Emerging Welsh Bands - Plus Exclusive Interview with Bandicoot

There's no greater feeling than finding the pulse of the next best up-and-coming group of musicians, and when they're rising from the backwaters of your own home country it's ten times better. The woolly wonders of Wales are often overlooked in the English domination of new authentic bands, but nonetheless, there is an array of talent rising from our rainy nation with the capability to follow in the footsteps of the Welsh greats such as, The Manic Street Preachers and Super Furry Animals. 

So, here are my current three favourite emerging Welsh bands who have caught my attention with the potential to achieve great success.  

The Cradles (Cardiff) 

Five suave gents make the retro rock band from Cardiff. The Cradles have an instantly cool vibe about them; laid back swagger echos the early days of The Kinks as crafty lyrics and distinctive guitar riffs create an instantly pleasing sound. Their menacing track, Ideal Girl is a personal favourite, the  singer Joe Norman's smooth tones fit  perfectly with wacky guitar licks and tight drumming all in a classic guitar based rock band song structure; a very professional and blasé sound. Their precise style is a theme which runs throughout their self titled EP, from energetic twist worthy track You Won't Find Anyone Else to the maudlin sounds of Stamp Man, The Cradles have a finesse about them which has been recognised by BBC Introducing and 6 Music; recognition which is                     thoroughly deserved.

Catch them live @ Cardiff Undertone, 14th April

Pipedream (Cardiff)   

The blissful and progressive ambient sounds of Pipedream were an absolute pleasure to stumble upon one dreary afternoon. The love child of Robert Smith and Johnny Marr, this three piece are bringing shoegazing back with beautifully constructed songs and avant garde album artwork in their debut album Secret Beach. By not over complicating their writing, Pipedream have created an intricate and intimate sound with a strong melodic line weaving throughout to perfect an accessible, yet haunting sound. Pipedream's psychedelic video for Imbalance mirrors the sorrowfully sweet sound of shoegazing topped with Marr-esque guitar riffs in a moody yet feel good creation. Their '80s alt sound swoons again in my favourite track Secret Beach, the smooth introduction immediately grabs you and builds with gritty lyrics in a balanced rise and fall. Fittingly, this cleverly crafted album is housed in a gorgeous sleeve and the limited edition coloured vinyl gives Secret Beach a unique stand out feature. With their luscious tones and authentic style I predict great things for this band.  
   

Bandicoot (Swansea) 

Four likely lads from Swansea, Bandicoot are fresh on the alternative scene and only seem to be going up. I adore their rustic music video for Shake that captures their punk spirit (and gives a wonderful insight into a domestic back garage). Shake is a song bursting at the seams with energy and character seeping out of these guys. With impressive guitar licks and a vocal tone reminiscent of that of Ian Curtis or Alex Kapranos, it's amazing to think that this sound comes from a reasonably young group when it is put together so professionally with a confident aura; especially noted in Everything I Need which is mastered with precision. It's refreshing to see a Welsh group of mates make ago at the music industry and I particularly like their disclaimer for this: "Worried about life so we thought a band would be the best option."  

Allowing a unique insight into the current Welsh music scene from the musicians themselves, Bandicoot very kindly agreed to share their experiences so far. Built on the foundations of singer Rhys and guitarist Gareth's friendship; Bandicoot draw on an eclectic mix of inspirations, "Our biggest influences differ with each member," front man Rhys explained, from Hendrix to John Bonham, The Clash to Elvis Presley, and spot the Bowie and Blink 182 Ts in the video for Shake, it's great to see a rich musical background behind up-and-coming talent. With a mix of exhilarating originals and well executed covers Bandicoot are ripe for the local music scene. "We have had countless local gigs in Swansea and Cardiff," Gareth tells me, "the support from music venues and promoters has been very well received and appreciated." So the Welsh music scene is doing something right! It's an absolute MUST for striving artists to be given a supportive platform and it looks like Bandicoot are prospering from that. "The Welsh music community is often very supportive and friendly," drummer, Billy confirms, "we've played with and have developed very strong friendships with many people as a result of the local scene." From this footing Bandicoot are on the way to perfecting their live sound having recently finished a spring tour going from Welsh capital Cardiff on the long road to Leicester with stops in between. With increasing support and growing experience, Bandicoot have bagged themselves the support slot for the rising alternative band's VANT and Tigercub at Swansea's Sin City on April 19th  - a must see gig if ever I saw one! 
I wish Swansea's thriving garage band every success and with their feet firmly on the ground, this talented group of friends have the potential to achieve this, "the future for us is to continue what we're currently doing; which is growing as a band, as people and as musicians, and continuing to write and perform music."         

Clearly the newest bands of Wales have a lot to offer and I look forward to following these artists on their way, make sure you don't miss out and give each one a worthy follow on twitter. 

   The Cradles - @TheCradles 
   Pipedream - @PipedreamCC   
   Bandicoot - @bandi_coot   

Laura