The dirty dozen
Swn returns to Cardiff next week, when some of the best musicians fromWales and beyond will be showcasing their talents.We take a look at 12 gigs you shouldn’t miss
1. GWENNO
The enigmatic Gwenno will headline this year’s opening party on Wednesday, after her curated line-up of Halo Maud and Adwaith. After taking over the underground pop scene in 2015/2016 with her dystopian Welsh language pop album, Y Dydd Olaf, she’s doing the rounds again with her fantastic all-Cornish album, Le Kov on Heavenly Recordings. Her euphoric synth-led pop is driven by krautrock beats and psychedelic vibes. Her live set will put a spell on you.
2. DRENGE
Bluesy grunge rockers Drenge return to Cardiff for this year’s Swn with their new EP, Autonomy being released a few weeks before the gig! They’ll be co-headlining The Great Hall with Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever.
3. ROLLING BLACKOUTS COASTAL FEVER
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever churn out bright, energetic rock & roll taking cues from bands like Real Estate and fellow Aussies The GoBetweens. Signed to prolific indie label Sub Pop, the band released their debut album ‘Hope Downs’ in June to critical acclaim.
4. BOY AZOOGA
Since their packed set at last year’s Swn in Undertone, this Cardiff it’s fair to say that Boy Azooga have had an AMAZING year.
After appearing on Jools Holland, being played countless times on BBC Radio 6 Music and filled the Far Out tent at Green Man Festival earlier in the year.
If all of this wasn’t enough, they played three times at The Great Escape and found the time to release their debut album; 1, 2, Kung Fu.
5. GOAT GIRL
The fiercely expressive post-punk outfit, Goat Girl are bringing the sounds of their incredible self-titled album from London to Cardiff!
With a whopping 19 tracks, with only two reaching the 3-minute mark, this album proves that they pack a punky punch. Haunting hooks and savage, in your face delivery, Goat Girl are going to tear the walls down at this year’s Swn.
6. DARKHOUSE FAMILY
Set to play at Jacob’s Market on Friday, Cardiff’s own Darkhouse Family will curate a night full of hypnotic, jazz and dance tunes with all-star crew Bugz in the Attic performing live, as well as Esther and Andromeda Jones.
7. MELLT
Fresh from winning Welsh Language Album Of The Year at this year’s Eisteddfod, with their incredible coming-of-age debut, Mae’n Hawdd Pan Ti’n Ifanc, Mellt will bring their post-punk singalongs and vintage hooks to life at this year’s Swn Festival.
Paul Simonon (The Clash) is a huge fan and has been blasting their new album in Majorca, humbled to hear the lines “Sandinista on my stereo!” creeping up in one of their songs.
8. LOS BLANCOS
Raw quartet, Los Blancos create enticing slacker rock, persuading audiences to head bang and sway. Underpinning the quiet confidence of the rapidly growing scene in Carmarthenshire at the moment, the band burst with brawling passion and playfulness.
Their recent single Clarach became an anthem at Welsh music festivals over the summer. With tunes like these and the fantastic Libertino Records behind them, Los Blancos are on their way to dizzying heights.
9. BUZZARD BUZZARD BUZZARD
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard are giving classic rock a kick up the arse. The four piece make vintage, glam rock inspired guitar pop that they’ve charmingly described as denim rock. With support slots with The Orielles and Our Girl under their belt Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard are ready to take on the world. Based on their chaotic, soldout headline show at Cardiff’s Transport Club in August we think these guys are going to cause havoc at this year’s Swn!
10. BONIFACE
Canadian artist Boniface unites 80s synthpop with contemporary 21st century indiepop to create a rare and electrifying performance.
11. ALFA MIST
Straight out of London’s scene of emerging jazz, Alfa Mist creates an organic concoction of hip hop grooves, jazzy textures and rich soundscapes layered in fresh melodies.His 2017 album Antiphon is a modern jazz masterpiece and his live shows are mesmeric.
12. GRETA ISAAC
Cowbridge singer songwriter, Greta Isaac has been a firm Swn favourite for a few years now. Combining glitchy pop sounds and delicate harmonising vocals sang by her sisters, Elan and Miriam - their live performance is bound to get you dancing. She released an awesome video for her recent single Undone recently and her punchy lyrics shines a light on her talent as a true craft-woman with songs.