The Echo and The Always

What can you say about this new five piece from Cardiff? Personally, they’re polite and compassionate with the majority of the band working for charity. They’re enthusiastic in what they do and it shows in their sound. It’s refreshing, angelic and it’s honest.

In the midst of recording more tracks for their EP we caught up with them to talk about recording, their recent name change, nick names and band antics.

Tell us about your recent name change and what people can look out for?
We’ve wanted to change our name for over a year now, but with our latest line up change that happened back in the spring we finally took the opportunity to put Sleepy Panda Club to rest and take on a new identity. As fun as that name was it really didn’t suit us. It doesn’t represent who we are or what our sound is about. Our sound isn’t really bright, sparkly indie dance pop like it was when we first formed, so we thought we should take on a name that reflects who we feel we are. Plus, it’s a name that all of us chose as a group, so it just seems to fit. People can expect some of the same elements – layers of simple melodies playing off one another, and we’re still have all the same elements with guitar, bass, trumpet, synth and female vocals, but we’re a bit more sombre and more melancholic.

What have you got going on at the moment?
We’re in the process of recording our EP and working on new material. In November we’ll be playing at the Parrot in Carmarthen with our mates Paper Factory and the Adelines, as well as Boy Royals, which we’re really chuffed about. We’ll be holding an EP launch in January in Swansea, which in some ways is our original hometown.

Tell us about your upcoming EP – How was the recording process?
The process has been absolutely amazing. We’ve never had it go so quickly or so smoothly. It’s partly because we’re really prepared this time around, and also because we’re all on the same page with where the songs are going. We’ve had tension in the studio before because of different visions and individual senses of ownership over songs, but now the songs belong to us as a whole. We don’t have massive creative differences, and when we do differ in opinion we take time to figure out what serves the song, rather than anyone’s ego. Working with Todd was great too because he was quite enthusiastic about our songs, but also quite blunt about what he thought worked and didn’t work. He was brilliant to work with.

Who did you record with?
We recorded with Todd Campbell at Skwad, and we’ll be going back there next month to record a few more tracks.

What genre of music do you consider your work to be and who are your major influences?
This is always a tough question to answer. I suppose we’re somewhere between shoegaze and post punk with a bit of indie pop, but that’s attaching labels for the sake of attaching labels. Collectively we have a massive range of influences, so it’s hard to pigeon hole us. All of our songs are so completely different, which isn’t because we’re trying to find our sound but because we’re comfortable not having a defined sound that we have to adhere to. One day we might write a dark dance song, then we might write an ethereal acoustic song, then we might write a waltz. That being said, you can probably hear the influence of the Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Brand New, You Say Party!, Brian Fallon…but as cheesy as it sounds, we’re more influenced by each other than by anyone else.

How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Laura and Dean have been friends for years and they’ve had their own band ‘Shadow Theory’ going for quite a while. Angela and John met in uni, and she nicked him from another band to play guitar for Sleepy Panda Club. They saw Shadow Theory opening for Cut Ribbons in Swansea and decided Laura would make the perfect singer for Panda. Earlier this year Dean joined as our new bassist. We all know Matt because he’s a sound guy in Swansea, so he’s done sound for us loads. We had no idea he was a drummer until we put the call out and he stepped forward.

If you could give the rest of the band nicknames, what would they be?
Dean is Deanosaur, on account of his disproportionately short forearms… that’s why he has to play a 4-stringed instrument.
Laura is Kung Fu on account of her ninja skillz.
John is Sid…’cause he looks like a sloth.
Angela is Bandgela because she does all the housekeeping.
Matt is Jingle Cats.



Favourite book and why?
When Angela tucks us all in she usually reads us a good Hungry Caterpillar Story, which is nice.

Favourite tattoo and the story behind it?
Angela’s favourite tattoo is a Virgin Mary she has on her left arm, which ironically was done by a tattoo artist who specializes in pinup girls. It’s a tribute to her grandmother, who ironically was a protestant minister turned agnostic in her later years.

Tell our readers an interesting fact about the band?
We’re collectively weary of hats.

What’s your wild - Soundscape Magazine

What can you say about this new five piece from Cardiff? Personally, they’re polite and compassionate with the majority of the band working for charity. They’re enthusiastic in what they do and it shows in their sound. It’s refreshing, angelic and it’s honest.

In the midst of recording more tracks for their EP we caught up with them to talk about recording, their recent name change, nick names and band antics.

Tell us about your recent name change and what people can look out for?
We’ve wanted to change our name for over a year now, but with our latest line up change that happened back in the spring we finally took the opportunity to put Sleepy Panda Club to rest and take on a new identity. As fun as that name was it really didn’t suit us. It doesn’t represent who we are or what our sound is about. Our sound isn’t really bright, sparkly indie dance pop like it was when we first formed, so we thought we should take on a name that reflects who we feel we are. Plus, it’s a name that all of us chose as a group, so it just seems to fit. People can expect some of the same elements – layers of simple melodies playing off one another, and we’re still have all the same elements with guitar, bass, trumpet, synth and female vocals, but we’re a bit more sombre and more melancholic.

What have you got going on at the moment?
We’re in the process of recording our EP and working on new material. In November we’ll be playing at the Parrot in Carmarthen with our mates Paper Factory and the Adelines, as well as Boy Royals, which we’re really chuffed about. We’ll be holding an EP launch in January in Swansea, which in some ways is our original hometown.

Tell us about your upcoming EP – How was the recording process?
The process has been absolutely amazing. We’ve never had it go so quickly or so smoothly. It’s partly because we’re really prepared this time around, and also because we’re all on the same page with where the songs are going. We’ve had tension in the studio before because of different visions and individual senses of ownership over songs, but now the songs belong to us as a whole. We don’t have massive creative differences, and when we do differ in opinion we take time to figure out what serves the song, rather than anyone’s ego. Working with Todd was great too because he was quite enthusiastic about our songs, but also quite blunt about what he thought worked and didn’t work. He was brilliant to work with.

Who did you record with?
We recorded with Todd Campbell at Skwad, and we’ll be going back there next month to record a few more tracks.

What genre of music do you consider your work to be and who are your major influences?
This is always a tough question to answer. I suppose we’re somewhere between shoegaze and post punk with a bit of indie pop, but that’s attaching labels for the sake of attaching labels. Collectively we have a massive range of influences, so it’s hard to pigeon hole us. All of our songs are so completely different, which isn’t because we’re trying to find our sound but because we’re comfortable not having a defined sound that we have to adhere to. One day we might write a dark dance song, then we might write an ethereal acoustic song, then we might write a waltz. That being said, you can probably hear the influence of the Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Brand New, You Say Party!, Brian Fallon…but as cheesy as it sounds, we’re more influenced by each other than by anyone else.

How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Laura and Dean have been friends for years and they’ve had their own band ‘Shadow Theory’ going for quite a while. Angela and John met in uni, and she nicked him from another band to play guitar for Sleepy Panda Club. They saw Shadow Theory opening for Cut Ribbons in Swansea and decided Laura would make the perfect singer for Panda. Earlier this year Dean joined as our new bassist. We all know Matt because he’s a sound guy in Swansea, so he’s done sound for us loads. We had no idea he was a drummer until we put the call out and he stepped forward.

If you could give the rest of the band nicknames, what would they be?
Dean is Deanosaur, on account of his disproportionately short forearms… that’s why he has to play a 4-stringed instrument.
Laura is Kung Fu on account of her ninja skillz.
John is Sid…’cause he looks like a sloth.
Angela is Bandgela because she does all the housekeeping.
Matt is Jingle Cats.



Favourite book and why?
When Angela tucks us all in she usually reads us a good Hungry Caterpillar Story, which is nice.

Favourite tattoo and the story behind it?
Angela’s favourite tattoo is a Virgin Mary she has on her left arm, which ironically was done by a tattoo artist who specializes in pinup girls. It’s a tribute to her grandmother, who ironically was a protestant minister turned agnostic in her later years.

Tell our readers an interesting fact about the band?
We’re collectively weary of hats.

What’s your wild - Soundscape Magazine

IT appears the vogue for Welsh bands to meddle with their monikers shows no sign of abating.

News reaches us of Swansea via Cardiff indie popsters Sleepy Panda Club who have regrouped under new name The Echo And The Always.

Coming to our attention last year through the widescreen indie pop of single Ghost In The Machine, their giddy melodic hues recalled the likes of The Darling Buds and The Cocteau Twins. Thankfully under new name The Echo And The Always they’ve lost none of that sense of sweeping melodrama.
The Echo And The Always
The Echo And The Always

Their debut offering For The Ground recalls the shimmering folk pop of First Aid Kit but retains a sense of the otherworldly and the sorts of understated wonderment that was the trademark of their previous incarnation.
Singer Laura’s voice continues to convey drama and tenderness as the song swoops and soars in its own elegant jet stream.

“Like a lot of bands, we’ve gone through our share of ups and downs with members, creative differences and overall vision, but we’ve finally been lucky enough to settle into this five-piece line-up,” explains the band’s keyboard and trumpet player Angela Muir. “Panda was formed with a very vague and somewhat insecure identity that was somewhere between apologetic dance-pop and pretentious indie, which we quickly grew away from and became uncomfortable with.

“We just didn’t feel like the band that was Sleepy Panda Club and we wanted to break free of that identity, so it felt like the right time to have a fresh start.

“Our sound has evolved away from the bright, sparkling pop, but we’ve retained the layers of simple guitar melodies, synth, trumpet and sweet vocals, but in general we’re a bit darker and sombre.”

The debut single and the others that will soon follow were recorded and produced at Skwad HQ by Todd Campbell (guitarist with mighty Welsh rock outfit Straight Lines).

“We’ll be headlining at The Moon Club during the Oxjam Takeover in Cardiff on Sunday with some great bands,” adds Muir. “So if you like what you hear you can find us there.”

You can also find out more at www.facebook.com/theechoandthealways or www.soundcloud.com/theechoandthealways - A Sound Reaction

IT appears the vogue for Welsh bands to meddle with their monikers shows no sign of abating.

News reaches us of Swansea via Cardiff indie popsters Sleepy Panda Club who have regrouped under new name The Echo And The Always.

Coming to our attention last year through the widescreen indie pop of single Ghost In The Machine, their giddy melodic hues recalled the likes of The Darling Buds and The Cocteau Twins. Thankfully under new name The Echo And The Always they’ve lost none of that sense of sweeping melodrama.
The Echo And The Always
The Echo And The Always

Their debut offering For The Ground recalls the shimmering folk pop of First Aid Kit but retains a sense of the otherworldly and the sorts of understated wonderment that was the trademark of their previous incarnation.
Singer Laura’s voice continues to convey drama and tenderness as the song swoops and soars in its own elegant jet stream.

“Like a lot of bands, we’ve gone through our share of ups and downs with members, creative differences and overall vision, but we’ve finally been lucky enough to settle into this five-piece line-up,” explains the band’s keyboard and trumpet player Angela Muir. “Panda was formed with a very vague and somewhat insecure identity that was somewhere between apologetic dance-pop and pretentious indie, which we quickly grew away from and became uncomfortable with.

“We just didn’t feel like the band that was Sleepy Panda Club and we wanted to break free of that identity, so it felt like the right time to have a fresh start.

“Our sound has evolved away from the bright, sparkling pop, but we’ve retained the layers of simple guitar melodies, synth, trumpet and sweet vocals, but in general we’re a bit darker and sombre.”

The debut single and the others that will soon follow were recorded and produced at Skwad HQ by Todd Campbell (guitarist with mighty Welsh rock outfit Straight Lines).

“We’ll be headlining at The Moon Club during the Oxjam Takeover in Cardiff on Sunday with some great bands,” adds Muir. “So if you like what you hear you can find us there.”

You can also find out more at www.facebook.com/theechoandthealways or www.soundcloud.com/theechoandthealways - A Sound Reaction

Who are the echo and the always and what does everyone do

The Echo and The Always is:

Laura – vocals, guitar and kung fu lyricist
John – guitar, emo fringe and fancy hats
Deano – bass, ‘the ladies’ and fort-building
Angela – keys, trumpet and interpretive yoga
Matt – drums, guitar and cuddles



In the real world Laura, Dean and Angela all work for a substance misuse charity (drugs are bad kids), John works with special education students who apparently think he’s Jesus (stay in school kids), and Matt moonlights as an au pair for a wealthy French couple’s pug named Francesca, but that’s when he’s not running his own organic micro pig farm in the Gower (don’t talk to strangers kids).

Why the name change from Sleepy Panda Club

Like a lot of bands, we’ve gone through our share of ups and downs with members, creative differences and overall vision. We’ve been lucky to settle into this line up, and we’ve really grown as musicians and as friends. Panda was formed with a very vague and somewhat insecure identity that was somewhere between apologetic dance-pop and pretentious indie, which we quickly grew away from and became uncomfortable with. We just didn’t feel like the band that was Sleepy Panda Club and we wanted to break free of that identity, so it felt like the right time to have a fresh start. Plus, we found out that despite their immense cuteness pandas are celibate, solitary creatures and that’s not something Deano is not comfortable with.

How did the band come to be formed?

This line up really did form from the ashes of Sleepy Panda Club. Angela is the only original member of that band, which formed about three years ago during a random glitter and sugar-induced coma. Angela picked John up at uni and used the ‘I’m in a band’ line as a lame pickup, which worked and he’s been one of us for close to two years now. We were searching for a female vocalist with fierce pair of…er…ovaries and heart wrenching lyrics, so when we saw Laura play with Shadow Theory in 2011 we knew we had to have her. She joined shortly after that, and she and Angela now form what is quite likely the most awkward frontline in band history. The other half of Shadow Theory joined earlier this year, but we made him play bass to keep him in line…a legend such as him only needs four strings. The last addition was Matt, our drummer, who we didn’t even know was a drummer. He’s been our sound guy at gigs before, and he’s played guitar in other bands. It’s good to have at least one band member with some level of musical ability.

How would you describe your sound?

Tropicana Lionel Richie sunshine mixed with stale coca cola? This is always a difficult question to answer. Late 80s the Cure meets sombre Brand New with heart-felt, honest driving female vocals. We all have fairly different influences, and we write collectively so our sound ends up being layers of pretty, simple melodies. Without trying to sound pretentious, our songs are like simple indie-pop baroque symphonies. By that we don’t mean masterpieces of composition, but layers upon layers of complimenting guitar, bass, synth, trumpet and vocal melodies that dance together and play off one another.

You’re playing Oxjam Takeover Festival 7 October with some great bands, anyone you’re looking forward to seeing?

Seriously, where to start!? We’ve played with Palomino Party and Kalidephone before and loved every second of their sets, but we haven’t seen them since so it’ll be great to see them again. There are loads of other awesome bands playing the other venues too. The acoustic Method set is one that we definitely don’t want to miss. The Keys are definitely on our must-see list too. If you watch closely enough you might actually catch the soul-crushing moment when Angela becomes fully aware of her advancing years…and she’s hoping someone custom bakes her a hypoallergenic, cruelty-free organic vegetarian unicorn-shaped birthday cake.

What are your highlights so far of being in a band?

There have been loads, but most recently it would have to be playing Focus Wales 2012 and recording with Todd Campbell earlier this year. He’s an amazing producer and an all-around nice guy who managed to work wonders with our songs. We’ll be releasing a couple of those tracks in the very near future. Other highlights include band cuddles, pancake breakfasts and John’s hat.

What are your plans for the rest of 2012

Other than playing Swn? Oh, right, we’re not. Awkward. *collective pitiful sigh*. Seriously though, we’re heading to a remote cottage in Carmarthenshire in November to do some teambuilding exercises, try not the end up in a teen horror flick, and hopefully write some new material. Later that month we’ll be back in the studio with Todd Campbell – if he survives touring with Straight Lines. Laura’s looking forward to running the Cardiff Half Marathon for charity, and she’s looking forward to you sponsoring her too…text: ”RUNL85 £5” to 70070. Pleas - Beat Review

Who are the echo and the always and what does everyone do

The Echo and The Always is:

Laura – vocals, guitar and kung fu lyricist
John – guitar, emo fringe and fancy hats
Deano – bass, ‘the ladies’ and fort-building
Angela – keys, trumpet and interpretive yoga
Matt – drums, guitar and cuddles



In the real world Laura, Dean and Angela all work for a substance misuse charity (drugs are bad kids), John works with special education students who apparently think he’s Jesus (stay in school kids), and Matt moonlights as an au pair for a wealthy French couple’s pug named Francesca, but that’s when he’s not running his own organic micro pig farm in the Gower (don’t talk to strangers kids).

Why the name change from Sleepy Panda Club

Like a lot of bands, we’ve gone through our share of ups and downs with members, creative differences and overall vision. We’ve been lucky to settle into this line up, and we’ve really grown as musicians and as friends. Panda was formed with a very vague and somewhat insecure identity that was somewhere between apologetic dance-pop and pretentious indie, which we quickly grew away from and became uncomfortable with. We just didn’t feel like the band that was Sleepy Panda Club and we wanted to break free of that identity, so it felt like the right time to have a fresh start. Plus, we found out that despite their immense cuteness pandas are celibate, solitary creatures and that’s not something Deano is not comfortable with.

How did the band come to be formed?

This line up really did form from the ashes of Sleepy Panda Club. Angela is the only original member of that band, which formed about three years ago during a random glitter and sugar-induced coma. Angela picked John up at uni and used the ‘I’m in a band’ line as a lame pickup, which worked and he’s been one of us for close to two years now. We were searching for a female vocalist with fierce pair of…er…ovaries and heart wrenching lyrics, so when we saw Laura play with Shadow Theory in 2011 we knew we had to have her. She joined shortly after that, and she and Angela now form what is quite likely the most awkward frontline in band history. The other half of Shadow Theory joined earlier this year, but we made him play bass to keep him in line…a legend such as him only needs four strings. The last addition was Matt, our drummer, who we didn’t even know was a drummer. He’s been our sound guy at gigs before, and he’s played guitar in other bands. It’s good to have at least one band member with some level of musical ability.

How would you describe your sound?

Tropicana Lionel Richie sunshine mixed with stale coca cola? This is always a difficult question to answer. Late 80s the Cure meets sombre Brand New with heart-felt, honest driving female vocals. We all have fairly different influences, and we write collectively so our sound ends up being layers of pretty, simple melodies. Without trying to sound pretentious, our songs are like simple indie-pop baroque symphonies. By that we don’t mean masterpieces of composition, but layers upon layers of complimenting guitar, bass, synth, trumpet and vocal melodies that dance together and play off one another.

You’re playing Oxjam Takeover Festival 7 October with some great bands, anyone you’re looking forward to seeing?

Seriously, where to start!? We’ve played with Palomino Party and Kalidephone before and loved every second of their sets, but we haven’t seen them since so it’ll be great to see them again. There are loads of other awesome bands playing the other venues too. The acoustic Method set is one that we definitely don’t want to miss. The Keys are definitely on our must-see list too. If you watch closely enough you might actually catch the soul-crushing moment when Angela becomes fully aware of her advancing years…and she’s hoping someone custom bakes her a hypoallergenic, cruelty-free organic vegetarian unicorn-shaped birthday cake.

What are your highlights so far of being in a band?

There have been loads, but most recently it would have to be playing Focus Wales 2012 and recording with Todd Campbell earlier this year. He’s an amazing producer and an all-around nice guy who managed to work wonders with our songs. We’ll be releasing a couple of those tracks in the very near future. Other highlights include band cuddles, pancake breakfasts and John’s hat.

What are your plans for the rest of 2012

Other than playing Swn? Oh, right, we’re not. Awkward. *collective pitiful sigh*. Seriously though, we’re heading to a remote cottage in Carmarthenshire in November to do some teambuilding exercises, try not the end up in a teen horror flick, and hopefully write some new material. Later that month we’ll be back in the studio with Todd Campbell – if he survives touring with Straight Lines. Laura’s looking forward to running the Cardiff Half Marathon for charity, and she’s looking forward to you sponsoring her too…text: ”RUNL85 £5” to 70070. Pleas - Beat Review

he Echo And The Always

Based: Cardiff
Genre: Post Punk/Indie
Website: Facebook

The Echo and The Always are Laura Hancock (Vocals), John Harman (Guitar), Dean Harris (Bass), Matt Joyce (Drums) and Angela Muir (Trumpet and Keys). They are from the very beautiful city of Cardiff and have been together as a band since 2012.

The last twelve months has seen the band gain support from BBC Radio Wales and Amazing Radio through Adam Walton and Bethan Elfyn. They have played a number of gigs throughout Cardiff and Swansea and have recently been announced on the line up for Swn 2013.

The band have made two tracks available, ‘Temper Tantrum’ and ‘For The Ground’. After listening to both these songs on repeat for a very long time, I strongly urge you all to do the same. The sound that The Echo and The Always create is so uplifting you will find yourself wondering why this band are not on a major label and selling thousands of records.



Temper Tantrum is seriously one of the best songs I have heard all year, it sounds like a band who have been creating anthems for a very long time, rather than a band at the start of what is sure to be an exciting journey. ‘For The Ground’ is another example of how to create a perfect pop song. The other thing that ensures this is a band that you will remember and instantly fall in love with is the irresistible vocals that will straight away jump inside your heart.

This is a band who I intend to devote a hell of a lot of time and attention to over the coming years. Feel free to join me.

Steve Tay - A Musical Priority

he Echo And The Always

Based: Cardiff
Genre: Post Punk/Indie
Website: Facebook

The Echo and The Always are Laura Hancock (Vocals), John Harman (Guitar), Dean Harris (Bass), Matt Joyce (Drums) and Angela Muir (Trumpet and Keys). They are from the very beautiful city of Cardiff and have been together as a band since 2012.

The last twelve months has seen the band gain support from BBC Radio Wales and Amazing Radio through Adam Walton and Bethan Elfyn. They have played a number of gigs throughout Cardiff and Swansea and have recently been announced on the line up for Swn 2013.

The band have made two tracks available, ‘Temper Tantrum’ and ‘For The Ground’. After listening to both these songs on repeat for a very long time, I strongly urge you all to do the same. The sound that The Echo and The Always create is so uplifting you will find yourself wondering why this band are not on a major label and selling thousands of records.



Temper Tantrum is seriously one of the best songs I have heard all year, it sounds like a band who have been creating anthems for a very long time, rather than a band at the start of what is sure to be an exciting journey. ‘For The Ground’ is another example of how to create a perfect pop song. The other thing that ensures this is a band that you will remember and instantly fall in love with is the irresistible vocals that will straight away jump inside your heart.

This is a band who I intend to devote a hell of a lot of time and attention to over the coming years. Feel free to join me.

Steve Tay - A Musical Priority

...Downstairs at Clwb, punters are greeted by the warm sounds of Cardiff’s own The Echo and the Always 5/5 as they grace their stage with their beautiful, dreamy folk-pop. The elegant melodies and sweeping strings are topped up by the gorgeous, soothing vocals of Laura Hancock, which cuts through your heart and senses like a knife through butter.
- The Insight

...Downstairs at Clwb, punters are greeted by the warm sounds of Cardiff’s own The Echo and the Always 5/5 as they grace their stage with their beautiful, dreamy folk-pop. The elegant melodies and sweeping strings are topped up by the gorgeous, soothing vocals of Laura Hancock, which cuts through your heart and senses like a knife through butter.
- The Insight

Golden Fable, Brothers, Bloodflower, Money and The Echo and The Always were all on the menu for our man David Owens on day three

...It’s a short hop to the downstairs bar in Clwb which is lucky as I manage to catch the closing few songs from The Echo And The Always. Their shimmering electro is beholden to giddy melodic hues, sweeping melodrama and a perfect sense of the otherworldly that is their trademark. Lush – in every sense of the word.
- Wales Online

Golden Fable, Brothers, Bloodflower, Money and The Echo and The Always were all on the menu for our man David Owens on day three

...It’s a short hop to the downstairs bar in Clwb which is lucky as I manage to catch the closing few songs from The Echo And The Always. Their shimmering electro is beholden to giddy melodic hues, sweeping melodrama and a perfect sense of the otherworldly that is their trademark. Lush – in every sense of the word.
- Wales Online

Today’s band of the week is a homegrown Cardiff five piece surely destined for greatness. I know what you’re thinking, these sensationalist bloggers are always gushing about every new band like they’re the best thing since facesofphiljones.tumblr.com… but bear with me because this bunch are definitely worth your time.

Hail From: Cardiff

Members: Laura Hancock, John Harman, Dean Harris, Angela Muir, Edd Clemas

Style: The band describe themselves on their facebook page as falling into the vast and ill-defined region of the musical spectrum known as ‘post-punk indie,’ however they lean much more towards the melodic side than the spiky riffs and anarchic noise side. The lyrics are often dark and personal without being melodramatic, and always flow together seamlessly.

Sounds Like: It’s easy to listen to The Echo and The Always and draw comparisons to fellow Welsh rockers The Joy Formidable. The same ingredients are there in both bands; strong melodies, a powerful lead female vocalist, and a big wall of sound that could fill an arena. When synths enter and combine with the sincerity of Laura Hancock’s voice you have the same devastating effect that CHVRCHES have perfected on their debut album. The tone of their guitars and the serious subject matter of their lyrics also reminds me of early Editors, in particular their 2007 single ‘Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors.’

Standout Song: When I first listened to the song ‘Temper Tantrum’ while knowing it was from an unsigned band I was pretty stunned. There’s no doubt in my mind if this was released by Ellie Goulding for instance, it would be currently sitting on Radio 1’s A-list and at about #20 in the singles chart (make that #1 if it was accompanied by a video of a naked 20 year old riding a wrecking ball.) The kind of single that should be representing alternative rock in the charts instead of the dross served up by White Lies, Snow Patrol etc. in recent years.


Signed to: Independent

A little more: Luminescently tangy, although sounding like the tagline to a fizzy drink advert, is a phrase the band appear fond of using to describe themselves. Information about the members is difficult to come by as they haven’t done any public interviews yet, although that will surely change soon. Listen to their four track debut EP ‘Lemonade’ on their bandcamp page, there is not a weak track to be found.

When you can catch them at Swn: Saturday. - On the Beat

Today’s band of the week is a homegrown Cardiff five piece surely destined for greatness. I know what you’re thinking, these sensationalist bloggers are always gushing about every new band like they’re the best thing since facesofphiljones.tumblr.com… but bear with me because this bunch are definitely worth your time.

Hail From: Cardiff

Members: Laura Hancock, John Harman, Dean Harris, Angela Muir, Edd Clemas

Style: The band describe themselves on their facebook page as falling into the vast and ill-defined region of the musical spectrum known as ‘post-punk indie,’ however they lean much more towards the melodic side than the spiky riffs and anarchic noise side. The lyrics are often dark and personal without being melodramatic, and always flow together seamlessly.

Sounds Like: It’s easy to listen to The Echo and The Always and draw comparisons to fellow Welsh rockers The Joy Formidable. The same ingredients are there in both bands; strong melodies, a powerful lead female vocalist, and a big wall of sound that could fill an arena. When synths enter and combine with the sincerity of Laura Hancock’s voice you have the same devastating effect that CHVRCHES have perfected on their debut album. The tone of their guitars and the serious subject matter of their lyrics also reminds me of early Editors, in particular their 2007 single ‘Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors.’

Standout Song: When I first listened to the song ‘Temper Tantrum’ while knowing it was from an unsigned band I was pretty stunned. There’s no doubt in my mind if this was released by Ellie Goulding for instance, it would be currently sitting on Radio 1’s A-list and at about #20 in the singles chart (make that #1 if it was accompanied by a video of a naked 20 year old riding a wrecking ball.) The kind of single that should be representing alternative rock in the charts instead of the dross served up by White Lies, Snow Patrol etc. in recent years.


Signed to: Independent

A little more: Luminescently tangy, although sounding like the tagline to a fizzy drink advert, is a phrase the band appear fond of using to describe themselves. Information about the members is difficult to come by as they haven’t done any public interviews yet, although that will surely change soon. Listen to their four track debut EP ‘Lemonade’ on their bandcamp page, there is not a weak track to be found.

When you can catch them at Swn: Saturday. - On the Beat