIENCED HOROSCOPIST AND ASTROLOGER. He has worked with many celebrities, such as the guy with the glasses off those Halifax adverts, Ryan Giggs’ sister and Hunter from Gladiators.

ARIES VIRGO CAPRICORN The nothing The monkey screaming The person who wants to go Fuck all for you this week. Fuck off. on acid fishing, but has to stay in to Your lucky thing is fuck all. Hooray. You are going to have the wait for his wife’s new phone Look, just fuck off. Twat best of weeks. Everything you do is to be delivered going to be excellent. Nothing goes Today you will probably have to wrong at all. You get an unexpected give up a prearranged fishing trip TAURUS pay rise at work. You are even to take delivery of your wife’s new [The one that Rob forgot – Ed.] expecting a bad twist at the end of mobile phone. You still don’t have You really fancy an egg sandwich on this very accurate prediction. It’s any idea of what time it is coming, Thursday morning for breakfast. When not going to happen. Everything even though your wife promised to you look for eggs you are met with will be awesome let you know the moment she knew, disappointment. there are no eggs left. Your lucky thing is so instead, you waste everyone’s time however, because Jupiter is lined with absolutely every fucking thing by accurately predicting the future another planet (probably Mars) you by channelling the spirits. come up with a brilliant idea. You invent Your lucky time slot is the saying “get an egg, get a life.” You LIBRA between 11 and 12 [crosses fingers] keep saying it to your friends and family The bleeding salmon and all the people you work with. Every- in the bear’s mouth one will hate you. At least three people You wake up on Friday, it seems just AQUARIUS will physically hurt you. Idiot. like any other day. Everything seems The foil off a pot noodle Your lucky Ure is midge normal. Then on your way to work On Sunday you come up with the an empty packet of Quavers is blown hilarious punchline “yeah, but if you by the wind, it misses hitting you by take it to Boots they will give you GEMINI about six feet. So, not a normal day. your money back.” However, you The hare in the “Hare and Phew, lucky escape. have no idea about the premise of Tortoise” story (= loser) Your lucky keyboard is Chinese the joke. Dick. You forget the word for the colour Your lucky Egyptian doesn’t even know blue on Friday. You look at blue how to do that funny walk. things, eg. the sky, a blue snooker SCORPIO ball, a Taurian’s battered eye etc., but The bits of carrot that are you just can’t think what the colour difficult to remove from a grater PISCES is called. The closest thing you can (box version) The rhythm in R’n’B describe it as is “not brown”. You see someone you went to You start noticing birds more this Your lucky Ray is Reardon school with tomorrow as you are week. It seems everywhere you look walking in town. You ignore each there are birds. You go to the newsa- other. It really is for the best. It gents, on some telephone wires are CANCER saves on that whole “oh, what are some birds. You walk by a tree, birds The silly gnome you doing now?” “oh, I’m unem- are sitting on branches. You look up You wake up cockney on the week- ployed and have no friends. Can in the sky. Guess what? Yes, more end. You first notice this when you you lend me a tenner, please?” fucking birds. They are fucking eve- walk down the apple and pears and nonsense. rywhere. It makes you cry. your trouble and strife/husband(?) is Your lucky tinned vegetable Your lucky surname of dressed up as the Tower of London is peas (marrowfat) Cheryl Cole is Davies Your lucky green thing is a grape (green) SAGITTARIUS LEO Woof. The bloke who used to The granary bread read the football results on There you go If at first you don’t succeed, try, try Grandstand. He’s dead now, again. If by then you are still not I think. the spirits have spoken succeeding then try, try again. Then Everywhere you miiiooow go, you can at the end of that, if you are still fail- hear grrrrrrrr animal noises. You look And remember, er... um... no...it’s ing then try, try again. Now, if you for squark animals, but hiss can’t see gone, something about drains? are still a complete and utter twat at any. It’s buzz driving you baaaa a bit or trains? Sorry. whatever you are trying to do, then I niegh bonkers moo. think its safe to say you will never do Your heeyaw lucky string is it. Stop doing it, it’s embarrassing gaaaannnuuuttttrrrrrrssswwer (alpaca) Your lucky yoghurt has gone off attached oink to a puppet’s left arm oooooooooooooooh!

30 soundboardmagazine.co.uk SOUNDBOARDTHE • APRIL/MAY LOAD-OUT 2020

We were promised ‘sunlit uplands’ following our exit from the European Union. Now that we’ve let the Tories Get Brexit Done, what does that mean in practise for the UK’s touring acts? Damian Harris takes a look at the consequences of our divorce. ON THE ROAD AGAIN?

O I SEE THE ALLEGED PRIME MINISTER, Alexander cian or part of a band, would like to consider gigging or Boris de Pfeffel Johnson is yet to get Brexit done, in touring within the EU; prior to making any contact Sspite of promising to get it done several times and to promoters on mainland Europe each band mem- actually allegedly getting it done in January. ber will have to apply for the appropriate EU permit/ So far, we’ve got special 50p pieces, and our wonderful visa to cross from Britain with the intent to perform. blue passports will be here as soon as the French-Dutch These permits are available from the UK authorities company manufactures them, in uhm, Poland (appar- for the sum of £238 each. As part of your application, ently it’s just off the M42). each band member will be required to provide docu- Something else which is now very, very different, is the mented evidence of minimum savings of £1,000. As prospect of an independent band trying to garner a fol- an additional bonus, you have to provide details of a lowing by touring outside of the UK in mainland Europe. named sponsor (someone from and who is a citizen of For those of you not quite up to the country to which you intend speed with the theory of cause and to travel), who also has to meet effect, here goes: “All the truths come certain administrative criteria (a Prior to February 2020, if a band bit like having to have a guarantor wanted to organise gigs or a tour in out in hindsight, when you apply for a loan). Bear Europe, it was generally a case of in mind this is just to travel and liaising with promoters, arranging whilst we’re in mid perform in a single EU country. dates and venues in the selected If you are planning on a broader country or countries, ensuring air, with the cliff edge tour, then of course, you will passports etc. were in check, get- require a named sponsor for each ting the merch’ and cds together, far behind us and band member, in each EU mem- arranging tickets for travel, jump- ber country you are planning on ing in a vehicle and you’re good the jagged rocks of visiting to perform. So if you are a to go. You could go over to Europe three-piece, and plan on playing a relatively easily, play some gigs, sell couple of gigs in The Netherlands, some merch’, make new contacts, self-induced social Germany and perhaps France, for and come home with hopefully example. To do so, you will have a little bit of cash in your pocket isolation within our to pay £714 between you for the after covering expenses. And many necessary travel paperwork. And on the Swansea scene have done own continent fast also savings with a minimum total so, more than once. Freedom of of £3,000 between you (but indi- movement benefitted British folk as approaching below” vidually at least £1,000). much as it benefitted anyone else But the fun doesn’t stop here, within the EU. To be honest, it was a no brainer for all folks. I wish it did, believe me. This is a Tory Brexit we’re sorts of reasons. talking about, so obviously all the truths come out in So what’s different now that we “taked are country and hindsight, whilst we’re in mid air, with the cliff edge far sovrinty back”? Well apart from the spikes in antisocial behind us and the jagged rocks of self-induced social iso- behaviour and hate crimes towards foreign folks, people lation within our own continent fast approaching below; of colour, the disabled, unemployed and socialists; our so let’s talk about additional costs such as trade tariffs. Say amazing new French-Dutch-Polish-British blue passports you just spent £300 on a load of t-shirts and cds, taking and the alleged ‘freedom’ from EU Freedom of Movement your budget over four grand. And remember, this is four privileges, bring with them some severe restrictions. Let grand before travel tickets, outside of passport costs (if me elaborate slightly, and if you are not currently seated you haven’t already got one), outside of fuel costs, etc. and sinking a few beers/smoking a few truckers rollies, I This is before a single date is booked. To take ‘stock’ to suggest you re-evaluate your current circumstances before mainland Europe with the intention to sell will now incur considering reading any further, because regardless of an export tariff. So that merch you just spent three hun- how you voted way back in 2016, y’know, back when dred folding on, you have to pay a tax on the intention to we knew the country was a little bit crazy, y’know, crazy sell it. Then to import unsold stock back in to the UK on enough to believe that we were “all in this together”, but your eventual return could incur additional charges. just before “Brexit meant Brexit” during Theresa May’s al- So the true impact of Brexit, in spite of the additional leged “strong and stable” tenure as selected (not ‘elected’) alleged freedom and prosperity it was promised to provide Tory leader/Prime Minister: the next paragraph or so is us, clearly includes yet another knife in the barely breath- gonna get a little painful, and even more-so if you voted ing corpse of the grass roots music industry in the UK. for Britain to remain part of the EU. So there we go. If you claim to support independent music So, I’m assuming if you are still reading, you took heed and local grass roots music scenes, but voted to leave the EU, to my suggestion. As of February 2020, if you as a musi- this is on you. So yeah, thanks, thanks for that. DH

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