SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE • ISSUE 5

INSIDE... EDITORIAL...... 3 ADVERTISING FEATURE – PSICON MUSIC . . . . . 5 RISING STARS – LAUREN REED...... 5 The Rise and Rise of the THE RISE AND RISE OF THE SMALL FESTIVAL. . 7 CLASSIC WELSH ALBUM – ANDY COLLINS. . . . 10 QUICK INTERVIEW – CADNO MUSIC LIVE. . . . . 11 OBITUARY – JOHN CORBETT...... 11 Small Festival ARTIST IN RESIDENCE...... 13 PAGE 7 VENUE FEATURE – ELYSIUM...... 14 POETRY CORNER – ELEANOR SHAW...... 15 THE COVER INTERVIEW – TAURUS 1984. . . . . 16 RECORD REVIEWS...... 18 Here’s where you can pick up your LIVE REVIEWS ...... 21 copy of SOUNDBOARD Magazine: NIGE ...... 22 SWANSEA LLANELLI Derrick’s Music Cadno Music OH PEDRO ...... 22 Psicon Music GORSEINON Sin City Spider Music ROOBEH TOM EMLYN – ...... 23 National Waterfront Museum MERTHYR GIG GUIDE – JUNE & JULY ...... 24 Cinema & Co. Red House Cover To Cover (Mumbles) BRECON GOSSIP...... 25 Square Peg (Sketty) The Muse Viva La Frida (Sketty) CARDIFF THE NEXT GENERATION – JOE HOPPE...... 26 Hen Dderwen (Sketty Park) Spiller’s Records ROBOSCOPES...... 27 ABERDARE CARMARTHEN Jac’s Parrot Records IN THE FRAME – LIVE PICS ...... 28 NEATH The Music Shop (Neath Indoor Market) MOIRA MORGAN – COMING BACK STRONGER . . . . . 30 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.

PUBLISHED BY EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS ADVERTISING SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE LTD & REVIEWERS advertising@ 90a Bishopston Road, Swansea SA3 3EN Flipsy McCaw, Joel Morgan, soundboardmagazine .co .uk Mike Kennedy, Paul Durden, EDITOR Tansy Rees, Rosie Scribblah, Roger If you would like to stock MIKE KENNEDY Henderson, John Paul Davies, Amy editor@soundboardmagazine .co uk. Sinha, Anthony Price, Richard Willis, SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE Mitchell Tennant, Keith Williams, please get in touch . DESIGN Moira Morgan, Eleanor Shaw, GRAHAM MORSE – GMID Tom Emlyn . No part of this magazine may be repro- duced in any form without the written design@soundboardmagazine co. .uk PHOTOGRAPHY permission of the Editor . Personal views expressed in SOUNDBOARD are not necessar- EDITORIAL TEAM Helen Louise Banham, Raymonty ily those of the publisher . Whilst every care FLIPSY MCCAW, JOEL MORGAN Thompson, Jacob Winter, James is taken, we cannot take responsibility for Weaver, Graham Morse, Shutterstock, unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or CHIEF CULTURAL CORRESPONDENT Johan Butenschøn Skre, the shoddy appearance of any singer . JACK SOUNDS Billy Stillman . © 2019 SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE LTD Cover Photograph: Johan Butenschøn Skre.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER? Sound Board Magazine We want to hear from you. Send us your submissions. Email us. Please and thank you. [email protected] EDITORIAL SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019

WELCOME TO THE FIFTH ISSUE OF SOUND BOARD MAGAZINE, KIDS! THIS MONTH WE’VE GOT ALL THE USUAL NEWS, REVIEWS, FEATURES, COLUMNS AND CONTRIBUTORS, PLUS A SHORT AND EXTREMELY DI- GRESSIVE GUIDE TO SOME OF THE MANY, MANY SMALL MUSIC FESTI- VALS CROPPING UP IN OUR PART OF THE WORLD AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, TOSSED IN LIKE A WELL-SUCKED LEMON AT THE VERY LAST MINUTE BY JACK SOUNDS. THAT OLD, UNRELIABLE, DEVIOUS ROGUE. THE WORLD FEELS LIKE IT HAS ITS VOLUME TURNED UP VERY, VERY HIGH AT THE MINUTE.

HELLO ALL. HOW THE DEVIL ARE ing by the good people of the Welsh hip establishments where they charge YOU? COUPLE OF QUESTIONS FOR Riviera and its surrounding landscapes. five quid a pint and advertise the wifi ‘EW BEFORE WE BEGIN: 1) ARE YOU So, commune with your inner cat, password on the front door; you know SITTING COMFORTABLY? 2) DO YOU boys and girls. Look around you, dis- the kind of place? I think I heard the HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED? IF dainfully; wash your paws in a distract- word ‘vintage’ within seven or eight NOT, GO AND GET A BREW ON, OR ed manner and settle down for a good seconds of sitting down in their art- GET ANOTHER CUSHION OR A BIS- purr. I spent a very happy half hour fully ramshackle beer garden, and I’d CUIT OR A SHERBET FOUNTAIN OR A the other day watching a cat and two bet a case of Grolsch and a well-cooked CAN OF ORANJEBOOM OR WHATEVER magpies engaged in a short, intense war chicken that at least one of their spe- ELSE YOU FANCY; IT’S OK, I’LL WAIT. over a pack of over-ripe mince that I cials is served on some kind of recepta- After all, if you’re going to take time dumped in my back garden rather than cle other than a plate. out of your day to read our happy lit- throw out. It was better than any soap However, despite my hypocritical tle publication, then you might as well opera, telling you. I was laid up in a cynicism, one of the advantages of be comfortable whilst you’re doing it, chair watching the show, with a good these places is they tend to leave you right? Why not? fire burning and my beloved cwtched the hell alone after you’ve handed the Welcome to the fifth issue of Sound up next to me. Bliss. cash; and that’s what I really want, Board Magazine, kids! This month I, personally, am not particularly these days: some kind of quiet soli- we’ve got all the usual news, reviews, cwtchy at the minute though, hidden tude; a safe haven from my storms... features, columns and contributors, away in my quarter-built living room, because... because the world feels like plus a short and extremely digressive surrounded by bikes, guitars, laminate it has it’s volume turned up very, very guide to some of the many, many small offcuts and boxes full of bubble wrap; high at the minute, and a soft, sopo- music festivals cropping up in our part the smell of coffee, tobacco, mortar and rific sojourn through a dreamy af- of the world at this time of year, tossed bike oil fills the air as I frantically tap ternoon of beer, chorizo and tasteful in like a well-sucked lemon at the very away (late, always) on this wretched music, being piped gently through last minute by Jack Sounds. That old, laptop, which is balanced on top of hidden speakers, holds a strong ap- unreliable, devious rogue. a speaker cabinet (Marshall 2x12, if peal to the jaundiced middle-aged lib- Putting together this issue has been you’re interested) in front of me, next erals amongst us. I might finally un- a typically herculean task, and I’d like to my defiantly-muted phone and the derstand why my parents’ generation to take this opportunity to offer sincere assorted paraphernalia of my perennial abandoned politics for a greasily-aspi- thanks to all those who have contribut- bad habits. rational world of buy-to-let mortgages ed, advised, lobbied or otherwise worked This chair could do with some work. and misplaced moral superiority, but I heroically to bring you the publication No good for at all for a tall man, this. still dream of a better world. you hold in your hands; it hasn’t always My back. My back and my neck. My Ah, dreams and reveries; reveries and been an easy road, I know, but it’s a back and my neck and my back and dreams. We all have dreams. I dream of damn sight easier one to walk when you my... never mind. Perhaps I’ll move this the day they put a beer garden in The look around and see so many fine and whole impromptu office, lock stock and Brunswick, for instance; or the day that (mostly) sensible people, putting their biscuit barrel, down to some dark, seedy the foul people who let their dogs crap shoulders to the same wheel. corner of some dark, seedy, nearby pub, all over the pavements in Mount Pleas- Indeed, in spite of the relentless ob- and see if I can’t cure my physical dis- ant are forced to clean up their animals’ stacles thrown at us by a callow and comfort with a few tasty jars of the ol’ disgusting leavings using only a soggy uncaring world, we’ve managed once amber dummy-juice. You got to take paper cup and their bare hands. again to wade through the rivers of dis- your comfort where can you find it, af- traction, personal devilment and shift- ter all; and, if you can’t find it, light out It’s good to dream. ing printing costs, in order to deliver after it with a big stick. But better to do. Right? a fully-loaded and hopefully entertain- Yes. And that’s what I did in the end. I ing swing through some of the myriad chucked the laptop in a bag and ambled cultural delights being coaxed into be- down the hill to one of those achingly- JACK SOUNDS

3

ADVERTISING FEATURE – PSICON MUSIC SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019

RISING STARS IIIII

LAUREN REED

When Cranes finally closed its doors earlier this year it was a sad day 24-year-old for Swansea. Following in the footsteps of John Ham, Picton Music, photography Wilkes and DrumNutt they left the city centre without a music shop and Swansea musicians without a place to hang out and buy their essentials. sensation, Lauren Reed from Ebbw Vale, That is, until Conrad Mason-Davies & Si- now’s the time to do it, or we never will. has been making waves in the mon Jones decided enough was enough, MK: So what will you guys we offering? Welsh valleys with her stunning took up residence above Derrick’s Music CMD: A selection of guitars, amps, PAs, images of live bands. and opened up Psicon Music. The rest strings, pedals and accessories. Lauren studied Interactive will be history. Mike Kennedy caught up SJ: Ukuleles, cables, cases and I’ll be do- Media in college which was with Conrad & Simon as they prepared to ing re-frets, upgrades and repairs, every- her introduction to photogra- open up and got the lowdown on what thing a musician could want. phy, and as an avid gig-goer it makes the guys tick. MK: I can see a Roland drum kit too. seemed a heaven sent opportu- SJ: Yeah, don’t tell Chris about that nity and a career was born. CMD: Both Simon and myself are musi- [laughs] Taking her inspiration from cians and have been involved in music CMD: Our stock will be great quality, used Jack Chamseddinne she plans on forever but we’ve ended up working other gear but we aim to move into new stock continuing to get to as many jobs to pay the bills - we still do, but the as and when we can afford to do that. live music events as possible, dream is to give all that up and do this MK: You seem to have a great deal of photographing the bands and full-time. support from Swansea people. There’s meeting new people (you can SJ: When Cranes closed we were talking been lots of interest and support shown see some of Lauren’s images in to a couple of the guys from there about on social media. this issue). opening up our own shop but over time CMD: We’ve been overwhelmed by the Lauren says: “I love taking pho- as we talked about it they decided that support from everyone, let’s hope they tographs at gigs, meeting new it wasn’t for them leaving just me and come into the shop now. Our FaceBook people and listening to live mu- Conrad. So we thought, ok, let’s just do page is now up and running and we’ve sic. My favourite session to date it. We started with nothing but a vision been learning all about Instagram. I think has been with Tomorrow Is Lost at and lots of experience and a willingness it’s going to be the website next and on- The Patriot in Crumlin.” MK to work hard. Then Chris (Derricks Mu- line sales. sic) stepped in and offered us this space MK: When can people come and call in? CONTACT: to use, at a very reasonable rent. SJ: We are open Monday to Saturday MK: Not free? from 9am to 5.30pm and 11am to 4pm SJ: [Laughs] Ummmmm NO! But he’s on Sundays. Come and say hi! We don’t Lauren Reed Gig Photography been an absolute star. Very supportive. bite...well, Sian (downstairs) might. CMD: We’d come to a time in our lives that we thought if we don’t do it now we never will. We’ll be seventy, still washing Contact Conrad and Simon at: @Laurenreedphotography dishes and answering the phone for a liv- [email protected] ing. I’m 51, Simon is 37, we’re not old but 07719 260133

5 KACI Kaci is 14 years old, and is in Year 9 of Treorchy Comprehensive school. She started singing at age 11, but suffered some serious bullying because of it, and so stopped for a while. During that time, she wrote a song about bullying, and coming through it stronger. The song is called I win, and can be found on Soundcloud.

After this, she decided she was going to restart singing, so entered VOTV in Bargoed, where she made it to the final six. This boosted her confidence, so she started singing at charity events, and continued to write her own songs, along side working with other songwriters and musicians locally and nation- A story of good versus evil told through ally, even internationally with a songwriter in Switzerland who wrote a song music with stunning special effects. called Fly for her which is her first release on Spotify. She is currently finishing a five song EP with Discontinued Souls recordings, which is due for release at the end of May/beginning of June and another EP Available from with Fabian Fry from Switzerland, due for release in the Autumn. WWW.JULIANMURPHY.CO.UK KaciJames13579

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TheThe RiseRise andand RiseRise of the SmallSmall FestivalFestival ( A Digressive Guide by Jack Sounds ) A few years ago, when we were crazed, high-speed hours) arrange a A Highly Digressive Yet Probably Rea- living in a very different kind of sun-drenched day of live music and sonably Accurate Guide As To What To world – one that appears now, in entertainment by the people, for the Expect At A Small Music Festival, in or- the dusty rear view mirror of my people, for several consecutive years, der that you are adequately pre- memory, as soaked in sepia and without any trouble or arrests or un- pared for such an experience, if studded with sweet, succulent pleasantness. A miracle, really. and when it happens to YOU! beads of pure, glistening hope – I The basic facts, however, still remain After all, these things are pop- wrote an article for another fine that – while we were always aware that ping up everywhere these publication like this one, paying what we were doing was ‘questionably days, so this article is practi- dewy-eyed homage to a short- legal’, in terms of permits and whatnot cally a public service. lived event held on Swansea Bay – we always reasoned that there was a I personally love a for a few glorious years back in pressing need out there that was go- small-scale festival. Al- the late 00’s. ing unfulfilled: that of the small-scale ways have. It probably It was called Viper on the Beach, and festival experience featuring local tal- began when I was a it was organised, conceived and ‘man- ent, the kind of rough-hewn, good- nipper, back in the aged’ by a gang of utter beauts, headed time day out of which we were both 1980’s, and my hip- by divisive local entrepreneur, profes- unabashed and avowed fan. So we py parents would sional schemer and renaissance man, went ahead did it anyway and damn take us to Ponty Folk A.C., although, like James Brown, he the consequences; there’s probably a Festival every year. took many other name, yeah, and I lesson there for you, kids, but for le- The adults would was one of his friends and co-conspir- gal reasons I’ll have to insist that you set up a camp of ators back then, and, by God, did we draw your own conclusions. sorts in the field, have ourselves some good, clean fun, One thing that seems particularly using wind- me and that tenacious little weasel. bizarre to me now – sitting here, years breaks, fus- We were both in our mid 20’s (al- later, with the benefit of (question- though he looked – and still does able) experience and the fine, clean – far, far older) possessed of infinite gaze of (supposed) hindsight – is that energies, and our haircuts, like our ap- we were naive enough to think that, petites, were wild, full and untamed. as long as our intentions were pure We’d raise hell all night, and then – a and we didn’t cause any damage or little unfairly on our neighbours and grief, then our positive energy and loved ones – get up really early the general good vibes would counteract next morning in order to make a start any attempts by the authorities to on raising some more. What a night- shut us down, and failing that, our mare we must have been. Is it bad plan was always to lie with imagina- that I feel oddly proud? Yes. Yes, it is. tion, consistency and con- Shut up. Stupid, nagging con- viction, because it’s amazing science. Anyway, despite our general how often that works. air of calculated chaos and dissolute Anyway, this self-indulgent delinquency, we – along with a whole flirtation with personal histo- bunch of other equally enthusiastic ry is merely to serve as an apé- and daft people – managed to, by ritif for the main course of this hook or crook (or, more accurately, article, which – dear sweet, by making 128 separate and increas- forgiving, indulgent reader – is ingly frantic phone calls over 36 a large serving of (deep breath) FESTIVAL ISSUE

ty rugs and oversized macramé bags, plethora of small, independent The Daddy-Owns-A-Farm festivals and then spend the whole day drink- events, all promising to cater for the tend to be defined by their rural loca- ing bottles of beer and smoking odd- guttural, cultural and hedonistic de- tion, poor advertising, lack of a coherent smelling cigarettes, occasionally get- sires of punters like me. I’ve been to structure, and the inability to get hold ting up to wander into one of the tents loads and loads, and many of them of anybody in charge at any point after to sample some of the music being per- would even welcome me back. the gates have opened, unless you are a petrated therein, while us kids were left Also, as an occasionally-working policeman, a cocaine dealer or actively to wander freely around the stalls and musician in a little band hardly anyone’s on fire. They’ll usually be off in the farm- the rest of the site, getting into to small heard of, these kind of smaller festivals house, counting money in the warm, fights and looking for things to nick. are the only gigs that I get booked for and pretending they can’t hear the radio I’m only joking, of course. My par- all year at which I habitually encounter going off every 30 seconds. In my experi- ents were no hippies. such niceties as preferential queuing, ence, these can be a lot of fun providing As I grew older, like a gnarled root riders (free booze and scran) roadies, you’re not expecting anything to work striving for the sun, a combination privacy, gratitude from the promoters properly. There are no rules, ‘cos there’s of a deep dislike of large crowds, a or, indeed, reassuringly large sums of no one there to enforce them except a distrust of becoming subsumed in money in brown envelopes. mutinous and scattered security staff. any kind of collective endeavour This new wave of smaller festivals Generally though, they’ll have un- and a profound distaste for massive, seem in my experience to fall loose- derestimated the amount of facilities re- screeching adverts and branding be- ly into three different categories, quired for the number of tickets sold and ing plastered everywhere in my eye- although naturally there’s a lot of placed the main camping site at the bot- line like neon-frothing proclamations crossover. For the sake of convenience tom of a field traditionally used for drain- of a vengeful God, all kept me from though, let’s call them The Bijou Bou- age. My advice, should you suspect you’ll wanting to attend the kind of mas- tique, The Daddy-Owns-A-Farm and be attending one of these, is to take guide sive events the BBC will be covering The Rugby Club Financial Diversifier. ropes for your tent, an inflatable mattress, all summer long, so I had to look for The most common these days is waterproofs and plenty of toilet paper. other ways to get my rocks off in probably the Bijou Boutique festival, The third type The Rugby Club Fi- the summer sun. which is popular with expensively- nancial Diversifier tend, on the other It was a lonely road for a wellied couples in their late 30’s who hand, to be managed to within an while, hence the need to possess large numbers of free-range inch of their life by an experienced risk a large fine by organ- children (often called Lily and Jack) and diligent committee with – at least ising my own events; and have strong opinions about for the first year – zero experience of but happily for me, cheeses. These people are generally putting on an event of this kind. At my liberty and my good company, provided you’re not these festivals, everything will run legal bills, this last using the festival as a way to recreate on time, all the gear will work, all the decade or so has the good-time car park raves of your food stalls will be superb and the staff seen, each and misspent youth. At a Bijou Boutique informed and helpful. However, woe every sum- festival, you can expect an enormous betide you if you fall foul of any of mer, the ar- range of quality food and booze on the myriad rules imposed by the com- rival (and, offer, but fairly generic musical en- mittee in order to ensure the integrity s o m e - tertainment. The focus tends to be of the club or the playing surface. t i m e s , on families, their children and – most I remember once I was waiting in a s w i f t importantly – the money that par- little patch of quiet behind a stage, wait- depar- ents will spend in order to keep their ing to go on at a festival in West Wales. t u r e ) children happy and quiet in a driving I had a few bottles of beer in my guitar of a rainstorm or unrelenting heatwave. case (because of course I did) and, while I was doing the old pre-gig hurry-up- and-wait, I remembered my liquor with a happy sigh and swiftly drew it from my case for a refreshing slurp. As I raised the bottle to my lips I heard a scream of rage from behind me, and the next thing I knew the bottle was being

8 FESTIVAL ISSUE

torn from my hand and thrown high outdoor stage, on which will appear just head for the dance tent, my brave over a fence behind me by some bloke a bewilderingly-eclectic roster of local adventurer, for it is here that you’ll find in a high-vis. Naturally I was a little bands, tribute acts and smaller-scale, all the action and the spangled, feath- upset, and told the bugger in no un- more niche touring artists. There’ll ered, glittered up freaky people. certain terms what I thought of him. also very nearly always be some kind of Look out for strobes and plumes of Pointing his radio towards me like a performance by a nearby dance school smoke, and listen for drifting squalls handgun, he fixed me with a rage- or musical theatre company – of vary- of squelchy techno, throbbing dub- filled gaze and informed me that he ing quality, but always chock-a-block step and – rarely these days, though was, “...sick of you musical twats think- with vim and enthusiasm – as well as it’s always a delight – the spiralling ing you can bring your own beer in. Buy a much-hyped reunion by a legendary snare beats of some hardcore drum it from the clubhouse like everyone else.” act from the local areas’ past, in which and bass. Sniff it out and throw your- Fair enough, I suppose. But they weren’t denim and bluesy guitar licks will self into the morass. After all, the best paying me for playing, so I just started probably be in heavy supply. way to make sure you have a good pouring my bottles into a pint glass from There’ll also be a dance tent. There’s night’s sleep while camping is to al- then on in. No flies on me, boy. always a dance tent. Now, I’m not an ways make sure you use up every last Heh. Libelous. But one thing all expert or an advocate or a salesman, but shred of energy you have in your body these events have in common is that when the main-stage stuff has finished before retiring. That’s practically sci- all will definitely feature at least one and all is settling down for the night, ence. Enjoy your summer. JS Get your Wellies Ready... 2019 South Wales Festivals LETS ROCK WALES 1st June LLANGOLLEN FRINGE FESTIVAL 19th July, Llangollen Tredegar park, Cardiff Road, Newport DANCE ON THE MOUNTAIN 20th July, Gwent GOWER FOLK FESTIVAL 14th-16th June BETWEEN THE TREES FESTIVAL 30th August-1st Sept . Weobley Castle Farm, Llanrhidian, Gower, SA3 1HB Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend HAY FESTIVAL 23 May-2nd June LLANWYDDYN WEEKEND 30th August NORTH WALES BLUES AND SOUL FESTIVAL Folk and acoustic music, Powys . 2nd-4th August, Flintshire FESTIVAL NO.6 6th-9th September, Portmeirion GREEN MAN 15th-18th August, Brecon SWN 18th-20th October, Cardiff NONSTICK 18th-2st July, Herefordshire SWANSEA FRINGE FESTIVAL 3rd-6th October UKULELE FESTIVAL OF WALES 28th June Gower Heritage Centre This is not a comprehensive list of everything in Wales . BIG LOVE FESTIVAL 7th-9th June, Hay on Wye Sorry if we’ve missed you out . We’ve been as accurate as we can, but please check all details online or with the BIG CWTCH FESTIVAL 30th-31st August respective organisers before you Carmarthenshire book, pay, travel or argue with BIG CHEESE FESTIVAL 26-27th July, Caerphilly your other half about who’s LLANDUDNO JAZZ FESTIVAL 26 July driving home . CASTLE ROC FESTIVAL 8th August, Chepstow Castle GREGYNOG CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 22nd June BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL 1st-4th August MONMOUTH FESTIVAL 27th July-4th August GOTTWOOD 6th-9th June, Anglesey STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL 26th July, Ebbw Vale UNEARTHED FESTIVAL 21st-23rd June Solva, Pembrokeshire FOLK ON THE LAWN 11th July Abbey Mill, Tintern, Gwent FROM THE PAST CLASSIC WELSH ALBUM

Andy Collins RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW 2017 Proper Records / Thoroughbred Music

IN 2017 ANDY COLLINS RELEASED HIS SECOND SOLO Each of the ten tracks is a classic and there are hints of ALBUM, RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW, AND WHERE HIS Andy’s heroes in there too, a bit of George Harrison’s guitar, DEBUT WAS REFLECTIVE AND LOOKED TO THE PAST Tom Petty’s phrasing, a touch of the mellotron from Straw- THIS WAS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE. berry Fields Forever, a nod or two to Badfinger.

Former bandmate, from The Storys, Steve Balsamo summed There’s a fine balance of nostalgia and great original music it up as “the sound of a man in love”. And he was right on this album which is as much for Andy’s pleasure as the because this album is about as upbeat and joyful as it gets. listener’s. As another former bandmate – from The Karrots this time – Keith Morgan said: “who would have thought Released on Proper Records / Thoroughbred Music it features the bass player would’ve turned out an album this won- all the usual suspects in Alan Thomas, Lorraine King, Pete derful?” Well us for one! MK Thomas, Kevin Jones, Rosalie Deighton, Steve Balsamo and Rhianedd Adlam (now Collins). The production, by the mighty Tim Hamill, of Sonic One, is superb, the music spar- Keeps me from thinking of you / 20 more reasons / Gravity / kles and shimmers across the airwaves. But the real stars Why / I will follow / Right here right now / Pretty / The first here are the songs. to know / Hit me where it hurts / Wake up call

advertising@ ADVERTISE YOUR music / gig / shop / venue soundboardmagazine.co.uk 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!

Join us every night of the week for: 2 for 1 real pub favourites – Monday 2 spice rack dishes for £12 –Tuesday from 5pm Two glasses of wine for £5 –Wednesday Family Feast for £15 – Thursday Two Steaks for £20 –Friday from 5pm Weekend wallet saver two courses for £9.99 – Saturday and Sunday THE QUICK INTERVIEW – CADNO SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019

OBITUARY JOHN CORBETT

JOHN PASSED AWAY ON MARCH 29TH AFTER BRAVE- CADNO LY AND PRIVATELY BAT- TLING CANCER AT HIS HOME IN BRYNHYFRYD. JOHN LEFT MUSIC LIVE BEHIND HIS WIFE, HELEN, AND DAUGHTER, BETHAN CADNO’S ALUN REES HAS BEEN THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND AND A WHOLE LOAD OF THE RESURGENCE OF LLANELLI’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE SINCE HAPPY MEMORIES FOR SO 2007 AND HIS MOST RECENT PROJECT IS POSSIBLY HIS MANY PEOPLE WHO HAD KNOWN HIM IN HIS TOO MOST CHALLENGING TO DATE. MIKE KENNEDY CAUGHT UP SHORT LIFE. WITH ALUN, AT HIS SHOP IN JOHN STREET, LLANELLI, AS HE I remember John from the PREPARES THE LATEST CADNO MUSIC LIVE EVENT. deep and dark basement of The Coach House on Swan- MK: With so many people deserting tra- MK: How are the performers selected? sea’s Wind Street where he ditional music shops for online outlets Cadno Music Live is open to bands, played with The Tremblin’ what made you open up Cadno Music? solo artists, duos or trios who play Knees. There was never a hard- I was made redundant from Alcoa in original music. It’s not for me to judge er hitting drummer, giving rise 2007 and I saw it as the perfect op- them. I just provide the platform and to the nickname ‘the Welsh portunity to pursue my passion for it’s very rewarding for me to see them John Bonham’. He was the in- music. The shop seemed the perfect up on a big stage, and they all get spiration for a whole genera- choice and the redundancy money paid of course! We are always looking tion of drummers from South gave me the means to do it. Over the for local musicians to work with and Wales and beyond. Thirty years years the reputation of the shop has everyone that’s worked with us so far after first going to watch him I grown and we stock a wide range of has loved Cadno Music Live. would persuade the band to get instruments from Fender, Marshall, back into the recording studio Cole Clark and also a wide range of MK: Your promo videos for the events to make their acclaimed live strings, accessories and books. I’m are very effective and distinctive. Is album. I’ve many happy mem- very proud of what I’ve achieved here that your work? ories of spending time with in Llanelli. Ha! No, no, no. That’s a good friend of John, Plum, Kevin & Ronnie mine, Matty Lynch, who also runs The discussing the album and what MK: You also run a music school? Bus of Rock and The Kitchen of Rock. we would put on the cover. Yes, The Llanelli Music School. We have You really need to check out those Fa- John was typically dry and, more than 250 students and 10 tutors ceBook pages. It’s something else and in the end, he made the de- teaching everything from guitar, bass, another great platform for musicians cision for the band with the piano, violin and singing! to get their work out there. I think the comment, “Whenever anyone short films that Matty makes really thinks of the Knees they think MK: Your latest, and possibly biggest, sum up the energy and excitement of Plum so let’s just put him on project though is Cadno Music Live? our gigs. Check it out. the cover”. And so it was. Well, it first started back in 2010 and John had a wicked sense of we used many local places but we’ve MK: So how do people get in touch humour and often the only recently moved it to Llanelli’s best or find out about Cadno Music Live? way you could tell he was jok- venue. A real gem in the town, Y Check out the Cadno Music Live Face- ing was by the twinkle in his Ffwrnes Theatre. Book page. The next event we have is eye, there’s many a tale from on June 15th and other dates we’ve his former colleagues at The MK: That’s a great venue and, if I re- planned are for August 3rd, Septem- Evening Post who can testify to call, quite a large space? ber 28th & November 30th. I’d love this, like the time he introduced Yes, at first I thought can I fill it? But to get some higher profile artists to Lindisfarne to Wind Street...but the support for original, live music play at Cadno Music Live and get lo- that’s another story! in the town has been overwhelming, cal musicians to support them. Any- John Corbett was a talented both from gig-goers and musicians one that would like to play just get in press photographer, an amaz- who want to play. I try to encour- touch. It’s that easy! ing drummer, proud husband age new emerging talent and give and father who will be missed them the experience of playing in a You can reach Alun on: by all those who knew him. top venue in front of a big audience. 01554 771772 or email him at: Here’s until the next time There’s nothing like it. [email protected] my friend. MK

11

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE – ROSIE SCRIBBLAH SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019

KARA SEAMAN Kara is a Scottish artist born in Aberdeen in 1980, graduating at the University of East London with a degree in Graphic Fine Art in 2002. Rosie Scribblah spoke to her about her work and the vintage press she often uses at Swansea Print Workshop. KARA HAS BEEN LIVING IN SWAN- Sometimes the inspiration is closer SEA FOR MORE THAN A DECADE to home, like the badger in her gar- NOW AND IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER den. [RIGHT, TOP] OF SWANSEA PRINT WORKSHOP. Kara often works on a very large scale Her preferred subjects are animals which means she’s a frequent user of and the natural world and she uses the huge vintage Radcliffe etching press the process of Collagraph for her ani- tucked away in the little print work- mal prints. shop by the sea. [RIGHT, BOTTOM] “In basic terms this involves printing Back in the eighties and nineties, from a collage, this technique gives such independent art colleges across the lovely graphic effects. I often edition my UK were closed and merged with Uni- animal prints so they are limited editions versities and Institutes, which meant and are signed, numbered and hand that a lot of technical equipment and printed by me.” machinery was being sold off, or even Kara starts by researching an ani- thrown out! Many beautiful old print- mal’s biology, history, environment ing presses went to scrap dealers, but and the stories and mythology about a huge vintage Radcliffe etching press, it. Then she works out her ideas in probably dating from the 1920s, was sketchbooks. rescued from Chelsea College of Art “I am always collecting things to stick by Swansea Print Workshop and it into them or to keep in that wee pocket was the first press to be installed there at the back, I scribble notes down, and back at the turn of the century. sometimes I actually draw in them!” Chelsea College of Art had a long Then she constructs the collage history of prestigious printmakers that will form the Collagraph print- who have used it, including David ing plate. Hockney and Sir Frank Brangwyn and Kara has recently been developing it’s still used now at Swansea Print monoprints of wildflowers, street- Workshop for large etchings, colla- flowers and weeds, as well as a few graphs and monotypes. things from the garden, which is a new and exciting direction for her. For more about Kara’s work: “I feel the works of the animals and karaseamanart.weebly.com the monoprints work together quite well.” She is often involved with commu- Swansea Print Workshop is an artists’ nity based printmaking projects and collective who run courses for beginners gets inspiration from her local environ- and expert printmakers. ment, like the Collagraph [TOP] based on her fieldwork in Rosehill Quarry. swanseaprintworkshop.org.uk

13 VENUE FEATURE – ELYSIUM

ELYSIUMJOHN POWELL MOVED TO SWAN- rent out and so this building had been exhibitionsBAR of their work and they’ll be SEA (BANGOR BORN BUT LIVED left derelict for a long long time. It was curating it, that’s how it’s going to start. IN SHROPSHIRE) IN ABOUT 2001. an old hotel and then a café: Café We’ve also got a mobile gallery which A PAINTER AND ARTIST HIMSELF, Macabre in the 60’s. There were coffin we take around everywhere, set it up in SAYS THAT AT THAT TIME THERE lids which you opened up and had your town centre and do work shops, take it to WAS NOWHERE FOR LOCAL ART- drinks served in there and it was a mod homes etc. We recently did workshop in ISTS TO SHOW THEIR WORK, PAR- café as well. We were in there for about 8 Llanelli with adults with learning diffi- TICULARLY NOT EMERGING ART- months and it was a huge building and culties so we’re everywhere. It’s not a side ISTS IN THE AREA, SO GATHERING we did some pretty major shows in there, thing its integral to what we do, its what A TRIBE OF LIKE-MINDED FOLK you know for us, attracted 4-500 people we are. The gallery, while it is the centre HE HELPED FORM EXPOSURE GAL- for opening. We realised then that there to it, has got all these things flying off LERY IN SWANSEA RUNNING FROM was a big need for studios and so that’s from it, so it really is the hub for all these 2003-2007. where that started. We didn’t last that different things.” “It was essentially like a student hang long in Mansel Street; the building was “I deal a lot with painters, just be- out, so it was run on wine and parties a mess and the guy who ran the brothel cause that’s what I’m interested in but and art was about 4th on the list, kind next door was making complaints about I think that the welsh (art) scene at the of thing! It was part gallery, part shop, us. Apparently we had so many people moment, is absolutely thriving, there’s so part studio, part entertainment and coming for openings and people outside much talent here and it hasn’t made itself party place and it didn’t really have a having a smoke or whatever and so it shown across the border to the rest of the focus but it was, you know, very much was putting people off (his name was UK. Recently I noticed there was big Ret- a product of its time. It was very much John McGrotty – so good!)” rospective of British Painting it was put crammed full of stuff and energy because “We hopped around for a bit after that, together by a London group called Con- there was no other outlet for it. Once that we took over a little sewing machine shop temporary British Painting and they’ve kind of inevitably died because people on Craddock Street but then we did big- been touring this exhibition all around went off and had families and stuff like ger public performance pieces in town Europe with about 90 British painters in that, myself and Darren Stables were left and set up the Beep Painting Prize. A the exhibition. Not one of them was from over and that’s when we formed Elysium big bi-annual painting exhibition which Wales. That’s frustrating. We need to do a gallery in 2007 at 41 high street.” has grown into a city wide painting festi- bit better at selling ourselves.” “We picked the name Elysium basi- val so that’s still going on. So this is our “Swansea does have a reputation cally because we managed to get £1000 4th building we’re currently running and though. Coming back to the High Street from the council for using an old name 8th overall, so all of its grown out of a here, we are aware of the problems as on the street, there’s no artistic merit to it. real need.” we’ve been on and off the High Street Basically Elysium in the medieval period “We look after about 100 people and for the last 12 years. When we started it in this area and the top end of high street we’ve still got people on the waiting list. was bad, really bad but it was never any- was known as Elysium fields; a better We’ve always been an events gallery and where to be scared of, it was just poverty place to go to when you’re dead (we saw whenever we’ve done stuff its always and neglect. this on an old map) and we noticed that been packed and we wanted to return “It’s ingrained I think. It’s been go- the name had continued to be used, there back to what we were 12 years ago so ing on for hundreds of years! It’s always was the Elysium Cinema and theatre just the original Elysium there was a lot of these extremes of Swansea. Sir Edward down the road. When we first moved in performance and music and film. In the Thomas (poet) wrote about Swansea: as we saw this old sign kind of falling off other buildings we’ve not been able to do beautiful as the Bay of Naples, what the building saying Elysium so we chose that as much so that’s what we want to a sordid hag of a town! Dylan Tho- it and it’s stuck. I’ve seen this great old do with here really.” mas: ugly lovely town. There’s always photo of Swansea looking up from the “We’ve got four exhibition gallery been the beautiful rolling hills then this docks, in sort of the 1920’s to the strand spaces: Gallery 1 which is the main poverty, drunkenness and strangeness. and there’s a big billboard saying: THE gallery space that’s booked up for pretty Historically it’s always been like this. ELYSIUM. GET IT TWICE NIGHTLY domi- much the next two years, Gallery 2, I think it’s the Swansea way. We just nating the Swansea sky line!” more loose, there’s a project we want to have to accept it. “We focussed the new gallery as it was set up in there called Your Space and then and it was more about exhibitions that will be led by local groups and art- The Elysium Bar is a beautiful and and events and happenings. Film events ists and essentially the lunatics will take interesting space and John has a lot and performance events and that’s how over the asylum so to speak. For the mo- of creative and wonderful, slightly we started. That quickly grew so then ment we’re working a lot with local com- mad ideas. It’s a wonderful blend of 2010 we moved to an old brothel on munity groups, with people who’ve got art, music, community, creativity and Mansel Street. We essentially take over dementia, brain injuries and we’ve got that little touch of bonkers. I hope it all these buildings that landlords can’t artists working with them so there’ll be thrives, I really do. FM 14 POETRY CORNER – ELEANOR SHAW SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019

LOUDERPSU IS A SOCIAL ARTS & WELL-BEING ENTERPRISE, CONNECTING! COMMUNITIES THROUGH STORYTELLING, SPOKEN WORD, CREATIVE WRITING AND PARTICIPATORY ARTS.

PEOPLE SPEAK UP CONNECTS PEO- PLE AND IS CREATING HEALTHY AND MORE RESILIENT COMMUNI- TIES THROUGH STORYTELLING, SPOKEN WORD, CREATIVE WRIT- ING AND THE PARTICIPATORY ARTS. MY PASSION IS TELLING STORIES AND HELPING OTHERS TO TELL THEIRS. We offer workshops, training, events, volunteering and conversa- tions. Through artistic exploration we aim to:

• Stimulate, engage and create • Build confidence • Cultivate intergeneration under- standing • Promote health and wellbeing through creative practice • Generate workshops, performances and opportunities for individuals and communities • Tackling loneliness and isolation • Measure social impact in our local and wider community inclusive and creates a community • Investigate the gaps in provision Storyteller Eleanor Shaw has worked in connectivity. within current arts and wellbeing education and community arts for twenty The poetry/spoken word scene years. She is the founder and host of practices in the UK and nationally is getting bigger and more varied, Spoken Word Saturday and is the Artistic younger people are getting interested Director/Creator of People Speak Up, a We also provide volunteering oppor- social arts and wellbeing enterprise. and when I look around the room in tunities for future employment. events, the faces are diverse, welcom- Our current projects are in partner- ing and full of spirit. Exciting times ship with local care homes in Car- Voices, a free summer spoken word are ahead I feel. marthenshire, The Alzheimers Society, and visual arts project for 11-15 year People to look out for that have re- Carmarthenshire Theatres, Llanelli olds in the Llanelli area. It is an op- ally impressed me are Rufus Mufasa and Carmarthenshire County Councils, portunity to work with professional (a true spunky spoken word warrior) Hywel Dda, The Tenovus Cancer Care visual and spoken word artists, and and Rhian Elizabeth – my hero – a Charity and Macmillan. to meet the older people of our com- woman that writes with such guttural ‘Spoken Word Saturday’ is a space munity to create a voice for the peo- honesty and makes me laugh through for people to meet up, listen up and ple of Llanelli. my tears. speak up in the old Zion Chapel in I first became interested in poetry Llanelli. This is a beautiful space and and spoken word when I took part PSU meets on the second Saturday of an opportunity to share your stories in an autobiographical storytelling every month at The Ffwrnes fach through poetry, writing, rap and mu- course in Greece through The Interna- (The old Zion Chapel), Ffwrnes Theatre. sic, all through the oral spoken word tional School of Storytelling. I learned 3-5pm, £3 on the door (which includes tradition. We leave our egos at the the skills needed to learn how to find a cuppa and sometimes cake!). door and connect as a community. your story and tell your story. This We offer speak up spots (it’s like was a life changing process for me, open mic, without the mic.) and we it was empowering and it made me peoplespeakup are stunned each month by a guest think about how I could bring story- singer and spoken word artists. It’s telling to my community. How could eshaw110 important to us that we support po- I create a space for poets, writers and ets, writers, traditional storytellers, storytellers to come together and peoplespeakup rappers and singers from all around learn from each other and celebrate Wales. the spoken word form rather than www.peoplespeakup.co.uk We also have coming up Llanelli just the written? For me it’s far more

15 THE COVER INTERVIEW – TAURUS 1984 SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019 RECORD REVIEWS

SINGLE through many decades of styles. I ey’s worth, though whether your soul admit ignorance on many of these. would agree is another matter. Oh, WE ARE NOT Apologies, but all I could hear was the and a telephone rings a few times. THE SAME complete and utter song writing pro- Loudly. fessionalism of both John Davies and Lucifer is chucked out of Heaven, Gareth Lewis Nick James. comes to Earth to spread evil and en- Within these tracks I vocally hear snare the ‘Nazarene’, fails and leaves, A guitar opening of broken chords Steve Winwood (It’s Been A While) or taking evil with him. That’s the plot, sets the scene for a happy, up-tempo Justin Hayward (on title track Strange and over ten tracks the music charts and fun experience. We Are Not The Device), early Genesis, Peter Gabriel era Lucifer’s attempts to do just this, Same the latest song by singer/song- (Long Hard Road) even a little Paul with the Nazarene resisting him each writer Gareth Lewis, is a simple yet Craddock (Seven Daughters of Eve). The and every time. With tracks such as very likable country single with an vocals resonate with the warmth and Tears of Blood, Toxic Soul Stealer and easy to follow and catchy melody silky smooth tones of lullabies; these The Devil’s in Town, you know you’re line that will have the whole family two are storytellers of yore, and this is not exactly getting the greatest hits singing along. Gareth has accompa- an album that plays like a book with of Bananarama, but what you do get nied his single with a charming lyri- page turning chapters. is certainly conversation stopping cal music video matching the song There are guitars and riffs that softly and eerily compelling in a pseudo- in its quirky ‘funness’ and reflects his scream delicacy of Steve Rothery’s work satanic way. Ideally, this would work moral lyrical storyline. The video is (evident on I Want To Stay The Same) well on stage as an almost shadow well made, creative and easy to watch with bass lines throughout that slip, counterpoint to Jesus Christ Superstar. with the words appearing alongside slide and groove through the entire With its theatrical musical flourishes, each new colourful illustration. The album reminiscent of Tony Levin’s dark satanic undertones and chant- video’s animation theme brings back glorious bass work. Honestly it’s an ing choirs, the impact of the album memories of my youth and the early absolute pleasure to hear these songs. would be considerably heightened by 1970’s children’s classic television The songs were written over a seeing it performed live with all the show Mr Benn. number of years however the album appropriate special effects. I’d go. KW The production and arrangement holds a complete unity and timeless of the song are well executed with cohesion. Lyrical subjects meander- Come to me / Tears of blood / Toxic soul quality bass and guitar playing. Ga- ing and weaving from the American stealer / So close to the fire / The forbod- reth has a lovely country style singing Civil Rights movement, the origins ing / The devil’s in town / The final voice that suits the tone and theme, of life, the plight of refugees, politi- battle / The healing of the world / Go in blending the whole song together cal misdemeanours, love, strength peace / Heaven’s warning perfectly. The lyrics are very sweet, and even the life of Norman Wisdom. honest and uncomplicated. We Are Surely that ticks all the right boxes? www.JulianMurphy.co.uk Not The Same tells a story about a boy Strange Device provides its own who is in love with a girl but recognis- treasure; the warmer the listener gets, es their ‘superficial’ differences, with the closer the listener will attain its SINGLE lyrics such as: She likes peace and quiet heavenly glories. AP and I make lots of noise. Yet he accepts GIVE IT UP / their differences and states his opin- Stranded / I don’t believe in love / Sorry PRAY FOR YOU ion that you don’t have to have eve- circumstances / Own way now / Set rything in common with someone to me free / Not a choice / I want to stay Norda Mullen be in love: When it comes to loving we the same / The rakish kind / Long hard sit in the same tree. A country modern road / It’s been a while / Sunday best / Norda Mullen is a fully trained classi- day twist reminiscent of the old jazz Faintest shine / Seven daughters of Eve / cal flautist which is evident in these classic, Let’s call the whole thing off. AS Strange device two excellent songs. They are from her debut album NORDA, which on Download now via usual platforms. johndaviesnickjames.bandcamp.com CD Baby is consistently being billed Video on YouTube as a top UK seller, 243 weeks (as of https://m.me/galewismusic March 2019) following its release. ALBUM Both of these tracks take me back THE FINAL to my childhood with the music my ALBUM parents listened to on their big round BATTLE black thingys (which I now know is STRANGE Julian Murphy vinyl and have several of my own). DEVICE The first of the two tracks on this double-A side really remind me of a John Davies & Nick James Time to drag those pilot-size head- mixture of Fairport Convention and phones down from the attic, a new Jethro Tull, the happy bouncy beat Recently I heard the second track concept album has arrived in town definitely had me tapping my feet I Don’t Believe in Love on Oystermouth and we’re not talking Sgt. Pepper, Tom- and after the third time of listening Radio and it honestly took me aback. my or even War of the Worlds. Well, was actually singing along in the cho- I hadn’t heard such subtle vocal har- maybe the latter as Julian Murphy’s rus. I would be more than happy to monies and production since Jellyfish, musical odyssey shares a taste for the put this on at a party for a dance. Crowded House or America. And these apocalyptic with Jeff Wayne’s opus, The production itself is very pol- musicians are on our doorstep?! Lus- death and destruction on an epic ished, the acoustic guitars – coming cious, dreamy, with song structures of scale. through well over the flutes – add to perfection that would make any wan- Mixing the voice of Lucifer with that driving rhythm with the snare nabe singer/songwriter want to say: crackling vinyl sounds, heavenly and toms. I have listened to this song “I’ll just get me coat shall I?” choirs, tweeting birds, crying babies, several times doing this review and I recall John being asked who mellow tunes and blastorama rock, have never got bored of it. A musical their influences were, these floated you can’t say you don’t get your mon- aside is that Norda Mullen has toured,

18 SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019

recorded and performed with The These songs are infectious, it’s a word Moody Blues since 2002. I probably use too much. I guarantee In the second track Pray For You, the album will not be to everyone’s you can definitely hear the influences taste but if you want to hear dirty, of such a classic rock band. Although grimy, indie guitars, juxtaposed with the start did initially make me think vocal melodies (and harmonies) on of the 90’s boy band type intros, but a par to the aforementioned bands then I listened more closely and the then you need not look any further nuances of the flute really comes than Hollalluog. AP through, the vocal harmonies in the chorus really lift you up and make oblong1.bandcamp.com you feel good as if she is actually pray- ing for you. The influence of The Moody Blues ALBUM comes in on the instrumental after THE BALLAD OF the second chorus, especially with the dreamy high bass line and electric PETER AND JANE guitars towards the end, along with Sarah Birch the ethereal vocal, the fade out is just lovely and makes you relax and smile and think everything is going to be Those of you that have heard the ok. RW band Lost Tuesday Society will have heard Sarah singing before. For those who haven’t, let me tell you, she has ALBUM a very pure, high and almost ethereal voice. This is her first solo album and all the songs were written by her. HOLLALLUOG Good news, the sleeve has a lyric sheet enclosed. And what lyrics they Oblong are, they would pass for poetry in their own right. The songs are mostly When an album’s opening track is ti- poignant stories about subtle relation- tled Giro Day you know you’re in for ship issues, showing great perception a treat. by the writer. I was asked to review this LP as Be warned, this album is like the it was thought to be right up your TARDIS, there is more in it than you street”. Oh how right they were. expect. On some songs Sarah is sup- Second track, Breuddwydio am Bhag- ported by The Mavron String Quar- wan, has a Ffa Coffi Pawb / Pixies team tet (The Gentle Good etc.), softly and up, with its (quieter verses) treble beautifully while not distracting from heavy pounding bassline grooving the overall thread of the work. I liked along; juxtaposing a squealing, infec- these songs in their original, stripped tious dirty, hook of a vocal chorus. back format so I was a bit concerned This is an Indie guitar heavy, Welsh/ in case they had ‘strayed off mes- English language album of songs that sage’ during the recording process. I never outstay their welcome. The av- needn’t have worried. Producer, Dave erage song duration is approximately Milsom, has achieved a wonderful. three minutes, each bouncing along seamless blend between all the con- with melodies, riffs, and hooks, leav- tributors and kept it all on track. ing the listener (or me at least) hum- Each song is a carefully crafted ming along to them long after they’ve piece of work and very different but stopped playing. all worthy of attention. However, I Shirtsleeves guitar verse could eas- must mention some in isolation. ily be found within the Manic Street All In The Eyes is in waltz-time and Preachers’ Holy Bible LP, but these shows the folk-inspired origins of songs are far from the darkness and some of the works. The soaring back- despair of said album. ground vocals and harmonies are a Oblong (cracking name) flick -be treasure. True music is a product of tween songs such as Light Sleeper skill, care and attention and this is (with its chunky Buzzcocks / Sham 69 not lacking here. guitars interweaving with a Proclaim- I have heard Lay Me Down live, ers-esque vocal melody), + moonbass complete with guitars, bass etc., so 69 (there’s a Tarantino film missing a title sequence here), River City (‘Pis- tols riffs combined with Julian Cope/ WE WANT TO HEAR Teardrop Explodes) as effortlessly as a hot blade through a nude manne- FROM YOU quin. Email links to music for Half way through Seren Du the pace drops (and then goes back up review to: again) into something I could imag- reviews@soundboard ine The Kinks doing on Village Green Preservation Society. magazine.co.uk RECORD REVIEWS

this new acapela version took me by Hole, and some of the biggest ballads strength. The whole set was an alt- surprise, but it’s very good. Sometime around with Saddest Song Of All, Peace rock wet dream for lovers of bands in the distant future, when we are all Of Night and the title track. such as Death From Above 1979, The dead, people will sit around campfires There’s a mix of styles on Endless Dead Weather and Queens Of The and sing this song in the darkness Roads but rather than that detract, it’s Stone Age. They’ve got a few gigs com- thinking, incorrectly, that it’s a folk all held together by Vernon’s distinc- ing up soon, go and catch them while song. It has that feel with a sing along tive and warm singing style. There’s you can and of course check out this chorus that is cheery but profound plenty here to celebrate and I for one bitchin’ new single. MT with a sad-but-true tale attached, this would like to hear the next chapter in is an original song. Brilliant. this rich musical history that Vernon facebook.com/zedmotel In my opinion, the song of the al- Hopkins has created. MK bum is Mirtazapine. The enigmatic ALBUM story is wrapped up in a beautiful ex- So little time / With a little luck / Deep altation of a song which reminds me black hole / The saddest song of all / STILL GOT of Across The Universe. You don’t feel it / Peace of night / Coal TIME Reverence is a massive, mysterious / Gone / Avalanche / Endless roads / song reminiscent of Martha’s Harbour Nashville / Fly on the wall / Drifting Frankie Wesson by All About Eve and exudes the same with the tide / Desecration / Charlie / musical class. Devil on the run / Winds of change This second album from, Abergaven- The final song, and title track, The ny-based, singer-songwriter Frankie Ballad of Peter and Jane is slow and has www.prestige-elite.com Wesson follows on from last year’s very little instrumentation, but at the Young Love and Wesson continues in same time, has tremendous weight. her confident, assured and very ap- To me, it’s like the tide coming in. SINGLE proachable style of pop/rock. Slow, powerful and irrepressible. She name checks Stevie Nicks and Buy this album, it will enrich your Springsteen in her lyrics and lead single life, I guarantee it, and help to build SCRATCHED Still Got Time does feature a chord pro- a platform so that there can be other Zed Motel gression straight out of The Boss’ gold- such albums in the future. Hurrah! RH en era. But, Wesson approaches both her vocal delivery and production with Available on vinyl, CD & download from: Scratched is the new stand alone single a more recent bent that is reminiscent www.sarahbirch.co.uk from Swansea based alt-rock trio Zed of KT Tunstall and Amy Macdonald. Motel and it’s totally worth stopping Although Wesson’s lyrics have the ALBUM by for a listen. I’ve been watching the feel of a diary confessional at times, band develop over the past couple of there is none of the alienating self- ENDLESS years and it’s safe to say they have now indulgence of modern miserabilists. ROADS comfortably settled into their particu- Tracks like Alice’s Song and Orion are larly cool style of rock and/or roll. perhaps the most personal but they still Vernon Hopkins The track opens with its thick guitar have a universal and uplifting quality punches, very reminiscent of the song that seeps through the whole album. Following hot on the heels of his au- Robot Rock by Daft Punk. This draws you Reuben F Tourettes’ guitar work features tobiography, Just Help Yourself, Vernon in with intrigue, especially with the heavily throughout and his sound defi- Hopkins has released this collection of double harmony “Ooh-ooh-ooh” vocals nitely influences Wesson’s music. There original songs and coming in at just from lead singer Katie Skilton and back- are times when less could have been over an hour it’s certainly value for ing vocals from lead guitarist Chris Noir. more and sometimes the guitar melo- money. Seventeen tracks charting the Katie’s vocals soar over this solid dies sit too high in the mix. But, when history of one of Wales’ most prolific rock track with a smooth flow of Tourettes’ guitar and Wesson’s vocal ide- and successful songwriters. distinct intricacy. It harks back to as combine perfectly there is some great, Vernon Hopkins, was of course, the early vocal styling of artists such genre-busting magic to be had. the guy who discovered Tom Jones as The Runaways or Joan Jett & the Familiar chord progressions are and persuaded The Senators to let the Blackhearts, but with an almost White given new life with ear-worm melo- young would-be singer join the band. Stripes-esque instrumental backing. dies while rock and pop productions The rest is history. Or is it? After ten The sweet vocals bounce off of the sit comfortably alongside each other. years of touring the world with Tom nasty electrical guitar fuzz with a nice Still Got Time is, timeless; appealing Jones he decided to go solo and pur- contrast. This song is one for drum- to fans of Fleetwood Mac and Para- sue his love of country music, and mer Jonathan Williams to shine on. more alike without compromising or he’s had songs recorded by Tom Jones, Out of all the drummers I’ve come diluting any of the style that makes Billy J Kramer, Iris Williams as well as across over the years, he most likely Wesson’s music her own. The 90’s countless choirs and rock bands over holds the crown for the most pow- post-grunge vibes are unashamed and the intervening years. He’s shared erful that I have ever witnessed. You all for the better. She has not only cre- the stage with The Beatles, The Roll- can feel each thump, thud and whack ated singles very worthy of air-time ing Stones, The Kinks, The Animals of the drum kit, which I’m sure was and playlisting, but also an album that and even got to meet Elvis in Las barely left standing after they fin- is more than the sum of its parts. If Vegas,when The King went to see him. ished the recording process. this is where she is by record number But, Endless Roads, is it any good? There is a thrashy-grunge feel to two then there’s a lot more to look for- Well yes, it is. Hearing Vernon sing the chorus as well as its squealing ward to from Frankie Wesson. JPD makes you wonder whether he had an guitar bends & licks from Chris Noir, influence on his former band-mate’s giving the song a slick modern edge. Alone / Still got time / Reasons / Stay / style, and the songs are strong with The sound is still very dominant for a Alice’s song / Dizzy love / Street lights great hooks and melodies. There’s a 3-piece that don’t utilise a bass guitar- / Loudest hearts / Orion / Dying for a certain poignancy as he sings on So ist I will admit. I went to see the band change Little Time, a celebration of Wales’ play in Swansea last week and they coal mining history on Deep Black are currently going from strength to www.frankiewessonmusic.com

20 LIVE REVIEWS SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019 ELERI SARAH BIRCH ANGHARAD & FRIENDS Little Man Coffee, Cardiff Cinema & Co., Swansea Saturday April 13th 2019 Friday April 19th 2019 WHO ARRANGES AN ALBUM LAUNCH FOR A BANK HOLIDAY WHEN EVERY- ONE HAS GONE AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND? Sarah Birch did. But do you know what? It didn’t really matter because Cinema & Co was packed out for the Lost Tuesday Society singer’s debut release, and any- body who is anybody in this bustling, music-loving city was there. Sarah had some special guests to open up the show and it soon became appar- ent that members of the bands were interwoven into each others sets so that each individual set merged into the whole making it quite the family affair. The line-up, basically, was Joel Morgan, The Warbirds and Sarah Birch, and the crowd loved it. It’s rare that you get to experience such musicianship on one SO IT WAS RECORD STORE DAY AND stage. Danny Kilbride and Kate Ronconi (both from Rag Foundation) merit an extra I’D BEEN UP EARLY TO DISTRIBUTE special mention for their sublime contributions. COPIES OF APRIL’S SOUNDBOARD With footage filmed by Sarah’s family from when she was a child as a backdrop MAGAZINE TO THE CROWDS OUT- we were taken through The Ballad Of Peter And Jane album in all its glory, which SIDE DERRICK’S MUSIC IN SWANSEA. made this a very intimate and honest performance. There were smiles and side- It had been a long day, and it wasn’t ward glances to old friends as each story unfurled itself and was absorbed by the improved by getting lost in the centre audience. This was a special night. Not only for Sarah but for every single person of Cardiff on a busy Saturday night, so that was there. It was magical. Ten songs, ten tales of a life lived and loved, and by when I finally walked up to Little Man the end of the set the crowd were crying out for more, but as Sarah said: “That’s Coffee it wasn’t in the best of moods. the album, I’ve got nothing else”. We hope and pray that it’s not true because this Luckily, standing outside smoking a lady is a star and we need her shining out for everyone to hear for evermore. MK cigarette (I think) was the legendary Joel Morgan of King Goon. All things in the world were well once more and af- ter a chat and a bit of perspectivising (is that a word?) we were in. Little Man Coffee is a great urban-chic venue com- plete with a good range of craft beers (and proper lagers), soft drinks, free water and a mouthwatering selection of cakes. The team behind the bar were great and the place was packed by 8pm. Earthbound is Eleri’s debut album. Two years in the making and well worth the wait. For the Cardiff launch she had surrounded herself with a staggering array of Swansea talent, called, for the night, The Blue J’s. We had Greenmailer’s Hywel Griffiths, King Goon’s Joel Morgan, The Occasional Do- mestic’s Jamie Nemeth and Jordan Sha- masee in the band and they did her proud. In a faultless set we were treat- ed to a selection of original Americana taken from Earthbound. Eleri’s voice has never sounded so strong and with Joel Morgan’s expert picking style be- hind her the set was lifted to another level. A special mention to Jordan too for some great harmonica work. It was a joy to see a Swansea artist so well re- ceived in a Cardiff venue, strengthen- ing the musical ties between the two cities. It would be fantastic to see more of this in the future. Wales is alive with music and Eleri Angharad is a the top of her game. MK

Earthbound is available via eleriangharadmusic.com

21 ROB NELMES’ NIGE

When we got in the lift, Nige pressed the required floor button AUNTY BARBARA and said “Going up”. What a relief. The old joking, nutter Nige was back. He really is a brilliant caring nephew. He just couldn’t PART ONE OF A THREE PART THRILLER... joke about knowing that his Aunty could be dead. Now he knew she was still alive he could allow himself to lighten up a bit. UNAWESOME DAY YESTERDAY. I WAS AT HOME, SORTING When we got to the ward, Aunty Barbara was sitting up in a OUT MY TUPPERWARE, WHEN MY MOBILE PHONE RANG bed, eating a pork pie. “Hello, Nigel” she said. And Nige gave her (THE A-TEAM RINGTONE). a big kiss on the cheek and a massive cwtch (a welsh hug). You Nigel’s (Nige to his friends) name was on my screen (Nige). I re- could almost smell the relief behind the smell of disinfectant. member thinking: “What does this nutter want?” However, instead “Hello, Robert Nelmes” said Aunty Barbara (she always called me of it being a mad phone call (Nige often phones me pretending to by my full name. Me and nige joked that she should also in- be an old man that’s lost his pigeons (just a joke that I play along clude my address and blood group along with my full name). I with)), Nige’s tone was full of tension and he struggled to get his said “Hello, Aunty Barbara. How are you feeling?”. She explained words out. In a nutshell (not literally) the phonecall consisted of to us that she was feeling a little bit woozy because of the pain- Nige telling me that he just found out his Aunty Barbara had just killers they gave her. Nige enquired about how this accident been rushed to hospital and would I mind coming to Singleton happened. She explained that she was on a chair getting some Hospital with him. Without a thought for my tupperware, I got lightbulbs down from the top shelf of the kitchen cupboard shoed and made it to Nige’s house in a season’s (January 2017– when she felt a bit dizzy. The next thing she knew was that she January 2018) best of 6 minutes 53 seconds (delighted). was waking up in a back of an ambulance. When Nige opened the door, he was as white as a slightly sun- Nige was very firm, but caring, telling Aunty Barbara that tanned ghost. “Thanks for coming so fast, Rob,” said Nige. I could if she needed anything doing like that again, that she should tell by his voice that he was worried. “No problemo,” I said in a phone him and we (I’m glad he included me in this, after all, Spanish way, trying to lighten the mood, but not to take away we are a great team) would be around as soon as we could. She from the seriousness of the situation. I think a heavy French ac- went on to explain that they had taken x-rays of her hip and cent might have been taking it too far in this serious circum- was waiting for the results. She was very sore but off her face stance. “What has happened?” I asked with deep concern in my on drugs. voice. “I really don’t know much,” said Nige, a hint of a frog in his We stayed for about an hour. I talked to the old lady in the manly throat, “other than she’s had a nasty fall and has been taken bed next to Aunty Barbara, she was in with a nasty anus (gulp!). to hospital in an ambulance, flashing lights and everything. I just had We said our goodbyes to Aunty Barbara and promised (we keep a call off Mr Talbot, Aunty (I call her Aunty too, even though we share our promises) to come and see her the next day. no blood) Barbara’s amorous neighbour (he’s had a ‘thing’ for Aunty On the way home, Nige said “I’m sorry I didn’t play ‘ignoring Barbara since Nige’s Uncle Trevor (I just called him ‘Trev’) died eight buses’ on the way here,Rob. I was too worried about Aunty Barbara years ago of brain troubles)) telling me what happened”. to concentrate”. He is so caring and competitive. “No worries, We got in Nige’s VW Polo (green) and headed off to Singleton Nige” I said. And I meant it. Hospital. To take Nige’s mind off things I suggested we have a Nige was dropping me off, and just before I left the car I game of ‘ignoring buses’. Nige said that he didn’t fancy playing. said “Nige, if you are worried, please phone me. Don’t worry alone”. I completely understood. “Thank you” said Nige, that hint of a frog reappearing in his We got to the hospital and asked at reception where Aunty throat again “You really are my BFF” (Best Flipping Friend). We Barbara was being kept or even if she was still alive. Good news. high-fived and he drove off. I really hope Aunty Barbara is bet- She was still alive. Even better news. She was on Ward G which is ter soon. She really is a lovely woman, with an even better, on the top floor of the hospital. That meant we got to go in a lift. lovelier nephew. To be continued... RN

OH PEDRO

22 TOM EMLYN SOUNDBOARD • JUNE/JULY 2019

IS IT a review, a thinkpiece, or something ELSE? maybe it’s a Spotlight, not sure what TO CALL IT, maybe the title can just be the artist and album names? [ed – yes, let’s do that!]

ROOBEHCataclause AND Sixteen Nine Frankenstein ROOBEH IS AN ELECTRONIC MU- Python’s Life of Brian on Individuals, SIC PRODUCER FROM SWANSEA. he explores these ideas with artistic HIS MUSIC FEELS LIKE DRIVING AT invention and creativity. NIGHT, NEON IN YOUR EYES, THE My personal favourite track is No RADIO FLICKERING BETWEEN TOP- Saving Souls, the closing track from 40, HAUNTED TALK SHOW AND Sixteen/Nine Frankenstein, a track LONG-FORGOTTEN ADVERTISING which relies less on sampling and COPY, THE LONELINESS OF THE more on original composition. SHOPPING CENTRE, EARBUDS ON Over a background of ambient elec- THE NIGHT BUS, THE BLUE OCEAN tronica with an almost tribal rhythm, OF THE PHONE SCREEN. a cold, disembodied robotic female 2015’s Cataclause and 2016’s Six- voice intones a surreal, monotonous teen Nine Frankenstein are albums that rap that manages to sum up all of the need to be heard, though they’re not big ideas I’ve been discussing, with albums in the conventional sense. lines like “I am the fruition, the battle These are postmodern sound col- of attrition – you cannot go elsewhere be- lages in the tradition of Dada, plun- cause I own the competition – look at me, derphonics, music concrete and va- am I not tempting? No ethnicity ability porwave; cultural detritus scavenged “Over a back- could ever be exempting from my test from the landfill and repurposed into cause now I am the best, I am the only strange, otherworldly new forms. ground of ambient one, the total sum, together now, don’t His music is mostly sampled, then be dumb, be sure to come to see my show processed, edited, slowed down, sped electronica with on the 20th, you can bring your friends up, looped and messed about with in an almost tribal there will be loads there will be plenty various ways to create a disorienting, if” and “remember you were young and disconcerting bricolage that holds up rhythm, a cold, used to work in Superdrug, well that’s me a mirror to consumer capitalism and – regurgitated mp3 – procession of preci- especially to our relationship with disembodied ro- sion manipulated to be like you, in one pop music, the ghostly ether that sur- of many many ways an advanced under- rounds us. botic female voice standing of our language is relayed”. The parrot that appears on the This voice is almost like a self-pro- cover of both of these albums is a intones a surreal, moting personification of capitalism, perfect symbol for this relationship; monotonous rap” advertising or media (or something); we reproduce the symbols that we seductive despite its chilling selfish- are given, usually without realising ness, a dangerous siren with a way we’re doing so, not comprehending with words. The track’s also just got a the meaning but just repeating; like a great groove to it; the rhythm of the parrot. Despite its digital nature, Roo- robotic words glitching and jarring beh’s music feels genuinely, expres- against the track is hypnotic. sively human in its emotional range; By its very nature, this music cannot it’s creepy, sad, beautiful, weird, an- be performed live, so Roobeh is pretty gry, and funny; it manages to be satis- much unknown to the Swansea scene. fying music that’s entertaining to lis- This seems a shame; he’s a unique art- ten to, as well as doing all the serious, ist with something to say, and more arty things I’m talking about. When people should listen to him. TE Roobeh transforms Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up into a melancholic exploration of loneliness in Weirdo Soul, twists the 20th Century Fox snare roll into a piece of ambient electroni- ca on Foxy Lobby, or samples Monty RoobehTunes

23 GIG GUIDE – JUNE & JULY

THURSDAY JUNE 13TH FRIDAY JUNE 28TH THURSDAY JULY 18TH JUNE Matt Price + Peter Brush Neath Apathy Avenue ‘One More Day’ Nozstock Festival SATURDAY JUNE 1ST Comedy Festival Ep Release Herefordshire Swansea Music Hub Presents: The Duke, Neath THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA FRIDAY JULY 19TH Alffa FRIDAY JUNE 14TH A Heavy Night News From Nowhere/All Dead Creature Sound, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Gower Folk Festival All Dead/ Red Telephone/ Night Ukelele Festival Of Wales Return Journey Festival: Ft Lost Woebley Castle, GOWER School Gower Heritage Centre Tuesday Society SATURDAY JUNE 15TH Sin City, SWANSEA Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music Clyne Farm, SWANSEA Gower Folk Festival Nozstock Festival Woebley Castle, GOWER Festival Herefordshire Bass Linew/Andy C The Guy That Gets The Girl Powys Llangollen Fringe Festival Sin City Jacs, Aberdare Who’s Next Llangollen Lets Rock Wales Festival The Vault/No Sign, SWANSEA SUNDAY JUNE 16TH SATURDAY JULY 20TH Tredegar Park, Newport Gower Folk Festival SATURDAY JUNE 29TH Nozstock Festival Hay Festival Woebley Castle, GOWER Grimecrafts - £1 Grime Rave Herefordshire Hay On Wye THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA WEDNESDAY JUNE 19TH Dance On The Mountain Festival Lost Tuesday Society SUNDAY JUNE 2ND Libor Smoldas/ Nigel Price Gwent Elysium Bar, SWANSEA Hay Festival Quintet SUNDAY JULY 21ST Haye On Wye Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music The GaragE, SWANSEA Nozstock Festival MONDAY JUNE 3RD Festival Herefordshire THURSDAY JUNE 20TH Powys The Government THURSDAY JULY 25TH The Hyst, SWANSEA Stephanie Laing + Andrew Rutledge SUNDAY JUNE 30TH At The Neath Comedy Festival Rxptrs/ Cope +Support WEDNESDAY JUNE 5TH Before The End Promotions The Duke, Neath THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Paced/Bass Fortnighters Presents: Before The End Fest 2019 FRIDAY JUNE 21ST Hot 8 Brass Band Creature Sound, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Sin City, SWANSEA Tensheds - The Piano And Drum Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music THURSDAY JUNE 6TH FRIDAY JULY 26TH Death Machine Festival High Visions And Support Big Cheese Festival Crowleys, SWANSEA Powys THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Caerphilly Castle Unearthed In A Field Festival Andrew O’neill +Harriet Dyer Llandudno Jazz Festival SOLva, PEMBROKESHIRE The Duke ,Neath July Llandudno FRIDAY JUNE 7TH SATURDAY JUNE 22ND WEDNESDAY JULY 3RD Steelhouse Festival Sumo Cyco Celtic Pride+Guests Fernanda Cunha/Afonso Pais Ebbw Vale Hangar 18, SWANSEA THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Quintet SATURDAY JULY 27TH Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music Kings Of The Rollers:Royal Rumble The Garage, SWANSEA Delusion And Journey Dance Festival Sin City, SWANSEA FRIDAY JULY 5TH Classics + Anthems Powys Big Love Festival Shellyann Hangar 18, SWANSEA Rhydian And Royal Harpist Haye On Wye Pontardawe Arts Centre Big Cheese Festival Claire Jones BBC Now: Shostakovich Piano SATURDAY JULY 6TH Caerphilly Castle THE Brangwyn Hall, SWANSEA Concerto No.2 Public Service Broadcasting Pete Tong Northern Soul Night 2 THE Brangwyn Hall, SWANSEA Caerphilly Castle Singleton Park, SWANSEA Jacs, Aberdare Goth And 9Xdead WEDNESDAY JULY 10TH Ibiza Classics Afterparty Jacs, Aberdare SUNDAY JUNE 23RD Sin City, SWANSEA Holding Absence Ogikubo Station SATURDAY JUNE 8TH THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Monmouth Festival Crowleys, SWANSEA Monmouth Heavy On The Ride 10 Year An- THURSDAY JULY 11TH Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music SUNDAY JULY 28TH niversary Folk On The Lawn Festival THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Festival Tintern Abbey, Gwent Monmouth Festival Extinction Rebellion Fundraiser Powys Monmouth FRIDAY JULY 12TH Creature Sound, SWANSEA MONDAY JUNE 24TH Jess Glyn Derek Nash/Noel Mccalla Band The Resist-Stance Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music Singleton Park, SWANSEA The Garage, SWANSEA Hangar 18, SWANSEA Powys MONDAY JULY 29TH The Zutons + The Subways Peter Bruntnell Band/ Trio With TUESDAY JUNE 25TH Caerphilly Castle Monmouth Festival Sophia Marshall Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music Monmouth SATURDAY JULY 13TH Cinema And Co., SWANSEA Powys TUESDAY JULY 30TH Kamikaze Test Pilots + Support Punk Rock Pile Up WEDNESDAY JUNE 26TH THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Monmouth Festival Crowleys, SWANSEA Paul Sawtell/Danny Moss Jr. Quartet Monmouth Black Stone Cherry Big Love Festival The Garage, SWANSEA Caerphilly Castle WEDNESDAY JULY 31ST Haye On Wye Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music Stereophonics ( Sold Out!) Monmouth Festival SUNDAY JUNE 9TH Powys Singleton Park, SWANSEA Monmouth Big Love Festival THURSDAY JUNE 27TH SUNDAY JULY 14TH Haye On Wye The Scottish Falsetto Sock Pup- PERFORMERS WEDNESDAY JUNE 12TH Groove Armada pet Theatre + Noel James Ncf Caerphilly Castle & VENUES! Brightr The Duke, Neath MONDAY JULY 15TH Send us your dates for THE BUNKHOUSE, SWANSEA Gwyl Gregynog - Classical Music Sheryl Bailey Organ Trio Heft Presents Dj Hazard/Bou/Phantom inclusion in the Gig Guide. Festival Sin City The Garage, SWANSEA Powys [email protected]

This guide is correct at the time of going to press. But you all know that you should 24 check with the venue or performer before travelling, right? Have a great night! WANNA KNOW A SECRET?

SO WHILE I DON’T LIKE TO GOSSIP, siders say will be even better than their SWANSEA FRINGE returns this Oc- I’M NOT TOO FOND OF HEARSAY debut. tober but without mainstay SIMON AND I’M UNDOUBTEDLY NOT A Following on from their stunning PARTON. No falling out we’re happy FAN OF HE-SAID-SHE-SAID... PULL performance at May’s CwmafanFest to confirm but pressure of work has UP A PEW (MOVES IN SLIGHTLY KING GOON are back in the studio left him no choice but to skip this CLOSER)...YOU’LL NEVER GUESS adding the finishing touches to their year. However his place is being filled WHAT?! long-awaited album. JAMES MORGAN by SOUNDBOARD’s own FLIPSY MCCAW. Everyone at SOUNDBOARD was said: “this one will shock a few people. We’re sure Flipsy will bring a breath of devastated to learn of the demise of It’s King Goon but with some big sur- fresh air and energy to the proceed- ESTRONS. One of Wales’ most exciting prises!’ ings. Full details to follow. and innovative bands have decided ABERTAWE ROAD STUDIOS has We were all saddened to learn of to call it a day but plan to continue teamed up with DEATH MONKEY JOHN CORBETT’s passing. John played to work on their individual music RECORDS and WELSH CONNECTIONS drums with THE TREMBLIN’ KNEES for projects in the future. to upgrade the studio and bring some more than thirty years and was a well The legendary PATTI PAVILION is be- innovative ideas to Swansea’s music respected musician and photographer, ing brought back to life as a leading scene, look out for ‘LIVE FROM...’ a often called the ‘Welsh John Bonham’. Swansea music venue. We hear that planned live event which will be filmed John succumbed to cancer after a long much money is being invested in the and recorded in front of a strictly lim- battle and will be mourned by many. building to improve the sound and ited audience for future release. Tick- GLAS have called it a day after in- look. A new PA system and stage is ets will be available from DERRICKS band disagreements. The Blackwood going in and there are, we hear, some RECORDS, Swansea and advertised on wonders were one of Wales’ hardest pretty exciting bands being booked to the studio’s Facebook page. touring bands, clocking up thousands play in the near future. And talking of Abertawe Road Stu- of miles travelling across the country Two of Swansea’s favourite musi- dios, some familiar Swansea bands playing festivals, clubs and pubs to cians have been A-listed by BBC Radio have been seen sneaking in and out great critical acclaim. Their last album, Wales. Tracks by ELERI ANGHARAD of the place recently alongside Death released on PROPER RECORDS, was a and TAURUS 1984 (Alastair Jenkins) Monkey Records’ DAVE MILSOM, se- huge critical success. We wish the guys have been selected for airplay recently. cret recordings taking place for a secret every success in the future with their SON OF MAN are back in the studio project? new projects. with TIM HAMILL at Sonic One work- Aberdare’s DUNKIE has been finalis- ing on album number two. GEORGE ing his debut album with WAYNE BAS- Did you hear some Gossip? JONES, RICHIE GALLONI, GLEN SETT of ROBOT RECORDINGS. We’ve Have you Heard it on the Grapevine? QUINN, MARCO JAMES, BOB RICH- heard the tracks and this is shaping Do you know any Rumours? ARDS & PETE STRADLING are hard at up to be a stunning album with some Email us in confidence: work making a new album which in- amazing artwork too. [email protected]

25 THE NEXT GENERATION – JOE HOPPE

I FIRST MET THIS TALENTED DRUMMER A YEAR AGO-ISH AT THE SONIC YOUTH OPEN MIC EVENT I USED TO RUN, AND WHILE HE IS A HANDSOME YOUNG MAN, A MAN OF FEW WORDS, WITH AN INEXPLICABLY COOL EXTERIOR, HE REALLY IMPRESSED ME WITH HIS DRUMMING. IF HE’S NOT BEEN SNATCHED UP BY THE TIME THIS GOES TO PRINT YOU NEED HIM IN YOUR BAND! My name’s Joe Hoppe, I’m 16 and I’ve been playing drums for If I didn’t want to do music I honestly I have no idea what around 2 years now. Music is an absolutely massive part of my I’d like to do. I suppose I’d try and become a psychologist, study life. I have my earphones in almost 24/7. mental health and help people. That’s always interested me. My favourite genre to listen to is hard rock/metal, but I seri- We’ll just have to see. If I get into a band then I’ll hopefully be ously enjoy every type of music. Bedroom pop is another favour- gigging regularly but if not, then I’ll go with whatever happens. ite of mine. When I was about 10 I always loved watching my favourite bands live, but I loved the energy and ‘rock’n’roll’ of the drum- mer. I asked my dad for a kit and he got me a second hand one from eBay. After playing for a bit, I went off of it for a while. One day I decided to get back on it and now here I am.

“To be able to play a full stadium and have everyone rocking out would be the ultimate dream.”

Dave Grohl will always be a huge inspiration to me. To be able to be 50 and still be as cool as him would be amazing. The best live gig I’ve seen so far is definitely Foo Fighters. But my drumming hero is Joey Jordison. He never fails to impress me every time I listen to him. Right now I’m auditioning for a band. I’ve been looking to join a band for a while now so I’m seriously excited. I would love to play in a hard rock or indie rock band. Being able to make other people rock out would be amazing. @bittersweetboye The strangest gig I’ve played so far was in a community cen- I’ll post videos of my drumming occasionally and I’ll always tre in Bridgend to a bunch of elderly people dressed as fairytale post when I have a gig coming up. Thank you! characters. I remember there being an old man dressed as Little Red Riding Hood and another as a Dalmatian. Joe was talking to Flipsy McCaw

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

of Antiques Roadshow, so you try cheering yourself up by dreaming up ways of killing Ramsey. It does the trick, by midnight you are laugh- ing at the idea of grating him with a blunt cheese grater from the feet up. GAME OF THRONES SPECIALLeo Seek help. Daenerys’s ever changing hair-do. Your lucky Game of Throner is that hard You know that thing that Bran does as fuck dead lady little girl. with his eyes? Well, that’s what eve- Aries ryone does to you when you are talk- The One Eyed Raven (Blind) ing, because you are boring as fuck. Capricorn Great news. The Ice King has been Your lucky game of Throner is that Eu- The adverts. defeated. That means you can now nuch bloke, Varys, who doesn’t really do You try to look life Joffrey on Tuesday. You safely put out your washing to dry much. He’s just there. buy a bottle of peroxide from Boots and on the line. Tuesday seems like the get to work. It’s a fucking disaster. Instead best day to do it. Good luck. Virgo of looking like a king of one of the greatest Your lucky Game of Throner is Nothing. Mid-season break armies in fiction, you look like a council Dead Ned Stark. estate Eminem. Cut off your Head. Your lucky Game of Throner is Libra The Red Lady (when she’s old). Taurus Rob Stark’s stutter The cool clockwork map at the You know the red wedding where start of the programme everybody gets killed? Well, next Aquarius You will be all confused on Wednesday weekend you go to a wedding and Zombie dragon! when you suddenly start speaking Do- it’s a bit like that, only, two cousins You start acting like Little Finger thrakian. The staff at Tesco get fright- have a shit fight and you are sick on this week. You see a kid fall over ened by this but you make matters your shoes. in a playground on Thursday and worse when you start shaking a frozen Your lucky Game of Thoner is that creepy graze their knee. You quickly look chicken at them whilst screaming: religious guy who lives with Cersei. for a pilar, you can’t find one so “DREEETHICAN HOOZCLOOMBI” You know. Pentagons. you make do with a lamp post. You Your lucky Game of Throner is some run behind it and then look at the bastard, I don’t know. Fuck off. child and smirk. Like it was you that Scorpio made the kid fall. Great work, Grey Worm’s missus you sly fucker. Gemini On Tuesday you go around pretend- Your lucky Game of Throner is laugh a minute, Cersei’s Hair ing you are Tyrion. You ask staff at life of the party, jokes galore Grey Worm. (when she went bald) Tesco could they reach that tin of The gods are angry with you on beans for you. They tell you that it’s Monday. It’s because you are ugly. right in front of you and you can Pisces Your lucky game of Throner is reach it yourself. You get really upset The End Of Game of Thrones Hodor’s Holdall. and the only thing that cheers you So, it comes to the end. For the up is to have sex with a prostitute. final episode you Sellotape all your Your lucky game of Throners are those cutlery to your sofa. It looks shit. Cancer two lesbian prostitutes. See, I can’t stop You get over excited and drink too The dog that ate Ramsey’s jaw thinking about prostitutes now. Jeez much and fall asleep before it comes You have a terrible week. You first have on. Then when you wake up, BBC a nasty headache on Wednesday, then Breakfast is on and instantly reveal you rip your jeans on those big gates at Sagittarius who finally sits on the Iron Throne. the castle of Winterfell. They are your The wine that they always drink. Who will it be? It could be anyone. best jeans too. Such a shame. I hate it I always want to taste that when This is the end bit. Probably Jon when shit like that happens. Twat. I see them drinking it. Snow though. Your lucky Dire Wolf has distemper and You have a bad day on sunday Your Lucky Game Of Throner is the end has to be put down. Lol. because of a particularly bad episode titles and you are crying. Grow up.

There you go, the spirits have spoken (FROM A FICTIONAL PLACE) oooooooooooooooh. 27

THE FINAL WORD... COMING BACK STRONGER First finding fame with her band Moira & The Mice (one of John Peel’s favourites), Moira Morgan has recently formed Seafall and released a critically acclaimed album. Here’s the story behind Seafall’s latest single, Strong in all the broken places.

STRONG IN ALL THE BROKEN PLACES IS Drugs and Rock’n’Roll, after his song OUR ANTHEM FOR MENTAL HEALTH. Spasticus Autisticus was called ‘un- AS YOU HAVE NOTICED IT’S A BIT MOIRA sympathetic’ he raged (I’ll leave out OF A DEPARTURE FOR SEAFALL AND MORGAN the swearing): “We don’t want sympa- THE TRUTH IS THE GUYS ‘LET ME thy, we want Respect”, God, I love that OFF MY LEASH’ FOR THIS ONE. film. Andy Serkis plays him brilliantly. Known for our gentle, sensitive back from psychosis and show up for Julian Temple’s films about The Feelgo- stuff, this is an ‘in yer face, old school her work, her family and her friends ods, Wilko Johnson and Joe Strummer rock anthem’. It’s worth talking about just blew me away. The medication are also desert island discs. how the song came to be. I’ve been she needs hasn’t been improved since Anyway, we don’t want mental ill- brewing it for a few years (sometimes the 70s. It’s incredibly toxic, don’t get ness to be seen as something to turn a song takes years to percolate and me started on that one. I could bang away from, or be whispered about, sometime minutes, they always start on about that for days. Her strength we want it be seen as just part of be- with squiggly feeling in my stomach) to carry on inspires me every day. She ing human. The expression Strong in finally turning into a song. The verse wrote something this morning on Fa- all the broken places, has roots in an- is autobiographical: cebook, she is in hospital at the mo- cient myth, can’t remember which “Time after time people tried to drag ment: “Up early for a day of looking out tradition, it might be Hindu. Where me down Blinded by the light, preying on of windows. Wishing I was well. Wish- a man goes out into the wilderness the darkness in me. Time after time I’ve ing I was free”. There’s a song in there. and is dismembered by demons. That had to turn my life around start all over, night other demonic forces put him never find a field of clover fault lines run back together, and he finds that the deep; they can fracture while you sleep”. “we don’t want places where he was dismembered Being perceived as powerful and were stronger than before. I remem- destined for success during and after mental illness ber sitting beside my plumber when the Moira and the Mice days, I attract- he soldered a pipe that had sprung ed some pretty unsavoury characters. to be seen as a leak and said: “that will last forever I was, as the new language for it says, now”. I love it when ancient myth Gaslit. This is when a narcissist iso- something to and plumbing come together. lates and controls you. You become So, the song is an anthem about ‘dismantled’ It’s great that it’s now turn away from, that. It’s a celebration of the strength classified as abuse and there’s a lot or be whispered and the resilience of those not blessed of information out there. A narcissist with a perfect life and a ‘sunny na- can spot your vulnerabilities and use about, we want ture’ So, to all of you out there who them. The bridge, also biographical: suffer, maybe with chronic pain, you “Born scared, but I came out fighting I it be seen as just may have life changing conditions, dared to be a rod for the lightning I swear you may be depressed or anxious or that it a world so dark and frightening part of being just feel broken. This song is for you. That I’ll go on, I’ll go on”. “The burned I carry make me strong”. I was brought up in an atmosphere human.” So, stay strong, because the world of fear and suffered physical and needs you, your suffering makes you emotional abuse. Many clinicians, The friend who shot the video, Paul wise. Sending a high five (got to be and Lady Gaga, now believe that trau- Whittaker, is out and proud bi-polar careful high fiving someone with Fi- ma in early life can manifest itself as and is touring a play wot-he-wrote bromyalgia though, ‘cos it might hurt). Fibromyalgia with all its nasty little (thanks Eric and Ernie) about his That’s the story folks, big love and running mates, depression/anxiety condition, called ‘Gods and Kings’. I Gaga for President! etc. as well as the main event: pain worked out that most of the people and fatigue. Big love to all my Fibro who worked on Strong have or have brothers and sisters out there! had some kind of mental illness. As But let’s get back to the real inspi- I proudly said on Bro Radio recently, ration. My friend Rhiannon Clarke “we’re all crazy”. SUBSCRIBE! happens to have schizophrenia. We, There were a few shocked faces in For just £18 / year Rhiannon and I, use the word schizo- the room, I suppose not sure how to phrenia in an out and proud way. We react. But that’s the whole point. We you can have purposely don’t call it anything that are at a stage where it’s become ‘ok’ to SOUNDBOARD MAGAZINE may be ‘politically correct’ because we talk about mental illness but we want delivered direct to your letterbox want to say it as it is. It was observing an ‘upgrade’. As that brilliant enter- and being with her, seeing her come tainer Ian Dury said in the filmSex and contact: [email protected]

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