Played Cymru #7: The Best In New Welsh Music

Creoso! Cheers for checking out CLASH’s monthly Welsh music round-up, diolch yn fawr iawn. This column casts an eye over the finest recent releases from the key emerging acts in the land of song, as well as checks in on the key events that have helped make up the country’s rich musical ecosystem. It’s a busy one this month, so let’s dive straight in –

August was, of course, festival season. Green Man was a spectacular highlight; a practically perfect festival experience. Around the country there was also the national Eisteddfod, which of course featured tons of music, highlighted by an excellent week of fringe gigs organised by the hard-grafting DJ Dilys, hosting the likes of Mellt, HMS Morris and a general who’s-who of Welsh alternative music. 

Several new venues outside the major cities also opened – something worth celebrating in today’s precarious climate. In Bridgend, The Black Cat opened its doors, looking to channel some of the town’s storied rock, punk and metal scene of yesteryear. In Pontyclun, The Dusty Trombone hosted its first gigs, with a stellar opening show lineup that included psych scene leaders Dactyl Terra and Obey Cobra. Then in Cwmcarn, the gem of a party venue that is The Fork & Tune relaunched, following a very handsome new makeover.

A few other names deserve a shoutout. Back in the capital city, Connor at 333 Presents continued his rise as one of Cardiff’s most exciting new promoters, putting together a seemingly-endless series of shows in venues like The Moon and Tiny Rebel. Author and podcast host Neil Collins also released a stellar book titled International Velvet: How Wales Conquered The 90’s Charts, which chronicles the rise of Cool Cymru; a storied era that, until now, has not been told in enough detail.

It was a busy month in Wales and the rest of the year looks even busier. Along with lineups for upcoming festivals Sŵn and Llais, the final shortlist of albums for this year’s Welsh Music Prize was released at the end of August (this author is very excited to be on the judging panel), with the winner set to be announced at a ceremony and showcase in October at the Wales Millennium Centre.

This just about surmises the last month in Welsh music, but apologies if anything was left out! So without further ado, let’s jump into a selection of excellent releases from the last month. Encompassing gorgeous jazz, singer-songwriter charm and gothic avant-rock, the following selection is an attempt to show Welsh music at its vibrant, colourful best.

—

Campfire Social – ‘They Sound The Same Underwater’

A perfect record if you’re suffering a bit of post-summer melancholy, ‘They Sound The Same Underwater’ is a proper charmer; an accomplished collection of emo-indie bursting with heart-on-its-sleeve soul.

From the Kinsella-esque twinkly math of ‘Patsy Decline’ to the anthemic second wave emo punk of ‘Clarity’, this  accomplished debut from Llangolen’s Campfire Social is a wonderful album, coursing with energy, invention and acute emotional intelligence.

–

Slowly Rolling Camera – ‘Silver Shadow’

We’re already slightly breaking our “emerging artists” rule here, but ‘Silver Shadow’ is too good not to feature.

Cardiff jazz/post-rock trio Slowly Rolling Camera are cult enough to qualify, and their latest album is an absolute blinder. Their brand of emotive, widescreen jazz rock (think Mammal Hands, The Cinematic Orchestra, Gogo Penguin etc.) is a seriously enriching and immersive experience, delivered via another full-length that provides textured wonder aplomb.

These eight mini epics feel like the OST to the greatest noir/romance/sci-fi film you’ve never seen.

–

Tom Emlyn – ‘Rehearsal for the Rain: Scaredycat Vol. 2’

This is the second month running that Tom Emlyn has featured in the column, aptly so for a prolific wiz who, along with releasing reams of music and relentlessly gigging across Wales, is also a member of Papa Jupe’s T.C. and Rainyday Rainbow.

His latest full-length is the delightful ‘Rehearsal for the Rain: Scaredycat Vol. 2’; a psychedelic (‘Chemical Road’), bouncy (‘Hall of Mirrors’) and touching (‘Double-Crossed’) collection from a singer-songwriter who’s on an absolute hot streak right now. Long may Tom’s charismatic reign continue. 

–

Maunten – ‘The Tape’

We only have a Bandcamp link to share for this 17-minute guitar, drums and violin improvisation headed by one of Cardiff’s most interesting creative figures: Zak Thomas. Along with running Still Hands tattoo shop (where ‘The Tape’ was recorded live), Zack also heads Muriel; a brilliant folk/emo project signed to Venn Records.

This single piece of improvised music recalls the swelling post-rock of Dirty Three; an engrossing and enchanting voyage you won’t want to end. If Zak’s busy schedule allows, here’s hoping the Maunten project continues to develop.

–

Tristwch Y Fenywod – ‘Tristwch Y Fenywod’

We’re at the strangest depths of the column now. Tristwch Y Fenywod are, to use their own description; a “Welsh-language gothic avant-rock power-coven”.

The trio’s debut is a strange, indescribable effort that casts a singularly eerie spell. Zither chimes, booming, archaic drums and ethereal vocals are the core components of this self-titled full–length, whose title intriguingly translates as “The Sadness Of Women”. A mesmerising effort that casts the Welsh landscape (physical and psychological) as alien territory; beautiful, unknown and dangerous. 

–

Cremulation – ‘Amalgamated Abomination’

We’ll end the column down in the filthiest of depths, with gory death metallers Cremulation and their insanely-fun debut ‘Amalgamated Abomination’.

Cardiff has a solid death metal scene, centred around the venue Fuel, Eradication Festival, promoters including FHED and bands such as Cremulation, Excursia and veterans Tides Of Sulphur and, ahem, Sodomized Cadaver. Cremulation look like one of the cream of the ugly crop right now, nailing a style of murky, traditionalist death metal that’s become popular in recent years.

If this is your thing, dive deep into ‘Amalgamated Abomination’s sewer.

—

Words: Tom Morgan

—