SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE • ISSUE 8 • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

INSIDE... THE LOAD-IN...... 4 CHERYL BEER – HEALING SPIRIT ...... 5 RISING STARS – DAISY B ...... 5 BUILDING OUR OWN NASHVILLE ...... 6 POETRY CORNER – HARRI POWELL...... 7 WHO’S MOLLY?...... 8 CLASSIC WELSH ALBUM – DAVE EDMUNDS. . . . 10 PAGE 15 BRIAN BREEZE...... 11 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE – TIM KELLY...... 13 Here’s where you can pick up your JEREMY GLUCK ...... 14 copy of SOUNDBOARD Magazine: SWANSEA FRINGE FESTIVAL 2019. . . . . 15 SWANSEA NEATH CARMARTHEN Derrick’s Music The Music Shop Parrot Records RECORD REVIEWS...... 18 Psicon Music (Neath Indoor Market) CARDIGAN Sin City LLANELLI The Cellar Bar LIVE REVIEWS ...... 21 National Waterfront Cadno Music CWMAMAN Museum GORSEINON Cwmaman Theatre NIGE ...... 22 Cinema & Co. Spider Music & Arts Centre Cover To Cover (Mumbles) MERTHYR LLANDOVERY OH PEDRO ...... 22 Square Peg (Sketty) Red House The Castle Hotel Viva La Frida (Sketty) BRECON PONTYPRIDD STUDENT LIFE...... 23 Hen Dderwen (Sketty Park) The Muse A Strings ABERDARE CARDIFF DECEMBER & JANUARY GIG GUIDE – ...... 24 Jac’s Spiller’s Records

LOST FROM THE SCENE – AJ ...... 25 If you would like to stock the magazine and get lots of people to come to your place looking for it, please let us know. PSSSSTT!!! ...... 25

SBM AWARDS NIGHT REVIEW...... 27 ISSUE #9 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: advertising ROBOSCOPES...... 30 17th JANUARY 2020 @soundboardmagazine THE LOAD-OUT ...... 31 FOR PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 1st .co.uk

PUBLISHED BY EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS ADVERTISING SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE LTD & REVIEWERS 2019 advertising@ 28 Rosehill Terrace, Swansea SA1 6JN Flipsy McCaw, Joel Morgan, soundboardmagazine co. .uk Mike Kennedy, Graham Morse, Jack EDITOR Sounds, Steve Haines, Tansy Rees, Rosie If you would like to stock MIKE KENNEDY Scribblah, Roger Henderson, John Paul editor@soundboardmagazine .co uk. Davies, Amy Sinha, Anthony Price, Richard SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE Willis, Jeremy Gluck, Mitchell Tennant, please get in touch . DESIGN & SUB EDITING Keith Williams, Moira Morgan, Eleanor GRAHAM MORSE – GMID Shaw, Tom Emlyn, Lazarus Carpenter, No part of this magazine may be repro- duced in any form without the written design@soundboardmagazine co. .uk Paul Battenbough, Ifi Iwobi, Jeremy permission of the Editor . Personal views Gluck, Andy Boyt, Jonathan Nichols, Steve expressed in SOUNDBOARD are not necessar- EDITORIAL TEAM Ahearne, Kurt Signs, Huw Rees . ily those of the publisher . Whilst every care FLIPSY MCCAW, JOEL MORGAN is taken, we cannot take responsibility for PHOTOGRAPHY 2019 unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or CHIEF CULTURAL CORRESPONDENT Johan Butenschøn Skre, the shoddy appearance of any singer . JACK SOUNDS Helen Louise Banham, Raymonty Thompson, Mike Kennedy, Steve © 2019 SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE LTD Manley, Graham Morse, Shutterstock, COVER PHOTO: Sound Reinforcement Peter Stradling, Creative Billy Stillman, Carl Connikie, Barry Hill

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER? SoundBoardMagazineUK We want to hear from you. Send us your submissions. Email us. Please and thank you. [email protected] THE LOAD-IN SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

WAIT? WHAT? IS IT THAT TIME AGAIN? BLOODY HELL, DOESN’T TIME FLY WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN? LAST TIME I DID ONE OF THESE I WAS STILL WEARING SHORTS IN THE MORNING AND DRINKING BEER IN THE GARDEN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS WHEN I GOT HOME FROM WORK, JUST LIKE GOD INTENDED. FEELINGS ARE RUNNING HIGH. AND IT’S GOOD. PEOPLE CAN SENSE THAT SOMETHING POWERFUL AND REAL AND POSSIBLY IMPORTANT IS BREWING IN THE AIR.

NOW, I’M A HUDDLED MASS IN A SODDEN PARKA, convenience; random bursts of passing enthusiasms (“MY SCUTTLING HOME IN THE DARK THROUGH HALF- GOD YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS BAND!”) and – of course FLOODED STREETS LIKE A GUILTY LOVER. – good, old-fashioned, random chance. Well, shucks; I Horror show, right? Ah, well, it’s always nice and dry guess that makes us just like every other media outlet in at the gig, right? And you should always go to more gigs. the whole world, then? And just who do we have to an- Welcome, ladies, gents, humans, creatures and others – swer to, anyway? Shareholders? Pfft. of all ages and all gauges – to Soundboard #8. Glad you Yes, and – moving on – last night was the inaugural could make it. Great to have you on board. Soundboard Magazine Awards, held in the shiny, elegant Firstly, formalities: we (The Soundboard Team) would and modern confines of the lobby of the National Water- like to extend a grand and gracious and grateful greeting front Museum, which had been set up and furnished ex- to you (the handsome, refined, tasteful and effervescent pertly by the wonderful and hard-working museum staff, reader) and would like to thank you, from the bubblling led by Zoe Gealy. It was quite the glamorous and fashion- bottoms of our collective hearts, for running your eyes able place to be seen; sartorially, the leaders and trendset- and – in due course – your ears, over our regular humble ters were undoubtedly The One They Call Freaky (settled attempt to present, well, just a selection, really – a thin on a winning look circa 1998, and saw no good reason to slice – of the varied offerings that flow out of the fizzing, change it) and the gloriously-trousered Huw Rees (rocking spitting, occasionally vulgar South Walian cultural god- the retired Breton fisherman look). The rest of us, well...we head; a cup that, not for the first time, is beginning to tried; but there’s some heights mere mortals cannot reach, really fuckin’ runneth over. only aspire to; there’s always next year. For a full report Yes, there’s a lot going on around here at the minute. on the evenings’ action, plus the winners and almost-win- You can tell something is happening by the sharp rise in ners, please proceed immediately to page 27. the number of people who are, loudly and publicly, ques- Yes, and I’m happy to report that I enjoyed myself very tioning the motives and the integrity of others; this is a much – maybe even a little too much – but that’s what sure sign of potential, looming successes, always. Heh! happens when you go back to Rob Nelmes’ house with But, it is most elegantly true: Swansea does feel bloated him. Even if Nige isn’t there, it’s still a bloody wild ride. and tense – pregnant with ideas and energy, and awash The man himself (Nigel (Nige to his friends)) actually with heads and seekers and artists and grifters and chanc- called Rob on his (mobile) phone (Samsung S3 (black)) ers and proto-personalities – all out peddling their wares while I was there, and they had a brief but extremely de- and talking up their idiosyncratic versions of the truth of tailed conversation about the relative merits of three dif- the matter; and, on top of this, winter is coming and eve- ferent types of draft excluder, each only available from a ryone is working on something to keep them busy over particular independent retail outlet, all located at opposite the long, dark nights to come. ends of the county. And here WE are, caught in the middle of all of this, This was a task they’d been given by none other than trying to capture the best of it and encourage the rest of Nige’s Auntie Barbara, as Rob explained later over a late- it. A great wave of wonderful art arcing over us like a spin- night Vimto. Apparently, Aunty Barbara was trying to ning rainbow, and suddenly we find we’re now both the lower her heating bill this winter, after an unexpectedly mainstream (cheers, Ross) and the plucky underdog being high bill last year meant she had to ration her pork pie courted by bigger beasts. A bind, eh? Caught between the intake throughout most of the spring and early summer. perception of an agenda and the actual reality of four peo- Which was a blow, and an experience she has no wish to ple just blindly making it up as they go along. repeat. Lucky for her she has her nephew and his BFF (Best So, what’s an independent, self-run, completely unfund- Flipping Friend) to look out for her. If only we were all so ed magazine to do? Our level best, right? Or, just whatever lucky, eh? we want? Well, that’s an option, certainly. But surely con- Anyway, we do hope you enjoy Soundboard #8. We’ve science should play a part? Or do we make a concerted ef- worked very hard on it, and will continue to do our best fort to try and do the most good for the people who need to bring you the best (and the rest) of what South West the most help? Wales has to offer. It’s a rich and varied tapestry, but there Well, yes. Or, most probably, no; instead, it’s a prob- are plenty of rooms in the mansion. ably a blend of all those things, mixed up with, in no par- ticular order: natural bias; editorial, logistical or financial Act tidy, be kind, shop local. JS

4 QUICK INTERVIEW SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 CHERYL RISING STARS BEER IIIII HEALING SPIRIT Following a lifetime on the road supporting the likes of Bob Geldof, Van Morrison and Lonnie Donegan, per- forming to audiences of 25,000 throughout the UK & Europe, directing the largest women’s music festival in Europe and touring the orphanages of India, Africa and Belarus as a musician and storyteller, Cheryl felt that DAISY B she had no choice other than to hang up her strings. I’M 16 AND I’M REALLY INTO WRIT- ING IN GENERAL, I’M CURRENTLY “IT IS LITERALLY AS IF THE SPEAK- songs recorded as part of her medita- WRITING A BOOK AND I’VE REGULAR- ERS HAVE BLOWN IN MY HEAD”, tive journey, entitled Woman Needs a LY WRITTEN SONGS SINCE I WAS 12. SAYS CHERYL. Temple, which is also the name of her Ever since I was a kid I’ve been making “I wondered why the birds were not new show for Oystermouth Radio (Sun- up lyrics and making my family watch singing when I woke one morning. Over- days, 7pm). me perform them in the living room. I night, my hearing had changed for life. On her show, Cheryl interviews think what pushed me lyrically and mu- sically was seeing my mum perform. I desperately searched the house, look- some of the women that inspired her I listen to pretty much everything; ing for the high pitched squeal that was during her pathway home. “I made it depends on my mood. One day I echoing around my head, a sacred promise to the could be listening to Billie Eilish then wondering if it were the Universe in the darkness the next First Aid Kit, then Bowie. At the fridge, the telly or the that if I could make my moment I’m really into Arctic Monkeys fire alarm. I finally col- way back to the light, and Amy Winehouse. lapsed in despair as I re- I would help others do I really think the music scene in alised that the constant the same. My new show Swansea is getting better and better. cacophony of noise in her is based in the beauti- I’ve always been aware of gigs and events going on because of my mum’s head was in fact every ful quiet churches and involvement, but it’s really cool to see musician’s nightmare: chapels that have been people my age now going out and see- tinnitus, which quickly my retreat, songs from ing these local bands and events. Like became compounded by my new album and new at the Swansea Fringe Festival I saw so the less known condition perspectives on tend- many young people. I recently went to called hyperacusis, a de- ing to the human spirit see Kikker at The Bunkhouse and they bilitating and frightening through chanting, mu- were incredible. The energy and per- sound distortion. When sic, crafts, Shamanism, formance aspect was great. I’m excited you are born to write songs, your soul just art, storytelling, soul midwifery and to see where they go in the future. My inspiration is probably from peo- keeps on writing, whether your ears can Reiki.” ple around me. Generally things that hear them or not.” There is a visual podcast that ac- effect me or people I care about. I see Slowly but surely, Cheryl grew the companies each show which will be strong women or people on TV or char- courage to step back into music but shared by Welsh Connections, and Tiny acters I read about and just think about this time, the quiet presence of mind- Little Bird from Cheryl’s album is part them while I’m writing. ful meditation became her practice, of December’s Welsh Playlist, aired in I usually write lyrics from the top of Donna Loring studying Sanskrit Mantra as a therapy, Wales, the UK and across the Atlantic. my head and then afterwards figure out giving total commitment to healing what my subconscious meant. Lyrics her spirit. are what I focus my attention on more than anything. I’m not so confident in Now, three years on, she has released For more details of Cheryl’s work: the instrumental aspect so I rely heav-

CHERYL PHOTO: a new album of humble and moving www.cherylbeer.om ily on my lyrics and voice. My next gig is at the Elysium Bar on the 5th December. I performed a short set at the Fringe Festival, so I’m hoping that I can share more songs I’ve writ- ten. Also I would really like to experi- ment and collaborate with other artists ADVERTISE YOUR music / gig / shop / venue or musicians to find my ‘sound’. If you’d like to get in touch with Daisy, [email protected] please email us at: [email protected]

5 COUNTRY MUSIC

BUILDING OUR OWN

Country Music is currently the UK’s fastest growing genre. Eleri Angharad looks at why that might be, and who’s hot on the local scene.

WITH THE LAUNCH In the book Ghosts of My Life, author OF NATIONAL RADIO Mark Fisher makes links between times STATION COUNTRY of political turmoil, neoliberalism’s de- HITS EARLIER THIS struction of solidarity and security and YEAR IT’S SAFE TO a rise of retrospectivism across popular SAY THAT COUNTRY music. He gives Adele and Amy Wine- MUSIC IS CURRENT- house as examples who both subtly nod LY SURGING IN POP- to previous decades with their musical ULARITY IN THE UK. and personal style. So is this a retro American Country artists are regu- gimmick or is nostalgia the new norm? Hawthorn Avenue larly touring the UK and Country From a psychologist’s perspective Music festivals have also cropped up Hepper describes nostalgia as the “warm all across the country. C2C run by and fuzzy feeling”, Wildschut states that BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris had 80,000 it “compensates for uncomfortable states attendees in 2018 and smaller ones and elevates meaningfulness” and Jame- include Buckle & Boots, Nashville Meets son paints nostalgia in a negative light London and Long Road Festival. by saying we are “condemned to seek a UK acts Ward Thomas and The Shires past which remains forever out of reach”. both topped the Album and Singles If we look briefly at the current UK charts bringing country into the UK political and domestic climate, we mainstream, and there are thousands have had hung parliaments, frequent Holy Home Video of upcoming signed and independent changes of Prime Ministers, the loom- artists following in their footsteps. ing uncertainty of Brexit, along with Bob Harris says: “I’ve been doing the public sector cuts, restructuring of country show for 15 years now, and in the benefits system and a rise in zero the whole of that time I’ve never known hours contacts, food banks and finan- things to be quite as exciting as they are cial insecurity. Are we then keen to ro- today. Country is now appealing to a manticise the past as a simpler time, completely new young generation.” when the world we knew was more So why is Country Music growing so secure and easier to comprehend? rapidly in popularity? There is of course Without loss, nostalgia really has Natalie Jones the affect of globalisation and technol- no power, therefore throughout pe- ogy with the internet making all music riods of disturbance, loss of security, Alan Jackson: “Remember When!” available to a worldwide audience at jobs, money, and often hope it can be And now that we have some in- the touch of a button, and social media harnessed as a coping mechanism or sights into why we love Country Mu- allowing artists and bands to create a indeed, a marketing strategy. sic I will point you in the direction huge online following. US country-pop To take Brexit as an example, co- of some wonderful new country art- artists such as Taylor Swift and Miley inciding with Trump’s Make America ists across the grass-roots Welsh mu- Cyrus created a gateway into country Great Again campaign there is an as- sic scene that you should definitely be music for millennials and recently the tounding emphasis on taking BACK listening to. TV show Nashville and Bradley Cooper’s control and becoming great again, as Swansea’s original country song- top grossing remake of A Star Is Born if we have lost something we must stress Natalie Jones released Love‘n’Stuff starring Lady Gaga are bringing the now get back. Rejecting the complexi- last year and has some fantastic new genre into a new generation. ties of globalisation and looking back music in the making. Rosey Cale has I do feel however that there are to simpler, more secure times. released two new singles this year: deeper reasons for younger audiences So how does this come back to cheating song Mary Jane and her to be drawn to the country genre and Country Music? Is the current nos- newest love song Keeper. Hawthorne it wouldn’t have become the UK’s talgic climate not the perfect setting Avenue have their brilliant debut EP fastest growing genre without a read- for Country Music to make a come Wildfire, Bryony Sier’s New Generation ily receptive environment. According back with its simple ‘three chords and focuses around mental health and ex- to The Guardian article From Nashville the truth’ philosophy and themes of ceptional duo Holy Home Video have With Love, music fans are “drawn [to walking memory lane, home, family vocal harmonies which will send Country] by musicianship and authentic and simple rural life? Nothing inse- shivers up your spine. And of course storytelling”, which brings me on to cure or unsettling there. It creates a if you’d like to listen to my debut al- discussing our craving for authentic- safe haven. We like reliving memo- bum Earthbound that would make me ity and a new culture of nostalgia. ries, it’s comforting. In the words of one very happy lady. EH

6 POETRY Harri POWELL LIKE GOLDILOCKS, BUT WITH ANGST INSTEAD OF PORRIDGE. SBM: Tell us about your poetry I think a lot of it comes from a place of anger and frustration to be honest. It’s a cliché to call it a cliché by now, but it really is a release for me. It’s a tool to release negative energy. I use a lot of internal rhyme, alliteration and word play. I typically write in free verse, but SBM: Where was your favourite performance and why? had previously dabbled with the odd occasional haiku from time The biggest gig Curious Orange have done is definitelyGay Pride 2016 to time too, but feared that they might be a gateway to sonnets, so in Bute Park, I didn’t think I’d ever play in front of that many people stopped. I have written happier things too. So I can sell seashells on to be honest, well over five figures, and it just stands out as a memo- the seashore in Seychelles on a seesaw, see? rable but trippy day. Truth be told, I’m surprised they let us play on the same stage as Steps and we must not have been shit because we SBM: What inspires you to write? have played there twice since then. My favourite spoken word per- I only started performing my poetry because my therapist encour- formance was at Big Love Festival a few years back. I had a rant about aged me to do so. I have always written songs [with band, Curious Or- the education system and got a warm reception. I have also done ange], but she suggested I share my words with others. I never really some cool castle gigs that stand out. ponder much why I still do it though. I think I’m just trying to find the perfect rhyme for narcissistic need for approval. I like to swear SBM: What’s your take on the scene around Swansea? at certain open mic nights because I get a kick out of the ‘it would There are some tidy places to perform and some nice individuals on have been good without the foul language’ comments. I do this for the circuit. I think that the lack of money in poetry really impacts me and the lack of fucks really is empowering, you should try it, I’m the perceived value it has to a modern day public. There are some in- sure your therapist would be over the moon. dividuals that work very hard to help the scene, this includes artists, venues, promoters, punters etc., but as is the case with most places SBM: Why is ‘More poetry needed?’ where money is involved, there are some egos as well. I don’t really Because the council used public money to pay someone to spray it on get it to be honest. a wall. Is ‘More Poetry wanted’ though? If it was wanted, why would they use public money to remove spray from a wall? Personally, I SBM: Where can people see you, hear you, read your work? don’t think poetry is necessarily needed, it just IS. It is everywhere #powetry on Facebook will probably do the job. I thought about and some people just so happen to put words to it. It can’t be stopped, doing a blog but it’s a big elephant and I can only take small bites at regulated or controlled by any authority and exists beyond our agen- the moment. It takes a lot for me to want to perform spoken word, das. That’s not to say it’s bulletproof from exploitation though. mainly because this is such a personal thing for me, so I tend not to announce where I am going to be and just turn up. I occasion- SBM: Who inspires you? ally organise to do spoken word gigs but not as often as I do music. I genuinely consider Lose Yourself to be the most technically sound Performing with Curious Orange is easy as I don’t feel so exposed due poem in the English Language so far this century. Beat Poets like Ker- to the good energy we have on stage as a band, but whether or not I ouac and Ginsberg had a big influence, as well asEdgar Allen Poe and perform poetry really does depend on my mood at the time. I think Dylan Thomas. Beyond that I am inspired by the lyrics of musicians I need to be the right level of tampin’, like Goldilocks but with angst like Amanda Palmer, Jim Morrison, Dani Filth and others. instead of porridge.

I KNOW SOME OF THE KINDEST A PAY GRADE Priceless prizes of stubborn, whose sole purpose is ABOVE SLAVERY to solve the soul at 4am crawling up walls, folded In houses gone cold from old gold, counselled and Our fathers worked down the mines consoled by their new games consoles in false start For us to work with our minds, apartments apart from the mould, a part of the mould. We were once the centre for coal, Radical rogues with silly smiles and art in their eyes. Now we’re in call centres, In control of the World’s copper, Stressed, depressed vessels of value that float freely Now the coppers are in control of the World, through the laughable latitude of life, empathetically Back then, we would find the work hard, pondering the hypothetical pathetically and the pathetic hypothetically. but now it’s hard to find work.

Feeling beings seeing meaning in the minor things, adoring all the finer things, exploring yet ignoring any sign of boring pouring from the linings of their findings, open-minded without ever having an empty head.

7 INTERVIEW TOUCHING THE SKY... From supporting George Ezra, playing Chris Evans’ aftershow party and penning a soundtrack to the 2016 Rio Olympics, to featuring on a Tom Cruise movie trailer, these Swansea lads are exploding into the stratosphere with more than 1.5 million streams. Soundboard’s Mike Kennedy caught up with frontman Karl Morgan to find out what all the fuss is about.

How did Who’s Molly? get started? When did you begin to realise that ence and belief but, we believe in the We’ve all been friends for years, in things were happening? band and want to make sure we look and out of different bands in Swansea/ I guess I realised we had something after our music as much as we can. It’s a Neath. I had been writing songs for a soon after we put out our first EP. The bit like an iceberg, you only see the suc- while and I knew the other boys had lead song Touch the Sky was request- cesses, there’s a whole load of work un- too, so in 2016 we thought it might be ed by the IOC (International Olympics der the surface in trying to get the mu- cool to get together and start an original Committee) for their Best of Rio com- sic heard that comes to nothing. Lots of band. We all dig the same music so we’d pilation video. It was a big thrill and promises and lots of nearlys. try our hand at the “music business”. instantly spread the word about the In three years we’ve managed to get We released our first EP that year. There band. Our producer Pete gave me the a song on a Tom Cruise movie trailer was lots of writing, lots of rehearsing heads up they were interested and (American Made) been asked to write and lots of trying to get our style right. then you have this long wait before the official track for the 2018 Euro- it’s confirmed. I remember watch- pean Championships, get a bunch of ing it for the first time and finding TV synchs with companies like Mer- it hard to believe cedes and McDon- something that alds and rack up was conceived in We try to write nearly 1.5 million my kitchen was streams on Spotify. soundtracking every day, whether We’ve also played the great and the shows with the good from the“ it’s good or bad just likes of James Bay, 2016 Olympics. write. Keep the tap Jess Glynne, George We were blown Ezra and Paloma away because dripping because Faith. Our lat- they’d edited est release Until I every frame of eventually the water Found You has had the video to our more than 75,000 lyric. We’ve been runs clean streams in its first lucky to have a month. L-R: Mat Williams (Lead Guitar), Karl Morgan few of those moments. You seem very grounded and level (Vocals/Guitar), Rhys Morgan (Drums) Why have you never released a physical headed. How do you stay that way? product? Cement” boots. I come from a hard Where was your first ever gig? That’s a good question, and one working family, my mum and dad The first time I got up on stage was I don’t really have an answer for. I wouldn’t have it any other way. at the Heathcliff Social Club in Swan- played a songwriter’s night earlier this There’s been a lot of success but on sea. My uncle used to drink there and year with my mate Steve (Balsamo) and the flip side a lot of rejection so you my dad played football for their team. when everyone was plugging their lat- have to just stick your head down and I was a shy 13 year old and got up and est signed CD I said: “We’ve only got t- keep going. It’s easy to get caught up in played a Stereophonics song that I’d shirts for sale tonight so you’ll have to the hype, and I’ve seen a lot of people been learning, although I’m not sure go online to hear our music”. do it. But all the bands we love have had it was the right audience for it, they I think as much as I love a physical it hard and had to work their way to the were lovely and cheered me on. I got CD, Spotify & Apple Music now enables top, so I’m ok with that. I like to think into songwriting at about 18 because you to release your songs worldwide on we’ve built a small but mighty team. of my parents’ record collection and the same day so everyone gets a chance What’s it like when you come back played every venue that would have to hear and experience it at the same home, are you recognised in Swansea? me. Whether it was a packed room or time. Having said that I’d love us to re- Umm I guess a little, we have a a “get changed in the toilet” pub to lease on vinyl one day. good social media presence and like learn how to hold a crowd. The first Tell me about how you’ve become such a to call our fans friends. gig we did as a band was at the Bed- success with no manager or major label. I think when people invest in you ford in London. It’s been hard work, a lot of persist- and your music it’s the biggest com- ...IN CEMENT BOOTS 8 SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Holding the 35,000 crowd at Carfest 2019 MOLLY?

pliment ever. So we try to be as ap- Steve get up and play and sing with us. proachable after shows, and get out Who should we be watching on the and about as much as we can. Swan- scene right now? sea is full of characters so you do get I really like Sam Fender’s style, very the odd shout across the street “Oh throw-back Springsteen meets Brandon butt, Who’s Molly then?” Flowers. But locally there’s been a cool What’s the best gig you’ve played? band resurgence which is great to see. Last year we went on stage just be- Any advice for the up & coming bands fore George Ezra at Carfest North. We right now? line checked to about 200 people and Persistence and work ethic is key, walked out on stage four hours later to we try to write every day, whether it’s 35,000. good or bad just write. Keep the tap It was very surreal but incredibly dripping because eventually the water cool. We watched the footage back a runs clean. And try to be positive and few days later and saw a large group encourage others, negativity gets you of women at the front wearing Who’s nowhere. Surround yourself with peo- Molly? t-shirts and two big Who’s Molly? ple you trust because when you have a signs being held aloft further into the bad apple it just sours the journey to crowd by some hardcore fans. It was your end goal. Be cool with people and very cool. Also Chris Evans (Virgin Radio don’t be a dick. Breakfast Show) announced us on stage What’s next for the band? and told everyone how much of a fan More new music, we’re trying to re- he was so that blew our minds. lease a song every month or so. More We also played his after show party shows and hopefully a tour in 2020. Our that year and had Sophie Ellis Bextor, goal is to build a fanbase that we can Ricky from The Kaiser Chiefs and Seasick tour and release to for years to come.

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9 FROM THE PAST CLASSIC WELSH ALBUM

THIS SELF-PRODUCED ALBUM still tours to this day, a respectable FROM 1979 IS ARGUABLY DAVE Number 17. EDMUNDS’ BEST KNOWN WORK. Dave In the mid to late 70’s this line- It featured the legendary Rockpile up released albums under the line-up of Nick Lowe, Billy Bremner, name of Rockpile, Dave Edmunds’ fellow Welshman Terry Williams Edmunds Rockpile and Nick Lowe’s Rockpile. and Edmunds himself, as well In fact, Nick Lowe’s Labour Of Lust as guest appearances from Huey REPEAT WHEN was recorded and released simulta- Lewis, Albert Lee & Roger Bechirian. neously with this record. Mention The two big hit singles taken Rockpile to any music fan of a cer- from the album were the Elvis NECESSARY tain age and they’ll say that they Costello-penned Girls Talk and Swan Song (1979) were the best live band ever, and Hank Devito’s Queen Of Hearts they’ve yet to be bettered. which reached Numbers 4 and 11 Dave Edmunds and Terry Wil- respectively in the UK charts. Ed- liams have hung up their plectrum munds also covered Cliff Richard’s and sticks but the other two are Dynamite and Evie Sands’ Take Me still out there making music and for A Little While whilst Home In playing live. MK My Hand was an old song from Nick Lowe’s former band Brinsley Girls Talk / Schwarz. Bad Is Bad would later Crawling from the Wreckage / The be reclaimed by Huey Lewis for Creature from the Black Lagoon / Sweet his band The News for their multi- Little Lisa / Dynamite / platinum album Sports. Queen of Hearts / Home in My Hand / The album made it to Number Goodbye Mr. Good Guy / 39 in the UK charts, and 54 in the Take Me for a Little While / US, but its biggest chart presence We Were Both Wrong / was in Sweden where Billy Bremner Bad Is Bad. ADVERTISE YOUR music / gig / shop / venue HERE [email protected] Hen Dderwen Sketty Park Drive, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8JH Tel: 01792 203631 Your favourite local pub that is proud to bring you quality traditional pub meals, exciting daily offers and unbeatable value! New Daily Deals: MONDAY – 50% off our Real Pub Favourites menu, 12pm - 5pm TOP-IT TUESDAY – Any topped salad for £5.99 WEDNESDAY – Kids eat for £1 with any adult main meal bought THURSDAY – 2 loaded burgers for £15 after 5pm FRIDAY – 2 grills and 2 drinks for £20 after 5pm SATURDAY & SUNDAY – Weekend wallet saver, 2 courses for £9.99 We now offer a Senior Selection for £4.99 each BRIAN BREEZE SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a guitar player plying their trade round these parts, will, sooner or later, hear the name Brian Breeze; if they’re out playing gigs themselves, they’ll probably notice, after a while, that they’re encountering a disproportionate number of sound engineers, producers and musicians who claim to have either met, played with, or been taught by this Breeze fella. So, they’ll ask someone, in perfectly good faith: “Is he any good then, this Brian bloke?” GOOD? GOOD?! HE’S ONLY THE BEST BLOODY GUI- TAR PLAYER YOU’LL EVER SEE IN YOUR WHOLE BLOODY LIFE, PAL! Brian blows minds and inspires devo- tion, you see; I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes: not that long ago I found my- self at one of Brian’s gigs, stood alongside four, fairly accomplished, working guitar players, and I noticed, after a while, that all of them were staring slack-jawed and silently at the stage, each wearing the ex- act same expression of envy, confusion and delight. Envy because they all knew that they’d never, ever be that good, con- fusion because “just how is he doing that stuff, anyway?”; and delight because HE REALLY IS THAT GOOD BOYS, BLOODY HELL! Photo: Helen Banham Yes, indeed, Brian Breeze is a bona fide and of conviction (with a laugh that more released in 1975, and features a verita- musical legend, and – although he hasn’t than matches the twinkle in her eye) – to ble who’s who of guest musicians, most played much over these past few years, whom he remains happily married. notably Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Brian due to ill health – his reputation as one According to Maybellene, this reso- played on a few other songs on the al- of the most gifted guitarists this part of lution to quit lasted: “for about three bum, but it’s this track on which I think the world has produced remains undi- months”. Brian plunged back into the he hits the greatest heights. minished, and his achievements in the music world, working for a time with Brian toured and recorded with Maggie worlds of music and academia (as well as Cream lyricist Pete Brown – the man who for a few years in the mid-seventies, and being a lecturer of philosophy and litera- wrote Sunshine Of Your Love – in band it’s on this track (although it should be ture, Brian also taught countless studio- called Pikolo, as well as reuniting with fel- noted it was very hard to choose) I think heads their trade, during a long stint as a low former Corncracker and Man legend, he hits his greatest heights. It’s all there: music technology teacher in Swansea In- Deke Leonard. Brian joined Deke’s post- he starts off playing these funky, loose, stitute) stand as testament to his breadth Man solo band, Iceberg, touring the album bluesy licks on the verses – all understat- of talents and the depth of his intellect of the same name (bizarrely, as a support ed and icy and cool – before bursting into and his curiosity. act to Man, the group Deke had just left) this crazy, shifting, wailing, jazzy (but Over a fifty-plus year career, Brian has and playing on Deke’s second solo album, melodic) freak-out of a solo, which builds played with and for some of the best in Kamikaze. This version of Iceberg also re- and swings and squiggles and squeals, the business, though his beginnings were corded two sessions for John Peel, both in sounding – to my mind, at least – a bit as humble as any; starting out rehearsing 1974, before splitting up when Deke re- like a slightly-more-restrained Frank Zap- with local groups as a precocious fourteen joined a new iteration of Man. pa, mixed in with a bit of Peter Green , year old, he formed his own band, The In the early nineties, with his own only with that kind of crisp phrasing Casanovas, and soon graduated to playing band, The Breeze, consisting of David Bell you’d normally associate with someone residencies in local clubs and cinemas. on bass and Dire Straits’ Terry Williams on like Hank Marvin. It’s magnificent and a After a couple of years leading his own drums, Brian toured Germany and Aus- bit weird and a delight of a thing to hear. group, Brian joined – along with a young tria, making a brief appearance on Aus- Recently, I had the privilege of being Deke Leonard, later of Man – a band called trian TV, footage of which has only quite able to honour Brian at The 2019 Sound- The Corncrackers, who released a couple recently been unearthed. And all of this is board Magazine Awards, where – alongside of singles and enjoyed some modest suc- without even beginning to go into all the Darran Browning of Lost Tuesday Society – I cess. After they disbanded, Brian joined other stuff, like how Brian composed the presented him with a ‘Lifetime Achieve- a group called The Untamed, and began theme tune for S4C’s football show, Sgorio; ment’ award, in recognition of his long to perform away from Wales, eventually or his forty years playing the circuit with and storied musical career and truly ex- moving to London in order to take up a the fabulously named Trembling Knees. cellent life. residency at The Hilton. This was in 1967, Of course, if you’ve never heard Brian There are few who would argue he kids. How much would you love to be Breeze play, then you’re probably won- hasn’t earned it, and I consider it a per- playing London in 1967? dering what all this fawning is about; in sonal highlight of my own life to have At the end of his stint in the big smoke, which case, please allow me to direct you had the opportunity to share a stage with and disillusioned with the capricious na- to a song called, Wishing Well, recorded him for a few minutes, even if we weren’t ture of show business, Brian packed up by Maggie Bell – a Scottish singer, former- wailing on some funky blues groove. and came home to Wales, seriously in- ly of Stone The Crows – who’s been hailed Alas, alas, alas. tending to sell all his gear, jack in this as one of the UK’s all-time great soul sing- Anyway, here’s to Brian Breeze, a truly music stuff and settle down with his new ers. The song was originally written and excellent musician and an inspiration to bride, the inimitable Maybellene – a fine, recorded by Free, but this version is on so many. May he live long, live well and principled woman of grace, of humour an album called, Suicide Sal, which was smile often. JM

11

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE – ROSIE SCRIBBLAH SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 Bara Brith, Bourgeois Bling and the Music Loving Multi Coloured Mark Maker A Spotlight on Tim Kelly I first saw Tim Kelly’s paintings and drawings at a solo exhibition at Swansea’s Grand Theatre back in 2008. I was gobsmacked. I loved the overwhelmingly massive crazy canvasses, but I had never heard of this artist. He just appeared. Tim explains: “A year earlier, my mother-in- law persuaded me to do an ex- hibition in the Miner’s Institute in Nantymoel, and from then on I decided that I was interested in public spaces like that, rather than formal galleries; places two different things and we as observers song by The Granite Shore that reflect where people go don’t differentiate between them. We see his viewpoint: “In other times I could to that are not a visual image of the bucolic countryside, have been a painter but I was born in a just for art.” or an urban cityscape, that’s all about deadly darkened age.” We’d been over to Tim’s multi-col- power, control and one-upmanship. It’s Tim’s studio is overflowing with oured studio to take photos but were Bourgeois Bling.” paintings and drawings but he’s often driven out by the ear-splitting fire He feels that there are so many neg- seen on High Street dressing up, stand- alarm checks and now we’re sitting in ative artist tropes around, that many ing around with a mask and a bucket the café in the Glynn Vivian Art Gal- artists see themselves as islands of en- of flowers, doing performative pieces lery, talking about the role of culture lightenment floating in a sea of dark- in public buildings. He says: “When ness, an attitude that hampers en- this place was opened, people would gagement. Tim believes that there is queue down the street to get in. Working a sophisticated arts audience around class people, everybody.” – the people clapping in Morfa, the Tim’s practice is rooted in his po- people hanging out on Swansea’s litical beliefs; environment, racism High Street – but feels that the arts es- and poverty all have a direct impact tablishment looks down on what so on his art and he works with some of many people want to see. society’s most disengaged people, tak- “People think artists are patronising, ing his art directly out onto the street. taking the piss. We’re seen as bourgeois “It’s difficult reconciling painting, which and elitist and the arts establishment ain’t is traditionally male, bourgeois, heterosex- doing anything about that because they as part of his arts practice of social en- ist, with what I do. Why are we having just want to sell paintings to rich people.” gagement. As he says: “Working with to promote artists of colour and gender? He’s interested in the way that pub- particular people, to move away from Because the privileged white patriarchy de- lic engagement moves from one art day-to-day struggles to do something dif- cides who is promoted in the arts.” form to another over time, culture ferent, not necessarily with any focus.” Tim prefers to describe himself as a goes through a process of fossilisa- In keeping with his ethos of being mark-maker rather than a painter: “I tion. For example, Turner’s famous inclusive, Tim has a Saturday stall in don’t believe the ‘Spirit is in the Mass’, painting of a steam train going under Swansea Market every month, selling it’s a metaphor. There isn’t a transfor- a bridge was cutting edge technology art at affordable prices to people who mation process where paint turns into an at the time. Now it’s old-fashioned may have dropped in for some bara idea, an emotion, it’s just paint.” and quaint. He observes that: “The brith or laverbread. Check him out, For him, a significant problem with light of stardom went from poetry, to along with his fascinating art, while painting is that it’s split broadly into painters, to silent movie stars and now you’re shopping. You can also find two main specialisms – portraits and musicians. Where will it go next?” him on Facebook. landscapes – and they’re both about Although he paints, he isn’t partic- wealth and power. ularly moved by the paintings of oth- “Landscape artists don’t paint the en- ers. It’s music that affects him emo- Rosie Scribblah is a Swansea-born artist vironment, they paint landscapes, they’re tionally and he quotes lyrics from a and printmaker: www.scribblah.co.uk

13 VISUAL ARTS Jeremy Gluck : One-pointed Elysium Art in the Bar November 22nd – December 29th 2019

WORDS: Kurt Signs IMAGES: Jeremy Gluck

FROM NOVEMBER 22ND 2019, FOR SIX WEEKS, WELSH CONNECTIONS OPERATIVE, SWANSEA COLLEGE OF ART ALUMNI, AXE HEAD COLLECTIVE ARTIST AND GS ARTISTS INTERN JEREMY GLUCK STAGES HIS FIRST SOLO ART EXHIBITION AT ELYSIUM GALLERY’S ART IN THE BAR, PART OF THE A NIGHT AT THE GALLERIES EVENT THAT SEES MULTIPLE ART OPENINGS ACROSS SWANSEA’S THRIVING ART HUB. Having exhibited in Swansea three raphy and video work, twinned with cratic, often cryptic commentary on times with Axe Head Collective, whose a collection of conceptual minimalist anything that exercises his mind and celebrated shows at Volcano Theatre memes. One-pointed takes ‘nonceptu- imagination. A dystopia inhabited by and GS Artists have paved the way alism’ – Gluck’s platform for his prac- truncated, transmuted thoughts and for another big show at Volcano next tice – to new heights and depths of feelings, abject and free. March, and with joint exhibitions in visual simplicity and poverty. Works include The Recording of London and even Sydney, Australia “Nonceptualism is about the end of Thinking, a video and photography under his belt, Gluck feels a solo show art,” says Gluck. “And the end of the piece in graphic black and white, plus is a risk he is now willing to take. idea of an artist in self-concept and con- minimalist digital portraiture, and a “GS Artists, Volcano and Elysium have ception and execution of work, as we and variety of simple text-based digital art between them created an amazing, cut- consider it; but maybe it’s also my way across different scales and formats. ting edge art incubator in Swansea,” says of saying, it’s about an end to some or all “I’ve always been an artist of one kind Gluck. “Interning at Jane Simpson’s GS of me as I’ve conceived myself since con- or another. I was a recording artist for Artists gave Axe Head Collective a great ditioning began, as it does with all of us, years, and a writer. And I’ve done a lot of boost – we met at Swansea College of Art not long after birth. In parallel with the sound art and spoken word. Visual art is and have been collaborating on shows very impersonal, ‘cold’, ‘clean’ digital art an adventure I’m loving, experimenting since 2017 – and this Elysium show is I am creating in volume, I am perhaps with creating work from a different place, a huge opportunity. Jonathan Powell, the moving between conceptual and what I with a different purpose. ‘One-pointed’ co-founder of Elysium, has set up gal- could call ‘self-conceptual’ work.” has one simple aim: to engage and may- leries and studios that are a fantastic Three years ago, switching sudden- be confuse. Or enlighten. But what do I anchor for artists in the city. GS Artists ly from painting to digital art, Gluck know? I make the art. It’s for other people benefits from Jane’s remarkable experi- began creating very simple, mini- to figure it out.” ence and accomplishments, and Volcano malist ‘memes’ to convey a sense of is a really unusual and welcoming space isolation, alienation and dissonance. Elysium Gallery can be found at: for exhibition. I’m privileged to exhibit in Progressing intuitively over several 210 High street, Swansea, Wales, SA1 1PE all three.” months, the images encompassed The show, named One-pointed – a the personal (always with a lateral, For more on Jeremy Gluck: reference to the ‘one-pointedness’ cross-sectioned sensibility), politics, www.axisweb.org/p/jeremygluck Buddhism teaches is essential for consumer culture, pseudo-spiritual- clear thinking and smooth function- ity, and much else. Ultimately these JeremyGluckArt ing of the mind – highlights photog- images have become an idiosyn- @nonceptualism

14 SWANSEA FRINGE – OPENING NIGHT REVIEW SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

This rainy, old story starts on a rainy, old, Thursday night in rainy, old, Swansea town; the kind of night that makes you wish you’d been a better person in every single one of your previous lives, or at least invested some decent money in a waterproof coat and some funky galoshes.

ONAlas, alas, alas. It was oneTHE of those Jack Sounds off the list forFRINGE an event like ter with a cheerful, sodden half-grimace bitingly cold evenings you some- this. Otherwise, I’d have very carefully and a neat salute, which was somewhat times get at the beginning of au- and very deliberately spread terrible ru- spoiled by the whiplash of rainwater tumn, when the summer is still mours about him, all of which would that flew off my cuffs at the peak of said fresh enough in your memory to be borderline believable and – not co- salute, flying directly and wetly right make you really, really miss it, but incidentally – come to within one legal into the face of a passing, geriatric, winter still seems a little too far millimetre (lawyer’s fee: £150+VAT) of freemason-type fella, who was ambling away to be taken seriously; so you triggering the sort of libel case that’d out through the doors arm-in-arm with creep out with summer on your actually stand up in court. Ah, that fa- a rather severe-looking woman wearing mind and autumn in your clothes, mous sense of humour again. Loves ya, a dead animal below a face like a half- and then the winter sneaks up Jo Bee. Preach brother, preach. sucked lemon, who I assume, was his and smacks you in the chops with I digress. Reaching my destination, wife (the woman, not the dead animal). a big bag of nobbling. Alas. Brrr. unbowed and happily undrowned, I But rain, really, was the most signifi- double-timed my way up the elegant, cant factor. Now, I’ve got an awful lot broad steps that lead under the grand “get a tactical puke to say about the rain in South Wales; I columns to the lobby of Swansea’s sole have a quasi-spiritual relationship with architectural glory, passing some oddly- in, early doors. Just to it, in fact: it’s more than just water fall- dressed characters wearing red cloaks ing from the sky; if you ask me it’s both and prosthetic noses and dodging a clear the decks. an imposition and a reassurance, like gaggle of Goons giggling their weaving a copper offering you a lift home. One way up the same steps, passing a ciga- It’s going to be a winter, a few years ago, my partner and rette back and forth like jazz musicians. I spent some considerable time trying Normally, I’d have stopped to talk shop long night, after all.” to coin appropriate terms to describe and argue politics with their devious the many, distinctly different, types bastard of a singer, but I was feeling the In a moment of frozen silence, Mister of rain we encountered whilst walking beginnings of a terrible thirst and, ulti- Triple-Breasted Regimental Tie Dark across the city, reasoning that if the Es- mately, they were lingering in an area a Blue Suit took a lingering, jowly look kimos have fifty different words to de- long ways away from the bar. up and down my dripping form, gave scribe snow, then Welsh people should Reaching the safety of enclosed spac- a haughty cough, shook his head sadly have at least as many to describe the es and deliriously happy to be out of and stalked off with as much dignity as incessant rain, right? the rain, I trotted across the tiles and he could muster. Good for him. Right. So, on the night in question presented myself at the box office coun- Moving on from the watery conse- I’d say that the rain style was swinging quences of my unintentional indis- between ‘chawsing’, ‘glomping’ and cretion, I lowered my salute, decided ‘jabberdahead’; occasionally straying Bandicoot, against clicking my heels, and – carefully towards that swirling, sub-zero, nee- opening the reaffixing my rictus grin – turned back to dling, Swansea-seafront-specific rain, night at the the people behind the desk: “Jack Sounds known locally, I believe, as ‘that bastard magnificent of SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE reporting rain’. I, for my many sins, had spent the Brangwyn Hall for duty, comrade. On the guestlist, not even day working, but I’d legged it without half-pissed and arguably ready for action. ceremony just before 6pm, and now, Maybe even journalism. See how things pan half an hour later, found myself trudg- out, now. Is the bar open yet? Who are the ing bravely through the middle of the people with the sheep skulls and the false gathering storm, hauling my grumbling noses, anyway? What kind of crazy estab- bones along the seafront towards the lishment are you running here?” Brangwyn Hall, which was gloriously lit As it turned out, the desk was being up and looked wonderfully warm and occupied in part by none other than my welcoming in the distance, like a 100ft fellow SBM scribe, fringe volunteer and tall, exquisitely-decorated, art deco local starlet Sarah Birch, of Lost Tuesday miners lamp made of portland stone. Society and Sarah Birch fame. We don’t It was the launch party for the Swansea really get on, me and The Birch – at Fringe Festival, you see, and I was lucky least not after ‘the incident’ at last years enough to find myself on the guestlist SBM christmas party – but I’ve already in BOLD TYPE. Yes, that Joe Bayliss apologised, more or less, for that, so character might not be the sharpest can’t we just for the love of God move knife in the drawer – for all that, he does on? I was never going to actually keep have those dreamy, dreamy eyes and a the stupid dog, and France really isn’t luxuriant, luscious beard you could lose that far away; not if you fly, anyway, your heart and soul in the furry depths so what’s the big deal, really, when you of – but he’s not that daft as to leave ol’ stop and look at it? CONTINUES...

15 SWANSEA FRINGE – OPENING NIGHT REVIEW

Well, yes, anyway. Opinions vary, but Head-a-bobbing I stood there, hidden The way they’ve got the night lined I won’t be raising the issue again in a in amongst the sizeable audience, and up is that when the acts on the big stage hurry, I can tell you. She’s got a kick on watched the rest of their set, praying in the main room finish, there’s a half her like a mule, that one; I was inca- in fervent self-interest that (handsome) hour break for changeover, during which pacitated until the second game-week Tom wouldn’t recognise me lurking in another, more acoustified band gets their of the Six Nations after that business, the crowd and make some kind of well- business going on in the bar for fifteen to and I ran a much diminished service intended gesture of recognition; in their twenty minutes or so. It’s a good system, for many months thereafter. So we ex- current feverish mood, them girls will and it’s working well tonight. The next changed forced, practiced smiles while I probably turn on me like savage beasts, band on in the main room is – according collected my credentials and then, say- I reckon, in which case I’ll be lucky to the programme I pinched earlier – the ing a curt but polite goodbye, I strode to get out of here without having my much-and-justly-hyped Buzzard Buzzard forth into the main room, taken aback spleen stamped flat like a slice of black Buzzard, who are having somewhat of a as always by the sheer scale of the place: pudding. It’s a risk you have to take breakthrough year. for my money there’s not another, larger, though, covering Bandicoot. It’s the cul- Rather than miss them starting, I or- open room in the county, and tonight tural equivalent of war correspondence. dered up an armful of lager and sleazed it’s being dominated by a big, wide, well- back out into the main room, intend- lit stage placed up against the side wall, ing to spend a bit of time wandering upon which the boys out of Bandicoot are “I felt a real warmth through the cluster of tables and ban- currently kicking out the jams. ners I’d seen earlier on one side of the Bandicoot, ooh, I do love a bit of and pride...and felt hall, evidently set up in order for rep- Bandicoot! Their highly danceable, sax- resentatives of relevant local businesses boosted, baritone-voiced, bilingual, off- lucky, having lived and other groups to peddle their wares kilter, weird-as-you-like, old-school-indie through the lean years and services to a captive audience. There schtick is right up my proverbial avenue. would undoubtedly be freebies to be Hitching up my buttresses, I scuttled, when nobody gave a snaffled, I assumed, and gossip to be cre- squelching a smidge, through the crowd atively disassembled. And, lo, so it was. towards the sounds, side-stepping a flying fuck” A short while later, laden with pro- slightly sozzled Boss – the handsome duce and jaw-tired from chewing the and debonair bassist from Cities and the Their set finished in a spasm of frac- fat with a variety of luminaries, lig- charismatic svengali behind many oth- tured, wonderful noise, and – sated gers and the simply/literally loaded, I er exciting musical endeavours – who I – I turned on my heels and headed to quietly took my place in the swelling overheard, as I passed, explaining to the the bar. The last I saw of Tom, he was crowd, just in time to witness Buzzard vertiginous, six and a half feet tall figure standing above a cluster of his acolytes, Buzzard Buzzard stride onto the stage of Suns Of Thunder singer/guitarist Greg, holding a marker pen and looking a and power through a selection of their that the reason he’d disappeared earlier mite confused. I thought I heard him high-octane, fuzzed-up, homages to the on, was to “get a tactical puke in, early say something like: “You want me to sign gods of 70’s rock, complete with trade- doors. Just to clear the decks. It’s going to be my name WHERE?”, but I was already mark dance moves from singer/guitar- a long night, after all.” moving at a fair lick by this point, so ist Tom Rees. Despite only being a cou- Degenerates, eh? There’s no getting any clarity was lost amongst a clamour- ple of well-received singles into their away from them these days. I blame ing fug of other people’s conversations. career, it’s clear from their polished and video games and the closure of Mozarts. There were two gentlemen in differ- energetic performance and the quality Leaving the desert-rock crew behind ent brands of hard-wearing shorts ped- of the as-yet-unreleased tracks on show, me still discussing the merits of the tac- dling the wares of the Penderyn whiskey that there’s a lot more to come from tical yak, I crossed the hall and took up distillery from a heavily branded table these boys yet. Also, they’re clearly hav- a position just downwind and stage left right next to the doors leading out of ing a right laugh, and that counts for from Handsome Tom Emlyn, Bandicoot’s the main room; in the interests of jour- a lot. guitarist and the main man in the crim- nalism, I sampled some of their peaty, As usual at these kinds of events, I inally underrated News From Nowhere, complex yet well-rounded product en- tried to get an idea of the average age making sure, as I crossed the front of route, before proceeding with a little of the attendees, employing the very the stage, that I did nothing that would less balance and a little more certainty scientific method of ‘standing on tippy antagonise or block the view of the into the packed and rowdy bar area. I toes and having a good look around’, small – but devoted – group of young could hear the sound of another musi- and I’m happy to report that all ages girls stood directly below him, staring cal outfit limbering up, and I was ready from teenager to pensioner were rep- up at his angelic features with eyes like and eager for some more tunes. resented in the slightly subdued (must lasers, an almost palpable aura of hun- The tuning-up band turned out to be be all that rain) but by now really quite ger and desire shaping the air around Hawthorn Avenue, and I subsequently massive audience that was gathered them into a soap-bubble made of hor- spent a happy and contented twenty around the stage. As the band wrapped mones and mid-priced perfume. minutes watching them, sipping my up their show with some more beau- I could tell by their growing shrieks pint and enjoying their tightly-ar- tifully-judged melodic rock and roll, and jerky movements that they were ranged, harmony-laden brand of coun- I felt a real warmth and pride for the reaching a critical mass of some kind, trified folk, tapping my foot and idly people of Swansea, and felt lucky – hav- and quickly vowed to avoid at all costs passing my gaze over the rest of the ing lived through the lean years when being caught in their headlights if they room, doing the old people-watching, nobody gave a flying fuck about origi- made a rush for the stage; they’d proba- making up plausible but fantastic back- nal music in the city – that I was alive bly just run straight over the top of me, stories for some of the more interest- and active and mobile at this interest- like an Instagrammable version of the ing faces and groups of people I see. A ing and exciting time. Pontypool front row wearing Converse steady flow of punters is filing out of I won’t pretend I’ve never heard any low-tops. Where are the damned secu- the main room into the bar, so there’s criticism of The Fringe; some of it gib- rity, anyway? Don’t they know the very plenty of choice. Waits tables for a berish, some of it questionably valid, real risks? Ah well, he’s just going to crook? Wrote a hard-back book? One some borne out of simple jealousy, but have to take his chances, old Tom boy; look and they were gone, back to the my general response to any kind of he’s a great fella, but we’ve left better bar, for another large white wine and a negative vibes on that score is to retort: men behind before. pack of dry-roasted peanuts. “You’re lucky you’ve got something to slag

16 SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Afro Cluster, giving the crowd what they came for

off; fifteen years ago we didn’t even have the exposed room, I escape to the ano- drinks, then set my shoulders and head that, bubba.” But you’ll always have nymity of the bar queue. for the exit through the meandering these dissenting voices, who seek to de- Well, yes. Five minutes later, hidden crowd. There’s still a few hundred peo- stroy something they didn’t lift a finger behind an oversized martini glass, I lurk ple milling around, jabbering at each to help build, and the best way to deal amongst the kids at the back wall and other. This is Swansea, after all. We do with them is probably just to keep do- feel relatively safe. I’ve seen this rabble not go gentle, not into this night, or ing what you’re doing, right? You can’t play before and – despite being a huge any other. We always rage, rage against please half the people all the goddamn fan of their music – am currently con- the dying of the light and the closing of time, after all. tractually prohibited from comment- the bar. Local tradition. As a jaundiced and cynical observer – ing on them in any way, save to refer to As I stroll up the hill through the now not for any particular reason or because them ‘in the abstract for unimpeachable thankfully diminishing rain, I think of any kind of acquired wisdom, just reasons of cogency, coherency or con- about the night in context of what it naturally – I’m loathe to lavish uncon- tinuity’. So unfortunately I’m unable means for the Swansea music scene that ditional praise on anyone or anything, to elaborate or describe their set, other I love so much; is this legitimacy, after basically because I believe that nothing than to say: “Loud and bouncy noises. all these years? Well, let’s look at it as is perfect and no one should consider Went down pretty well. Some bemused fac- logically as we can: did I just attend a themselves above criticism. But really es. One of the twats took his shirt off and celebratory launch night, for a locally- I’ve got nothing but positive things climbed on a table. Overran and nearly got organised arts festival, that managed to to say about The Fringe Festival; what’s hooked by an edgy soundman.” book some of the biggest acts in Wales not to like, eh? It’s varied and eclectic The gig over, I left the bar and went in the biggest room in the city, whilst and well-run and interesting; the ticket back into the main room to see Afro giving a wide range of local artists and prices are affordable and the events are Cluster – who are one hundred per- groups the chance to perform in front well thought out and manage to be self- cent legitimate superstars in waiting of a captive audience? Well, yes. That contained whilst still remaining part of – crank through their set on the big certainly did happen. That smacks of a larger and bigger idea. Yes, I think, as I stage. Amazing band; although they’re legitimacy to me. look around the room again; you really ploughing a very different field, I feel It’s amazing, really. All this razzma- are a bunch of lucky swine. confident in saying that they’ll do tazz and wonder for what’s still essen- From the bar comes the sound of King for Cardiff what Idles did for Bristol, tially a primarily locally-sourced music Goon readying themselves for their per- and – in this day and age – there’s no and arts festival, organised (if not ex- formance. I saw the band name on the higher praise. They’ve already got all ecuted) almost in its entirety by one list earlier on, and groaned. We have his- the fundamentals sorted out: songs and lovely bloke with a dream and a lap- tory. It’s a long story. A sleazy sax honks stagecraft and charisma and connec- top, who sits swilling coffee (up until from somewhere and I can hear peals of tion with the crowd; these things are in around 5pm at least; beer thereafter) hysterical laughter. Taking a deep breath, place already, all they need now is that in some bar in the uplands for three I return to the bar via the far door, and one big song or that one big chance. months of the year, trying to make sure immediately take steps to conceal my- And they’ll most probably get it. And we all have a lovely weekend to look self, firstly behind an enormously fat it will be deserved, and I expect them forward to after the summer dies and man in a rugby shirt stood at the back of and a number of our own homegrown the bees wear out, but before the clocks the room, then by stealing two discard- acts to be playing major slots in major go back and the shadows come down ed peacock feathers that I find, tucked festivals in the next few years. What a from the hills. For the love of autumn. handily behind a painting of two dogs time to be alive. I have a little dance to Strange thing, progress. What would dressed as firemen, and using them – and Afro Cluster. Can’t be helped. we do without it? a mixture of capoeira and interpretative Half an hour later, it’s all over. I spend dance – to flutter my way unseen across a short while hoovering up abandoned JACK SOUNDS

17 RECORD REVIEWS

ALBUM ALBUM ALBUM WORKING ALL THE SEASONS LASTING LIGHT TO DESIGN Dead Shed Jokers Dan Phelps Dunkie OK, let’s jump right on into the new Award-winning composer, Dan Phelps, Beginning in late 1969, with Joy of a album release All The Seasons by Aber- has been releasing music since 2010 Toy, English psychedelia pioneer Kevin dare’s own Dead Shed Jokers. The band when his debut album Reflections Ayers released a series of remarkable are a powerful and scuzzy contempo- came out. Since then he’s put out four albums ultimately spanning the early rary Prog-Rock outfit that I have the other highly acclaimed albums and Seventies. Loaded with caprice, play- pleasure to see throughout the many has worked with the Mavron Quartet, fulness and invention, Ayers’ bent for experimental soundscapes they have Ensemble Cymru, Altitude and the Gjy- musical exploration and even excess found themselves getting lost into laci Duo, to mention just a few. was redolent of a great creative power. over the years. BBC3’s Rob Cowan is a big fan and Working to Design, developed over Opening track Phantom Pains intro- it’s not hard to see why. It’s easy to two years by songwriter and multi- duces itself with a laid back feel that lose yourself in these timeless melo- instrumentalist Anthony Price, in close quickly climbs into a barrage of vo- dies as they gently take you on a jour- collaboration with Wayne Bassett, at cal attack and pounding guitar lines. ney through sound. The album was whose Robot Recordings studio in ex- Feel Some More reminds me of a 90’s recorded at the Church Of The Holy citing downtown Aberdare the album rocker along the lines of a band like Cross in Cowbridge, with Richard P was made, suggests just the same de- Reef but with a much more modern John at the piano, and it’s certainly gree of creative power. touch, it’s a song with some great riffs lent an air of calm to the recording. Given that, unlike Ayers and his and a catchy Blues-tinged vibe. Lasting Light is a moving collection contemporaries, the Dunkie duo have Then a slice of bait and switch, of compositions which have been lov- enjoyed none of the capital comforts Dreams of North Korea entices you in ingly created and performed by Dan of a period major label deal, it is all with its psych-swagger but then pum- and Richard. It’s hard to imagine a the more impressive that this album mels you with heavy guitars and pre- more beautifully put together album, sounds as though it has descended cision drumming. or as BBC Radio Wales’ Adam Walton fully formed from a time machine Title track All The Seasons is a much said: “Beautiful and expansive.” stalled in a sentient 1970 24-track, calmer break that flows smoothly into One to put on the Christmas list, or enjoying all the benefits of a lo-fi feel. Aesopica#1 which has a wider groove to get for a loved one for those cold What really lifts you, though, is its you can appreciate. winter evenings in front of the fire.MK charming naturalness and unforced Just over halfway into the album innocence. In the words of one song, and track six Feel Today is introduced Lasting Light / Ode to a Maltese Queen / this is a “dream made from memories” with a bombardment of killer guitar Dusky Blue River / Driftwood / Shimmer of a future whose time has come. Yet, licks and those QOTSA-esque riffs that / Ploughed Field Rag / Chase! one song is not the point. This is that contrast nicely with the huge dynam- rare album that, without pretension ics littered throughout the track. We SINGLE or connivance, resembles a suite. It’s slide into more experimental terri- art-pop, perhaps. Or pop-art? tory with 764 a more tame but grad- SUNDAY CLUB With its own sense of inverted ad- ual track that has a not too dissimilar Lego Man venturing but exhibiting a commer- sound to the Think Tank era of Blur. cial sense and maturity in composi- Picking up the pace, You’re A Thief tion – the melodies are sensuous and is a power-house rocker with a lot The song starts with jangling guitars, subtle – and performance that sits of doom elements, harking to the and I’m already thinking that this comfortably with some of today’s harsher sound of bands such as Black could be a good experience. As the celebrated home recording wonders, Sabbath and even Stoned Jesus. We are track unfolds, I’m not disappointed. this well-rounded, rich listening ex- then met with a whirlwind hurricane An anthemic approach to the mun- perience packs a velveteen punch. of thrash and guitar with Spanner In danity of ordinary life is a formula One thinks at once of the golden age The Works. A song which punches its that has been well exploited and well of dreamcore, a largely Japanese con- way through the wall of sound with a received in the past and this song cern of the Nineties, when pure pop whole bunch of grit and angst. should be no exception. met pure machine, conjuring songs This ten-track album ends with The sound is clean with a clarity that and soundscapes of beauty and grace. Enough Is As Good As A Feast wrapping the listener needs, to know the every- Working to Design is much more an up the entire experience. A big rock day nature of such an uplifting tune. album brought forth by intensive use song with a more tranquil and enig- It brings to mind fellow Welsh rock- of organics, luxuriating in heavily ret- matic ending. ers Feeder and Stereophonics who also ro-future atmospherics, summoning Overall a pretty damn good and in- mastered the art of the ‘soundtrack to visions of a world inhabited by power spiring new album from these valiant every day life’. pop prog rock mutants undergoing a Rock’n’Roll virtuosos. Check it out It is perhaps a little formulaic, but collective identity crisis, giving forth and lose your mind to these scintillat- that is because it’s a formula that an ambiance that is hard to describe ing sounds. MT works well and in my opinion, this is without either a vivid imagination done well, with a tempo that drives or use of hallucinogenics, or perhaps deadshedjokers.bigcartel.com the storytelling forward and catchy both. riffs that contain enough hook to get It’s rough hewed elegance and (and keep) you interested. earthy musical roots, considered Email links to music for Lego Man has stories to tell and a montage and punctuating sampling, review to: very listenable way of telling them. combine to make Working to Design I look forward to future releases with an album infectious, deep and wide. reviews@soundboard great anticipation and hope to catch Succinctly? It puts the ‘cool’ into ‘pe- magazine.co.uk them on the live circuit sometime culiar’. JG soon. SH

18 SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

ALBUM SINGLE THE BOY FROM TONY GARAGE / THE BIG HILL POPTY PING Huw Simmonds & Rob Parrett The Rusty Nutz

This album is one which is suited to Opening up with enough energy and long winter evenings, log fires, a glass power to blast a hole through the of something or a hot drink and no ozone The Rusty Nutz are back with interruptions. It needs and deserves two tracks that will surely bring punk to be listened to and not just played. rock back into fashion. Tony Garage is The journey undertaken via the about a scary individual who lives life prose and music of this album is one on the edge of society. Is he based on which many of us will know. It’s the a real individual? We’ll let you decide route up (or down) the Heads of the but we had an in-depth discussion Valleys road between the Brynmawr about possibilities in the office and roundabout and Gilwern near Aber- all came up with one name. Hey, it’s a gavenny. It’s either a long drag to the small world. top or a rapid freewheeling descent, Just less than four minutes of post- occasionally punctuated by road punk perfection, Popty Ping on the works and traffic signals. To Huw and other hand still has the edgy feel to it, Rob however its a journey through but is a much calmer affair, retaining the life and times of the area, where its menace. time is fluid not linear and the echoes Anthony Jones really has given a of history resonate. show-stopping performance on both They start at the top of the ‘Big Hill’ tracks. There are touches of madness and journey both down the valley (the condition, not the group) on and, via their mind’s eyes, relive the both tracks but this just adds to the sights and sounds of the town and near-legendary status these guys are steep sided Clydach gorge, the feature attaining in the Welsh music world. most people will recollect from their The band that mystifies crowds at own journeys along this route. their live gigs have successfully trans- Less familiar will be the characters, posed their mystique into the digital events and memories recalled or rec- world. The single is available on a lim- reated by the words and music which ited 3” disc. Now that’s Rock’n’Roll! MK have been blended together by Huw and Rob. Some are specific to the area, others maybe more generic and familiar to a wider cohort of the same generation as the authors. Push the Gambo for example will strike a chord with those whose childhoods includ- ed making soap-boxes or trollies from bits of wood and pram wheels, an art in itself and one which would give ‘Health and Safety’ kittens these days. The tracks offer a blend of instru- mentals including the opening track View from the Big Hill, prose read over music, and full blown songs. Each one adding to a unique soundscape such as The Old High Street which will chime with many people who re- member how the shops and features of their own town or village have changed over the years, with names which are long gone. A thoroughly enjoyable album. AB

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ALBUM the Hafod. The Losers Hall of Fame is lyr- ALBUM ically fantastic, with great guitar work 35 YEARS ON by Peter Evans. Peter Bruntnell would be MOGIC WOODFIELD proud to write this. Hen Ogledd A Confessional sounds a bit like Chris STREET Isaak but better, if not as commercial. The Grief Brothers This leads onto A Small Town Gone to With its luscious freeform opener Hell. A bit of electronica almost bursts Love Time Feel, this album eases into through on this one, great lyrics but the a soundscape of a dream-like experi- With an obligatory glass of wine, I’m similarity of the melody to a couple of ence. Seamlessly we slide into Sky listening to the new album by The Grief the other tracks tends to detract from it, Burial, a track melodically floating Brothers entitled 35 Years on Woodfield which is a shame. and weaving reminiscently into Saint Street. I’ve been told it’s Americana but Scurvy Dogs of Llansawel has the es- Etienne, with an added Jah Wobble- with a specific Swansea bias, as all the teemed Jon Langford of The Mekons on esque channelled (saturated and songs are written about Swansea and vocals and has a sea shanty French compressed) bassline. life within its environs. There are four- café Pogues-esque feel. Nice. Still Wait- Somehow Mogic, already a treat to teen tracks, so here we go, pop pickers. ing for True Loves Kiss will please every- the ears, slips (seamlessly) a gear into A Lost Weekend in Bingoland has the one, something for all the family here. Problem Child, switching male and fe- best bittersweet reminiscences of Lloyd The Emperor of Nowhere is my favourite, male lead vocals back and forth, the Cole and the Commotions. An eight page a beautiful sad and plaintive tale told track riding a Flock of Seagulls, Tear- insert in the digipak provides all the lyr- with empathy and love. “A concrete shit drop Explodes groove that’s impossible ics which is a nice touch as the entire dumped any shape in the slub and freez- not to adore. Kudos here to the (Rich- album is lyrically driven. Outdoor Life is ing rain” is alone, worth the entry fee. ard Dawson) falsettos within, hinting Max Boyce on steroids. Marion Jones has The Ynsymeudwy Boys bring up the rear at Topper or Super Furry Animals. a lovely structure and melodic charm, with its Everly Brothers warm happy sad- Three tracks in, I’m beautifully clue- even if the call and response elements ness. A great deal of love and skill has less. It’s diverse, eclectic and random. could have been dreamier. gone into the creation of this album. Completely. To its strength Mogic lies in Bethany Lane is a nice sad nondescript An overused and underrated word is its continual movement, with minimal track which leads to From the Cardiff ‘lovely’, this album is the definition production complexity, switching styles Arms to the Kings. Swansea folks will rec- of it. Even Billy the Bastard is delivered to its benefit, never settling for compla- ognise these two landmarks, and with with a certain care and tenderness. cency. its Bacharach feel is a great tune. Billy If you like Americana and Swansea, The album weaves beautifully the Bastard, Mark Francois reimagined or buy it. It’s available on Country Mile through synth loveliness, texturing just as he is but with more charm. Records and all online outlets. HR electronic ambience, folk charm and With Low Voltage and Meat, you will therapeutic meditation. not be able to guess the subject matter www.countrymile.org/Releases/Grief_ My personal favourite is Tiny Witch from the title, great track. Nick Cave via Brothers/grief_brothers1.html Hunter, a jazzy driven track with further meandering bass, including a vocal (electronically pitched up throughout) with an uncomfortably comfortable melodic earworm of per- fection. The track includes a fractured RECORD MURAL ON OXFORD STREET saxophone solo that could be the sis- Anyone walking down Swansea’s Ox- years ago, when the building was get- ter to Bowie’s Blackstar sax output. Ut- ford Street cannot fail to catch sight ting a fresh lick of paint, but it took the terly beautiful, utter madness. of the giant mural on the side of Der- next decade to come up with a design Now looking back I wonder how a rick’s Music shop. It features a selection that fit his vision. single band have graciously moved of iconic album sleeves that reflect the Ten years of drafts and re-drafts, so effortlessly through a single body City’s musical tastes and celebrates working with Swansea BID’s Russell and given me chills of The Orb (Gwae Welsh heritage all at the same time. Greenslade and designers, Fresh Murals, Reged o Heddiw), The Vaselines (First Derrick’s owner, Chris Stylianou, first passed before what you see was agreed. Date), L7 (Welcome to Hell) and The had the idea more than ten Hundreds of album sleeve sugges- Human League (Etheldreda) yet con- tions made by fans, customers and sistently remained coherently in sync musicians came in by word of throughout. Nothing alien or dis- mouth, email, phone jointed, a testament to Hen Ogledd’s call, text and even ‘mosic’. letters. All were con- Have you ever witnessed sound sidered and whittled waves converting into David Lynch down to a mere twen- visuals, dry humping Kubrick’s 2001: ty before the final de- A Space Odyssey and producing a cision was made. dreamscape egg of absolute wonder I think you’ll agree and delight? No? Then please listen that it’s a fitting to Mogic, it’s a trip. AP tribute to cel- ebrate 50 years www.henogledd.com of Swansea being declared a City Email links to music for review to: and gives a nod [email protected] to our rich musical past, but can you We make every effort to include as name all of the much as we can, but we do have lim- ited space and cannot guarantee that covers that made your submission will be reviewed. the cut? MK LIVE REVIEWS SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 KEYS Crowley’s 5th October 2019 LAST MONTH, THE SWANSEA FRINGE Swansea band Windshake FESTIVAL DESCENDED UPON OUR also played a powerful set of scream- GLORIOUS UNLOVELY TOWN AND ing, noisy punk rock, including songs band. Their other GRACED OUR BARS AND VENUES from their latest self-titled EP, just be- drummer is Gavin, who WITH A KALEIDOSCOPE OF ORIGI- fore Keys took to the stage. also plays with Rainbow Maniac. The NAL MUSIC THAT BROUGHT NEW Keys have been going for years and two drumkits blazing away in unison LIFE TO THE PLACE. are a well-kept secret of Welsh rock is a thing to behold, every fill played I was too busy myself to see much music; their sound is grungy, hook- perfectly in unison and giving the mu- of what was going on (playing six gigs filled and raw, tapped into a pure vein sic a rubber-band tight swagger. in four days keeps you on your toes) of rock music that goes back to The Frontman Matt Evans was in the in- but one of the few sets I did manage to Beatles’ White Album, John Lennon’s die rock band Murry the Hump in the see happened to be a transcendent dis- Plastic Ono Band, The Stooges and The late 90s. He cuts an enigmatic figure; play of rock‘n’roll and one of the most Modern Lovers. the laconic delivery of his stripped- striking nights of live music I’ve seen Part of their power comes from the back lyrics seems to cut through all this year; an unholy racket that seemed rhythmic onslaught provided by their the bollocks we’re surrounded with to levitate the roof of Crowley’s, a tiny, two drummers. One of them, Davey on a daily basis, head cocked slightly beautifully dingy room that was packed Newington, is also the lead singer and under a baseball cap as if sharing a sly like a tin of music-loving sardines. It was songwriter of Boy Azooga, (who have re- joke with the people lucky enough to the climax of a long day of music in the cently supported Bob Dylan, Neil Young, be sharing the moment. At one point venue, including some fantastic per- and Noel Gallagher). Just before their he drawls into the microphone while formances from Que Asco and Papur Wal. set, he tells me they’re his favourite lying flat on his back across the stage, threadbare dap tapping out the beat on the beer-stained wall. The simplicity of the songs is spell- binding; it’s hard to imagine rock music being much more stripped back than this, and yet nothing’s missing either. ONLY RAINYDAY It’s not the easiest art form, but Keys manage to create it in their own image. Each member plays attentively with his bandmates in a balanced display of mu- sicianship that comes from their eclec- RAINBOW tic musical experiences and histories. It’s a swampy, muscular, riffy sound 14th November 2019 that bounces violently off the walls of The Bunkhouse the venue, rattling the pint glasses; a FIRSTLY SOME VERY IMPORTANT sometimes funny, always original, swirling, seedy, fuzzy mess turned up NEWS: THE BUNKHOUSE NOW HAS heartbreakingly honest madness. Its exactly as loud as it should be. The EXTREMELY EFFICIENT COFFEE, raw and it’s brilliant. audience responds enthusiastically, a WHICH IS AWESOME NEWS FOR Playing a tiny pink guitar like some grooving mass of bodies. I’m not famil- THOSE OF US WHO CHOOSE TO BE kind of madman wrestling an unruly iar with the songs, but it doesn’t mat- RELENTLESSLY SOBER. crocodile he switches between classic ter; fragments of lyrics emerge from the Well, it turns out that Mr Edward blues and filthy electric noise with- chaos: “hey kids, rock‘n’roll, they’ll never Hancock is, indeed, a wizard. We’ve out missing a beat. His technical skill kill what they don’t know”; “took you all seen him wandering around the on the guitar is striking but it’s the down around this old town, I made a deal Swansea music scene in his marvel- (frankly bizarre) melodies carried by and tried to keep it real, I made a sound, lous, magical, colourful outfits with a his unexpectedly impressive vocal a higher number on the aperture, we look “My dude!” for everyone, but did you range that make the music some- alright in black and white”; “I wanna take know that he is also an exceptionally thing truly special. you to a higher plane” sing the band, and talented artist in his own right? According to the bio of the Rainy- on a dark, damp September Swansea I did not. Now I do. And you do day Rainbow Man the music is: “Both night they manage to do exactly that too. Sadly he only played a short mellow and intense at times.” This is for an appreciative, sweaty crowd. set this time but I am so very glad I a ridiculously lacking description of Their new album Bring Me The Head caught it. I came out of there feeling one of the most interesting creatures of Jerry Garcia will be released on No- like I’d discovered some strange exot- I’ve ever seen perform. vember 22nd on Libertino Records, and ic species that I immediately wanted I did some research and discovered they’ll be playing a release gig in The to tell the world about. that the Rainyday Rainbow Man is a Gate in Cardiff on December 19th. Ever seen Truly Kaput? Ed is about kind of glam rock wizard character They’ve recently released two music as difficult to sum up as that. created by Ed for reasons unknown. videos: Black and White and Bad Penny. It’s madness. There is no doubt. I intend to study its habits. I rec- They’re a band for a rainy day, and they But it’s beautiful, sometimes sad, ommend you do the same. TR only want you for your rock’n’roll. TE

21 ROB NELMES’ NIGE

AWESOME DAY YES- frustrated” was a game TERDAY. I WAS JUST winner when given (not FINISHING SORTING SPANNERVERSARY literally) Charlie Chap- OUT MY CUTLERY lin, but Nige stole the DRAWER (6 KNIVES (BUTTER) 9 FORKS, 29 BIG SPOONS(!?), 3 LIT- accolades when he said “Blinking Blinking” when I gave him (not lit- TLE SPOONS, PLUS AN ASSORTMENT OF OTHER ‘THINGS’) WHEN erally) Anne Robinson (technically she winks, but you cant deny a gen- THERE WAS A FAMILIAR KNOCK ON MY DOOR. ius answer like Nige gave. Here are some other ‘Blinking’ emotions I knew instantly it was Nigel (Nige to his friends) because he always that were uttered: “Blinking Brainy” – Carol Vorderman; “Blinking Bril- knocks twice, leaves a gap then six more knocks, leaves another gap, liant” – Gary Lineker; “Blinking don’t know him” – Matt Hayes; “Blinking then finishes it with a crescendo of tiny knocks with his fingers. Bonkers” – Lenny Henry; “Blinking will you marry me, please” – Alex Jones I raced to the door. Nige was standing there, holding eight (Nige, obv. (Obviously)). cans of Guinness. I was quite taken aback. Thursday night is usu- There were other guesses but I cant remember them. My memory ally ‘lads night in’ but here was Nige on a Wednesday, in all his is not as great as Nige’s. Nige can remember every school trip we ever splendour (jeans and brown jumper) standing before me, smiling. went on. After that we just sat and drank and conversed like gentlemen. “Happy Spannerversary” Nige said, triumphantly. Obviously I was Here is what we conversed about: Gary Lineker, Mrs Brown’s Boys, Pan- totally confused “Er…what?” I said, flumuxedly. “It’s three years cake Day, Gary Lineker and Pancakes, Opera, The first Amendment, today that we bought this set of spanners...” (he holds up a set of six The second Amendment, Batter, Otters, Craig David, The Last of The familiar looking spanners) “...from Wilkinson to fix Aunty Barbara’s Summer Wine, Peace on earth, Friction, Blood , Gary Lineker’s blood. back gate. Don’t you remember?” said Nige. “Of course I remember After conversing, we headed for the chippy. On the way Nige added fixing the gate. It was a raining and you had lost your voice, but I don’t a new top entry to the biggest crane we have seen in Swansea. He said remember the specific date” I said, still a little perplexed. “Well I do” he saw it down by the new University buildings on Fabian way. He de- said Nige “because these spanners have a five year guarantee and I scribed it as (excuse my French (naughty English)): “Bloody Massive”. wrote the date I bought them on the side. Look”. And sure enough, He said it beat the previous record, held by a crane in Sketty, by a good there was the date. And so, an “impromptu lads night in” took place. ten feet. We play this game on a trust basis. I trust Nige with my life. And boy, what a night! We got to the chippy. Nige ordered a Cornish pasty and chips and a Firstly we watched The One Show. Amazeballs (amazing). It doesn’t can of Vimto. I ordered a Cornish pasty and chips and a can of Vimto. matter how much you watch it, it never gets boring. Mainly because We collected our food and ate it on the bench outside in the crisp it’s a live topical magazine show. Also because of the excellent pre- November air. “It’s cold tonight” said nige. “Yes” I responded, knowl- senters and superb lighting. edgeably. We then had a long chat about The One Show. Honestly, After The One Show the drinking commenced. We both opened a the amount of after show entertainment that show gives is beyond can of Guinness (each) at exactly the same time. We laughed at this. compare. A bit like “Strictly” (come dancing). I don’t know why we find things like that funny. I suppose that’s We finished our feast, high-fived and just the way we are. I know it’s a Wednesday and we both have work walked off. Then, from a distance I heard: tomorrow, but sometimes nige can be quite the maverick. I remember “Happy Spannerversary, Rob”. I shouted once, nige caught the train to Neath and had breakfast in its Weather- back: “Happy Spannerversary, Nige, you nut- spoon, “just because I could”. His words, not mine. ter!” When I got to bed that evening and Whilst on the ‘booze-athon’ we played a game of ‘Blinking Wars’. counted my lucky stars (not literally), I Now, if you are thinking that this game consists us staring into each realised that Spannervessary could well be- other’s eyes and seeing which one blinks the most, well, I have some come a yearly event. news for you. That news is you would be wrong. Our ‘Blinking Wars’ That would just be like me and Nige. is a simple game. We both take it in turn to name a famous celebrity, Just like that bloody massive (pardon my In memory of then we have to think of an appropriate word to go with ‘blinking’ French (not literally)) crane, he lifts me to to convey an accurate emotion. It’s quite easy. I thought my “Blinking dizzy new heights. RN SONNY

OH PEDRO Tansy Rees

22 SWANSEA UNIVERSITY LIVE MUSIC SOCIETY SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 THE YEAR SO FAR Matt Richards

ON MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER, place at the newly spruced-up Student endar was the Performing Arts Societies’ WITH SLEEP IN MY EYES AND Union bar, JC’s. The numbers at this Showcase that took place on Thursday, SLIGHTLY SWEET-SMELLING NOTES event were unprecedented within the 7th November. This was a joint-ven- OF BEER SEEMING TO EMANATE context of my time at university, with ture between the Live Music, Shoreline, FROM ME, I HEADED TO BAY CAM- new members (and potential mem- Choral, Show Choir and Dance socie- PUS FOR THE FRESHERS’ FAYRE. bers) seemingly taking up a quarter of ties whereby some of the talent from CLEARLY, I HAD GOT SLIGHTLY this very busy bar. Much to the com- each society could be shown-off to CARRIED AWAY THE NIGHT BEFORE. mittee’s delight, the ‘meet and greet’ the public and each other. The show- Luckily however, a quick wash ex- became a melting pot of different tal- case proved to be a superb night with pelled these issues and by the time I ent and backgrounds with pianists, a wonderful turnout raising funds for had finished setting up the stall I was guitar players, drummers, singers and The Stroke Association. looking and feeling like a human be- all the rest. The PA Showcase produced a pleth- ing once more. The goal for the day In response to this turnout, the com- ora of different acts, from an electri- was to sift through the freshers and mittee decided to organise a return of fying dance routine to Britney Spears’ identify the musicians and music fans our Build a Band social from the previ- Toxic from the Dance Society to a beau- alike to rouse their interest in the Live ous year. In this social, members intro- tiful rendition of May it Be from the Music Society. duced themselves to the group and dis- Lord of the Rings soundtrack by the Around an hour into the fayre, Choral Society. Of course, the proud- things were going well. I had already est moments for the Live Music Society filled a page with signatures of inter- “The lyrics flowed however were to see our members take ested students and the LMS secretary, to the stage. This included a show- Jamie Pringle, had arrived to help me alongside melodies stopping performance from Steffan out. At first, he seemed to look the Lloyd with his classically strong yet way that I had been feeling when I that every empathetic Welsh singing-voice and had woken up. Thankfully, he too songwriter would acoustic guitar, a surprise appearance managed to gain life anew after a from LMS’ Alex Love who performed wash and something to eat. Follow- wish they had a captivating monologue from Henry ing his spring back to life he promptly V as part of the Shoreline Society and a joined the recruiting effort alongside written...leaving performance of original music by Na- myself and Rory Clark (former LMS talie O’shea that I can only describe as President) who had arrived shortly the audience truly awe-inspiring. after him. Evidently, Rory had had a Singing and playing keyboard, Na- much more sensible night than the captivated.” talie opened with a heartfelt rendi- rest of us. tion of Natural Woman before going By the end of the day, we had more cussed the instruments that they play on to play two of her own songs. As I than three pages-worth of signatures and the music they love. Following told her on the night: to say that I’m and email addresses from fellow musi- the introductions, members were en- impressed with her song-writing is cians and music lovers who were in- couraged to talk amongst themselves too much of an understatement. The terested in the society. The following in the hope of finding musicians with honest, open and poetic nature of the Wednesday, we did it all over again similar ideas Finally, when a group of lyrics flowed alongside melodies that on Singleton Campus with a far bet- musicians decided they were ready, a every songwriter would wish they had ter night’s sleep than the before. After committee member would lead them written, lighting up the room and a somewhat shaky start for all of the to one of the rehearsal rooms we had leaving the audience captivated. societies due to some slight organisa- booked for them so that they could As a whole, the year so far has been tional blunders from the Union, the jam together. very promising for the LMS. With a day went fantastically. With the same Build a Band proved to be a resound- Winter Showcase in the works for De- team as before and the addition of ing success, with the entire commit- cember 8th at The Bunkhouse and a LMS Treasurer, Matt Kivi, we achieved tee being totally bowled over by the seemingly endless pool of talent to a similar number of signatures as the talent on display from new members. choose from, it would appear that the Monday before, speaking with pas- It was particularly uplifting to hear following semester should be even sionate music fans from as near as from two separate bands a few weeks bigger. Here’s hoping that the society Caerphilly and as far as Italy, Japan later that they are still practicing to- continues to move in the right direc- and the USA. gether at local rehearsal spaces Sound tion, discovering talent within Swan- In the week following the Freshers’ Haven and Abertawe Studios. sea students and providing a stage for Fayres, an LMS ‘meet and greet’ took The next big event in the LMS cal- it to be realised. MR

23 GIG GUIDE : DECEMBER & JANUARY

DECEMBER SATURDAY DECEMBER 7TH Baggy Trousers (Madness Anarchy:emo, alternative, THURSDAY JANUARY 23RD Rusty Nutz tribute) Christmas Party rock and metal club night Paisley Park + support monday DECEMBER 2ND Crowleys, Swansea The Bunkhouse, Swansea Hangar 18, Swansea The Bunkhouse, Swansea Black Tongue Ultimate Leppard A heavy night FRIDAY DECEMBER 27TH SATURDAY JANUARY 25TH Sin City, Swansea Hangar 18, Swansea Crowleys, Swansea Celtic Pride Motorheadache WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4TH Candy Mountain Synlakross + support Christmas Rock Show Sin City, Swansea The stray pursuit + Algal Bloom The Duke, Neath Hangar 18, Swansea TUESDAY JANUARY 28TH and Luka State Creature Sound, Swansea Mickey’s 9th Christmas Jam TUESDAY DECEMBER 31ST Raging Speedhorn/ Sin City, Swansea Beans On Toast The Garage, Swansea Heft X Tundra: Desert Stoem and more Tantric & support album tour + Ten Sheds THURSDAY DECEMBER 19TH NYE free rave The Bunkhouse, Swansea The Bunkhouse, Swansea The Garage, Swansea String Theory/Vain/ The Bunkhouse, Swansea This guide is correct at the The Hopkins-Hammond Trio THURSDAY DECEMBER 12TH The Dirty Flamingos/ time of going to press. But you The Garage, Swansea E11ven Night School JANUARY all know that you should check THURSDAY DECEMBER 5TH + These Thrilling Lies The Bunkhouse, Swansea with the venue or performer Dominic Nation & The The Bunkhouse, Swansea FRIDAY DECEMBER 20TH SUNDAY JANUARY 12TH before travelling, right? Have a great night! Dirty Dead + Vanity Kills FRIDAY DECEMBER 13TH Death Monkey Records The Bottom Line + guests The Bunkhouse, Swansea Rebellious Jukebox Showcase The Bunkhouse, Swansea Songwriter’s Circle Creature Sound, Swansea Hangar 18, Swansea MONDAY JANUARY 13TH The Hyst, Swansea Bind Us As One SATURDAY DECEMBER 21ST Nekrogoblikon FRIDAY DECEMBER 6TH Hangar 18, Swansea Siknot UK Sin City, Swansea Bassline presents: SATURDAY DECEMBER 14TH The Bunkhouse, Swansea SATURDAY JANUARY 18TH Hybrid Minds Dazed presents: Sub Zero Cloud presents: Sizey’s The Marley Experience Send dates to: Sin City, Swansea & Mr Traumatik Birthday Vs Acid Monster The Bunkhouse, Swansea editor@ Think 182 Sin City, Swansea launch party soundboardmagazine.co.uk Hangar 18, Swansea Creature Sound, Swansea

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24 SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

SO WHILE I DON’T LIKE TO GOSSIP, I’M NOT TOO FOND OF HEARSAY AND I’M UNDOUBTEDLY NOT A FAN OF HE- SAID-SHE-SAID... PULL UP A PEW (MOVES IN SLIGHTLY CLOSER)...YOU’LL NEVER GUESS WHAT?! After the successful 50 YEARS OF MUSIC exhibition at SWAN- SEA MUSEUM rumours are circulating that SWANSEA CITY COUNCIL are now looking for a permanent home for the city’s rich music heritage. PALACE THEATRE anyone? LOST FROM THE SCENE... Fresh from her European tour, ELERI ANGHARAD immediately announced her second tour taking in a variety of different coun- tries across the continent. Let’s hope Brexit doesn’t leave her Andrew ‘AJ’ stranded in some hot, sunny country with beer and ice cream for too long. James Emlyn Davies WELSH CONNECTIONS have been invited to submit their vast 24/06/1980 – 09/09/19 collection of interviews with Welsh musicians to the NATIONAL SOUND ARCHIVE at THE NATIONAL LIBRARY in Aberystwyth WELL KNOWN TO MANY IN THE which means you’ll all be able to access the seven year archive SWANSEA LOCAL MUSIC SCENE, featuring the likes of PHIL RYAN, DEKE LEONARD, ANTHONY WE MOURN THE PASSING OF STONE, BRIAN BREEZE, WILL YOUATT, KOSHEEN’s SIAN EVANS ANDREW ‘AJ’ DAVIES. HAVING and many more. BRAVELY BORNE THE BURDEN CHRIS STRINGER & THE ROCKETEERS return to the scene with OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES FOR a new album called Sinking Ships. Seven fantastic tracks released MANY YEARS, HE SADLY LEFT on CROTALUS RECORDS which have been making waves (see US THIS SEPTEMBER. what we did there?) with music fans around the world. AJ was held in huge regard for SIAN RICHARD released her new single, Evil Eyes, to wide criti- his music, art and photography cal acclaim. Recorded at SONIC ONE with TIM HAMILL, it’s been skills and was an instantly recog- wowing radio listeners throughout Wales. nisable character DJ-ing at Face-Off for many moons. Resplend- REVOLUTION RABBIT DELUXE return with their second album ent in the obligatory beany hat, he enjoyed seeing the revellers Swipe Left which builds on their debut released in 2018, and THE eat out of the palm of his hand as he dropped tune after tune. GRIEF BROTHERS have gone for a second pressing of their Sound- During his gigging years, AJ was the formidable guitarist be- Board Award nominated album 35 Years On Woodfield Street. hind the roaring riffs, screaming solos and no-surrender stage Another great album to check out is The Boy From The Big Hill presence for local bands Bean(0), At Gunpoint Disco, OKKO, Ar- by HUW SIMMONDS AND ROB PARRETT (see our review on chitects of Victory and Dryweave. He was always looking to break page 19). new musical boundaries, always happy to learn and to share his musical knowledge. He is sorely missed by his many former bandmates who all remained loyal friends with him; his well- Do you have some Hot Gossip? Have you Heard it on the Grapevine? attended funeral spoke volumes about the measure of the man Do you know any Rumours? Email us in confidence: and the many lives he touched. [email protected] AJ had truly astonishing natural ability and technical skills with six (or even seven) strings and he always played with warmth and passion. He was humble to a fault, often not rec- ognising his own immeasurable talent, but beyond that he was and will forever be our brother and a wonderful friend. A truly exceptional guitarist, a well-loved man, DJ extraordi- ADVERTISE YOUR naire and Swansea legend, AJ will be missed by all who knew him. Andrew is survived by his family and fiancé who are feel- music / gig / shop / venue ing his loss deeply, alongside a huge group of friends from his many productive years in and around the Swansea music scene. The big guy with the biggest heart; the Swansea music scene is advertising@ diminished without him in it. SA soundboardmagazine.co.uk

25 THE CELLAR BAR.CARDIGAN satURDAY.FEBruary.22Nd.2020 DR. SARDONICUS’S MIDWINTER NIGHT’S DREAM PSYCHEDELIC ...and if you FESTIVAL#3 want to know what that's Sendelica all about, why not come to this fantastic FREE The Mahatmas TASTER PARTY with Sonic Trip Project PARADISE 9 & BROKEN Omnichron LINES Find out about this + Special Guest fantastic and exciting Elfin Bow genre of rock music... FRIday FEB 21st tickets £15 advance sendelica.bandcamp.com FREE ENTRY THE SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE AWARDS 2019 SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

Joe Hoppe in Issue#5 right, and below (second from left), now drumming with Kikker.

THE 2019

Magazine Awards Helen Banham PHOTOGRAPHY:

Willkommen, Bienvenue and Croeso to the SoundBoard Awards 2019

YOU WILL BE AWARE – IF YOU’VE BEEN FOLLOWING the offers on at the bar, Flipsy’s smoking hot dress, the excited ONLINE – OF HOW THE NIGHT PROCEEDED IN TERMS cheers for the winners being announced, the shouts of sup- OF CATEGORIES, NOMINATING AND JUDGING (BY OUR port, the brays from different nominated camps, the smiles INDEPENDENT PANEL). and poses for the cameras, the incidental music while the win- For the benefit of those who were not in attendance, the ners took to the stage in disbelief, or the all round good cheer night itself was spectacular in appearance (thank you The Na- (at one point I had to sit back and say out loud: “this is like a tional Waterfront Museum); had an itinerary as slick as a whis- real awards ceremony”). tle (thank you Michael Kennedy and so too our lovely compere But something else was brewing: the looks of disappoint- Paul James); and sounded euphoric with the musical accom- ment, the quiet discussions behind hands, the not so quiet paniment of the brilliant Fiddlesticks adding some class. And discussion definitely not behind hands, the head-in-hands de- of course then our live acts for the evening Steve Balsamo, The spair, the startling cries of “Who?!”, “What The Fuck?!” and “It Stray Pursuit and Karl Morgan were awesome. should have been [so and so]” (FYI, we might agree); and at one There were a huge array of attendees from far and wide; from point an eye witness saw a chair being kicked over. Hardly a Swansea’s music scene then-and-now and everywhere in-be- Jarvis-Cocker-at-the-Brits level protest, but hey… we still love tween, so many faces to recognise, friends young and old, plus you Pastel. a few folk just turning up wondering what was going on so late Told you. Electric! And the sparks kept flying (which means in the museum. we’re getting something right, doesn’t it?) Nobody needs to tell a musician’s ego twice to come along to So in true SoundBoard style we will listen, inform, entertain an awards ceremony, especially if they’ve been nominated for and also aim for better as long as we all shall live (I think I just something, and there’s booze, so we were full to the brim and made up a motto). Cue The Beatles’ Come together. the atmosphere was electric. So, on to the easy bit now: go on then you Instagram genera- The night got under way, the heat turned up a notch and tion, feast your eyes on our gallery on the next two pages, I’m then up a notch again. Maybe it was something to do with sure you’ll agree, one way or another, it was a helluva night. SB

27 THE SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE AWARDS 2019

THE 2019

Magazine Awards

“Nobody needs to tell a musician’s ego twice to come along to an awards ceremony, especially if they’ve been nominated for something, and there’s booze” – SBM Helen Banham PHOTOGRAPHY:

28 SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

THE WINNERS

BEST ORIGINAL LIVE MUSIC VENUE Sin City

BEST LIVE ACT Who’s Molly?

BEST SINGLE Who’s Molly? Until I Found You

BEST NEW ACT The Stray Pursuit

BEST SOLO/DUO Hawthorn Avenue

BEST BAND Who’s Molly?

BEST ALBUM Craze The Jack Kaleidoscope

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Brian Breeze

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

Aries Libra Capricorn The un-banged cracker The lost Easter egg The wobbly bit inside a bell Christmas will be superb. For other You think Hark the Herald Angels Sing You have decked the halls with people. Yours will be shit. You will is a nice song but it has no signifi- boughs of holly. Your family are fall into a bush. cance with the yoof of today. You try covered in bloody scratches. why did Your lucky film about a boy who has been jazzing it up a bit by singing “Play- you do this? You unfeeling turd. FFS. left home alone is ‘Home Alone’. station the Samsung minions sing” Your lucky Jesus gift was mur merr mhur but everyone just looks at you funny. Fucking gold. Your lucky bit of Scrooge’s life was when Taurus he was young, carefree and in love. The turkey skeleton You soppy fucker. Aquarius Over the Christmas holiday, you are The after Christmas dinner log filled with an urge to passionately You will spend most of Christmas kiss someone old. Like really old. saying “Ho! Ho! Ho!” a lot. It seems Like close to death. What the fuck is to have largely coincided with your wrong with you? Get a grip. recent cocaine habit. I hate your Your lucky bells are jingle. ironic Christmas jumper. Burn it. Your lucky Christmas crime is arson. Gemini The Champagne cork Pisces This Christmas you will get exactly The Michael Baublé what you asked for. Unfortunately, All wrapped up, cosy and warm in a you asked for a migraine and to stub woollen shawl. You suddenly devel- your toe (big). op a real terror for carrots. If you see Your lucky quality is street. one you start screaming and sobbing. It takes you hours to calm down. Then you see another carrot, carrots Cancer are a high visibility vegetable at this The floppy fortune telling fish time of year. You will ruin Christmas (fake news) for everyone you know. You know that bit of that Slade song, Your lucky apron is covered in gravy and at the end, where noddy shouts “IT’S turkey juice and CARROTS. CHRISTMAS”? That’s annoying, isn’t it? Your lucky reindeer isn’t Rudolf, it’s one of the other ones. Shirley? Scorpio There you go, The dregs the spirits have spoken Leo Sorry to say this but this Christmas The grumpy postman you choke to death on a parsnip. Fuck all for you. Go away. Fuck off. Your lucky bit of Christmas dinner is starter. oooooooooooooooh! Christmas twat. Your lucky mistle is toe. So, not all bad news. Sagittarius The ungrateful git Virgo You will have an awesome Christ- SUBSCRIBE! Cliff Richard’s neck mas. Everything goes perfectly. For just £18 / year You used to be good at wrapping There isn’t one mishap. It couldn’t gifts but for some unknown reason, run more smoothly and if you are this year you are really shit. Don’t waiting for me to spoil it by writing SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE buy me a present, you can’t wrap a something bad will happen at the delivered direct to your letterbox present. Go away. end, you will be wrong. contact: [email protected] Your lucky father is Christmas. Your lucky berry is cran.

30 THE LOAD-OUT SOUNDBOARD • DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 BOYS WILL BE BOYS JOHN DAVID IS ONE OF WALES’ MOST SUCCESSFUL SONGWRITERS, PENNING HITS FOR ROBERT PALMER, STATUS QUO, CLIFF RICHARD, PHIL EVERLY, SHAKIN’ STEVENS AND MANY MORE. HERE JOHN TELLS MIKE KENNEDY OF HIS FIRST MEETING WITH THE DAMNED’S RAT SCABIES, AT THE LEGENDARY ROCKFIELD STUDIOS.

JOHN STARTED HIS MUSI- and were punching him too before they CAL CAREER IN HIS DAD’S finally got him out and...the album did DANCE BAND BEFORE TAK- ok. I should have sued the bugger but I ING UP BASS WITH LOVE didn’t, I was always too busy. SCULPTURE, LED BY DAVE Six months later, Dave (Edmunds) rings EDMUNDS. IN THE 1970’S me up to say he wanted to go back on HE TEAMED UP WITH tour and was I free. I jumped at the RAY MARTINEZ AND DAVE chance as I’d been recording for such CHARLES TO FORM AIR- a long time. So off we set to Nomis Stu- WAVES WHO GOT SIGNED dios to rehearse, and blow me down but TO A&M RECORDS FOR who’s in the next studio? The Damned. $1.25M DOLLARS. So around lunchtime everyone goes to “We were at Rockfield Stu- the pub around the corner. There’s Girls- dios recording a band called chool, The Damned and us lot from The The Barracudas, who were a Dave Edmunds Band. Rat Scabies comes punk-surf group, and so much fun, they really were. The up to me and says: “Ay, you were on that singer was on another planet, he was very studious and Sabre Dance weren’t ya?” So I said: “Yeah obviously well read. Jeremy Gluck his name was and the that’s right I was”. “Fucking brilliant that moment he hit the stage, or the studio for that matter, he was mate, fucking brilliant. I don’t know was like an octopus, waving his arms around and jumping how you did that.” all around the place. He was very hard to record because He went on and on and we struck up a conversation he was never in the same place twice. and I thought well, he’s not that bad, he didn’t remember I remember we were mixing late at night and as always me. I thought my face would have been imprinted on his we were right down to the wire as far as the budget went. knuckles but he didn’t have a shred of recognition and We never went over but we got as close to it as we could. I’ve not seen him again to this day.” The last night of recording, 3am, we’re still mixing and The Damned turn up because they were recording the next day. While we were in the studio, Rat Scabies had filled this wheelbarrow with horse manure from the stables and smashed it through the French doors of the lounge where ROB’S CHARITY CALENDAR all the girlfriends of The Barracudas were sitting. There was glass and bits of wood everywhere and all the girls were screaming covered with this steaming horse manure which had covered the carpet, the coffee tables, it was everywhere. 2020 COASTER I’d heard the screams and was walking towards the lounge through the games room, along the corridor, when Rat Scabies comes walking towards me with a fire extin- ARRANGEMENTS guisher in his hands and he’s banging it against the walls I got into coaster arranging as he’s coming towards me. I carried on walking towards him and as he got nearer I grabbed the fire extinguisher off a couple of years ago, and him and said: “What the fuck are you doing?” He grabbed I love it (who wouldn’t, it straight back off me and squirted it in my face [laughs] probably Noel Edmunds? and it was carbon dioxide and it froze my face. I couldn’t talk [laughing], I couldn’t say anything, so I went back in I produce a calendar at the the control room and the band have all got their hands end of the year featuring up against the door to stop him coming in because he’s – some highlights of the coaster bang!bang!bang! –trying to get at us, and then he just went. arranging year. So I thought I’ll call Kingsley (Ward, one of the brothers I sell them for £10 that owns Rockfield) but there was no answer, so I tried and after printing and postal Charles, his brother. When he picked up I told him what costs I am left with £5 which I had happened and he said: “Oh well, boys will be boys” and give to charridy. put the phone down. I thought, well that’s all the help we’re going to get. I don’t like to talk too much about all the amazing work I do for charridy. We were just finishing off the last track. I was pull- ing down the master fader, the door burst open and it’s TO ORDER A CALENDAR: him again. He looked at me and said: “‘Ere Mr Producer Please send £10 to [email protected] via PayPal, you couldn’t produce a rabbit out of a fucking hat.” So I said: include your address in the ‘add notes’ box (it’s not “Yeah, yeah I’m sure you’re right” and I continued to pull Hogwarts here. Jeez). If you don’t use PayPal please the fader down. As I looked around to make sure he’d send me an email. If this ad baffles you: gone he whacked me in the side of the face and I went right over the mixer just as Captain Sensible arrived. He tried to pull Rat Scabies off me, the band had joined in Search Facebook for: “TODAY’S COASTER ARRANGEMENT”