North Wales: I

I Am Austin two piece alternative outfit from Connah’s Quay (c2008), feat; David Mitchell (drms,voc), Adam Hughes (keys,gtr), later called Beard of Wolves (website)

Ian Rush – Mold based indie band (formed early 90s), feat; Pete Bryon (voc,gtr), Geraint Williams (gtr), Mario Trasmundi (bass), Sion Williams (drms). Pete is brother of Matt (of Arfer Anfad), rec session for the John Peel show 4/12/93. Played a series of comeback gigs in 2016 (website)

Yr Idiots – Bangor Tryfan school band (c2003), feat; Elidir Jones (bass), Conor Martin (gtr,voc), Myfyr Prys (drms) (all later of Plant Duw), Alwyn Pegler and David Jones. Played at their school and appeared on S4C’s Uned 5 show. Split summer03 and became Hoist Owls of Goi (see also Duwai Gwallgo)

Idiot’s Logic – Abergele indie-band (c2007), feat; Jonny Hardway (voc,keys), James Simpson (gtr), Llion Mortimer (bass), Craig Wyatt (drms). Rec ‘Middle Child Syndrome’ EP (late06)

I-dot – Welsh language music show on S4C

Llyr Ifans – actor / musician born in Ruthin (1968) and brother of actor Rhys Ifans, with whom he played alongside in the film ‘Twin Town.’ Ll?r was a member of Welsh antagonist band Terry Waite a’r Asid. Married BBC DJ Lisa Gwilym and lives in Felinheli

Rhys Ifans – Hollywood actor, born in Haverfordwest (22.07.67) and grew up in Ruthin. Has appeared in films, Twin Town, Harry Potter, Spiderman, Notting Hill, Hannibal Rising. Was a member of band The Peth.

I Fight Lions
I Fight Lions – 
bilingual indie band from Llanberis (formed 2012), feat; Hywel Pitts, Rhys Evans, David Thomas (all ex After An Alibi) and Dan Owen. Rel, Splendid EP (download 01.10.12), then Storm EP (download 18.03.13), then debut eponymous LP Nov13, followed by a bandcamp release of a BBC C2 session (19.05.14), then ‘Diwedd Y Byd EP’ (Feb19) and ‘By Chance Or Design’ (LP 04.04.19) (website)

Igam Ogam Band – Delyth of the band says they were discovered by Rhys Mwyn whilst he listen to Radio Cymru he invited them down to record in Hawkwind studios to go on an EP. ‘We toured with Anhrefn, Cyrff, Fa Coffi i Pawb, Datblygu, Plant Bach Ofnys. My brother Gorwel was also in the band alongside Fiona his wife (Eirin Peryglus). We had an excellent mad time loads and loads of TV radio and mega gig’s even taking it to Manchester and Liverpool eventually with the band called Gwasgwr that’s when Peel took a look into Welsh bands.  It was a fantastic time to be in a welsh band to tour with Anhrefn etc was amazing what Rhys and Gorwel have achieved for Welsh music is beyond thanks they are the real stars and still are.  It’s a shame really that the rawness of music is disappearing we need Rhys to bring on some gigs again everything has disappeared or I’m really getting old.’ Band line-up (amongst others) Alan Slin, Gorwel Owen, Fiona Owen, Gavin Strongetharm, Anton Hughes, Spike, Delyth Owen. ‘We had musicians coming and going through the years but this was the true line up.’

Iguana – Llangollen indie band (formed Oct04), feat; Jo (voc,bass), Soph (voc,gtr), Ally (drms). (website)

ImmediateThe Immediate  – Mold based 3-piece mod band, feat; Adam Walton (gtr,voc) (now presenter of Radio Wales prog, Musical Mystery Tour), Duncan Farmer (drms), Richard Harrison (bass) (ex Wanton Thought). Band were penultimate incarnation of Daisychain / Metroland. Played debut gig at Bridge Inn, Chester, Jan93. Gigged extensively throughout UK and relocated to South of France for spring / summer 1993. Banned from Conwy civic hall after Clarkie, their roadie, relocated items from Meringue’s dressing room onto the roof. Invited to play Mansun’s album launch party [for Attack of the Grey Lantern] at a large casino on the Isle of Man where they started a mini-riot in the backstage area. Sold 1500+ copies of their ‘Boy Who Tried to Change the World’ album [cassette only, naturally!]. Latterly managed by Alan Jones, one time manager of LA Guns and baritone saxophonist with 60s legends ‘Amen Corner’. Supported shit covers band called ‘Stereophonics’ at The Filling Station in Newport the night they were signed to V2. Rel one single (Stay Young) on Essential Recs that sold unfeasibly well in Sweden, but nowhere else. Failed to make it to their farewell gig in TJs in Newport after their transit van broke down in Hereford. Reformed in 2016, and released a comeback EP ‘Shadows & Ghosts’ followed by ‘Mold EP’ (2017) and an LP ‘Manbouy’ (16.06.17), quickly followed by ‘Better Live Than Never’ live EP (26.06.17). Adam (as The Immediate) has appeared in session 3 times on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show (15.09.16) (14.08.17) (14.10.19). In 2021 the band did plan to release a new album, but due to pressing plant delays they digitally put out ‘Men Like Us EP’ and ‘A Satellite Lies In The Ocean’ (single) (bandcamp)

Immune System – industrial-electronic project by American but Llandudno based Todd (c2006). Rel CD ‘Weltanschauung’ (website) (myspace)

Impaled Existence – Colwyn Bay progressive death-metal band (formed 2004), feat; Mike Dykins (gtr), Sam Walker (bass), Nathan Richards (drms), Craig Phillips (gtr) who replaced Mike Plumb (Mar07) and Adam Omari (voc) who joined Feb07. Sam replaced Ross Wilkins, and Nathan replaced Geraint Blunden.  Played regular gigs at Bar Blu in their early days, and onto many parts of the UK supporting the likes of Decapitated, Exodus, Man Must Die, Swallow The Sun and many more (website)

Imperfect Youth – punk band from Ruabon, near Wrexham. Formed in 1981, consisting of Jaffa (voc), Martin Simms (gtr) (later of EI8HT), Chris (bass), Griff (drms). According to issue 3 of Rabid fanzine, the band played three gigs in their first six months of forming, and claimed to be influenced by the Dead Kennedys, Blitz, Crass and Vice Squad. The band later recorded two demos – both released in 1982. The tracklisting for the second demo is/was: Electric Eyes/I Only Wanna See/Imperfect World/You Mean Nothing/British Army/Bullshit/No Fun/Prison Rhythm/New Testament The Answer/Life Bizz/Youth Cult. Rabid editor, Neil Brooks, said: ‘As far as I know, Imperfect Youth called it a day after the two demos. Rich and I made the not-so-substantial trek to Ruabon to interview them once for our fanzine, and I think it was the first interview I’d ever done. Considering we were about 13 or 14 at the time, I do recall Griff and Jaffa being really good blokes, not condescending in any way. I remember seeing them play at the Miners Institute in Wrexham shortly after this and they brought the house down. A fine band. The above tracklisting I nicked from the Kill From The Heart website, so if anyone has any recordings of this long-forgotten band, please get in touch. Be nice to hear them again.’ In 2022 Simms, Jaffa and Griff (Chris lives in Oz these days) reformed the band to ‘properly’ re-record their material. (facebook)

Imploded – metal band (Holyhead c2002) from which some members formed Inferno

Imposters – Flintshire band (formed 2009), played debut gig at Tivoli, Buckley (website)

Inadequates – Bangor band (formed Oct76) feat; Scott Saunders (voc), Chris Pilditch (gtr) (both ex Slave), Alan Wilkinson (bass), Mark Thomas (drms) (later Turnstone, Third Spain, Reinheitsgebot, Hot Water, Distant Cousins, Ghostriders, Megabats, Nathan Carpathian, Infinity Chimps), Nige Sawyer (keys). This line up – initially playing mix of covers (AC/DC, Graham Parker, Stones) and their own stuff fast as possible as a punkish racket played in Bangor – mainly Uni, Jazz Room / Main Bar / Curved Lounge / Refectory. Supported Roogalator, Merger. Largely disliked by students. Pilditch was replaced by Pete Dudley. Scott now on guitar full time, and they drop the covers to play all their own quite happening Voidoids type material group – seemingly the only band in N Wales.- Play Eric’s (L’pool), supp early  OMD and Teardrop Explodes. Had songs like Watch Your Step and Nihilistic Romance. Group reaches peak at Cod Club, Bangor. Thomas auditions (twice) for Wah! Heat, starts getting big ideas, leaves. Replaced by Roger Greatorex. Band slowly fade out as scene expands and diversifies, 1980 Scott Saunders forms Third Spain.

In Contro – venue in Abergele on the former site of The Hesketh pub, now an Italian bistro/bar. Live music began sporadically Oct06 promoted by Blood & Lipstick (website)

Indecline – Holyhead punk band (2003), feat; Jamie Burne (now of Portrait of A Lifetime) orig called Five Mile High. Split Aug03.

India – Bethesda based outfit (pre-1992). More info req’d.

Indiana – Rhos-on-Sea rock band, feat; Jamie Stevens (gtr) (ex Babies With Rabies, Real7), Tim Jones (drms), Martin Brady (voc), Steve Donovan (bass), Duncan Macgregor (gtr). Roots of band formed by Martin and Duncan in 1996, adding the various members over the coming years up until Jan02 when they made their live debut at Penrhyn Old Hall. Rec a single at Rockliffe What You Need May02.

Indigo Sky – rock-indie band from Deeside (formed 2011). Feat; Sean Davies, Andy Hill, Mike, Tom Wynne, Dewi Cawthray. Rel,  ‘Pretty Intentions’ & E.P ‘Between Here & Where You Want To Be’ followed by the single Hide (2014) (facebook)

In False Hope – Mold band, prev called Sullen, feat; Jeff (voc) (later Cyris), Thomas (bass) (ex Heathen, later Cyris), Ian (gtr), Chris C (drms). Rec EP ‘The Fall’ at Autumn Rd studio

Infectious – Rhyl based punk band (mid-90s), feat; Louis Martine (voc), Sid Buckle (gtr), Mark o’Grady (gtr) (later Sentient), Matt Dagnall (drms). Rel demo ‘Anna Kist Me!’, became Jurassic Punk

Inferno – Holyhead heavy rock band (Oct03 – 2014) out of the ashes of Imploded. Feat; Jay Lee (drms) (b.1986), Liam Jepson (gtr) (b.1985), Joe Harvey (bass,voc) (b.1984). Rec EP ‘Phoenix’ at Sylem which was played on Adam Walton‘s BBC Radio Wales Show (Apr04) and had a session aired 10.10.04. Rel 2nd Live EP ‘Born To Raise Hell’ (Jan05). Played 3 shows in St Petersburg, Russia (Jun05) at the Eastern European Music Conference. Rel ‘Suicide Pact EP’ (Jun07). Debut LP ‘Welcome To The Lion’s Den’ (2010). Unhappy with the sound of their follow up album it remains unreleased and they split in 2014.

Infest – indie rock band from Colwyn Bay formed Nov00, feat; Craig (gtr), Ste (drms), Rich (voc), Matt Pipkin (bass) (ex Terminal CC. later of Suicidal Mushrooms, Pledge)

Infestation – sci-fi zombie film set in 2080 made in N.Wales (2004) by ESP Productions. Starring Ross Evison, Susan Riley, Malcom Raeburn and Paul Sutherland. Plot has humanity driven underground by an unstoppable virus that has destroyed all life on the surface of Earth. Film locations inc beneath Rhyl Sun Centre and the Mersey Tunnel. By all accounts a very low budget B-movie – rel on DVD in Australia and Italy.

Infinity Chimps – 1999/00 project by John Lawrence (formerly of Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci), feat on Bandit S4C Apr06 with Benny Woodvine (bass) and Mark Thomas (drms) (ex Fay Ray etc)

Informers – key group on the Rhyl scene in 1960s. It was a soul band of the classic variety doing songs such as Wilson Pickett’s In The Midnight Hour and Eddie Floyd’s Knock On Wood. Formed 1963 feat; Frank Borders (voc), Dave Roberts (gtr,voc), Paul Warren Jones (gtr), Pete Williams (gtr), Ken Brookes (bass, later vocals), Barrie Loveland (drms). Barrie was the son of Ritz howband alto saxist Frank Loveland. Over the next few years the line up fluctuated between 4 and 7 members and included at various times: Phil Williams (gtr,voc), Jim Taylor (gtr,voc), Doug Mortimer (bass), Dave Emm (baritone sax), Tony Bliss (gtr), Barry Williams (voc), Frank Garrett (drms) (also of Purple Chapter, Liverpool Scene) and others. Pic was taken in autumn 1967 at Palace Hotel, West Parade. They had just completed a season at Playboy Club, London and were on their way to tour Sweden. In the foreground, are singing twins Dave & Alan Williams; Dave is on the left. In the background left to right: Phil Williams (tenor sax), Doug Mortimer, Barrie Loveland hidden, and Jim Taylor who at present is an artist/art tutor in Rhyl. (Source Colin Jones) See also Wonderful Grip

In Full View – 1999 series on BBC Choice covering the ‘other side’ of Wales. Ran a short retrospective piece on the ‘career’ of Neil Crud in Nov99. Produced by Tom Law who went on to produce Sleeping Dogs series for the same channel.

Ink. – art gallery, bar and occasional venue in Colwyn Bay (c2023). A really cool place to hang out! (website)

Inkerman – Rhyl band formed by 3 ex-members of Smokestack, Cliff Marshall [voc,gtr], Delwyn Williams [gtr], Andy Hamer [drms] and Martin “Hair” [bass] in 1975. One practice then they were gigging – everything just slotted together from the start. Played all over N.Wales and later practised at Pengwern Hall (Rhuddlan). As a ‘thank you’  they played an open air fund-raising gig there during the early summer of `76 – look out for bootlegs of “Inkerman Live at the Penguin”. Sadly, Cliff later had to give up playing because of medical problems and Delwyn later backed country ‘n’ western artiste, Lee Anderson [Andy played for her once]. Delwyn and Andy later Skin Deep.

Initial P – Mold indie band (formed Oct04), feat; Rich Pellatt (gtr,voc), Al McCadan (gtr), Dave Durham (bass), Owen Parry (drms).

In Line With Sphere – Deeside High School band (late 80s) feat; Howard King (gtr) (later of Abstract, Dr Phibes), James Davies (voc) (later Abstract, WUPT), Lance Collymore (bass), Neil Johnson (drms), Huw Jones (keys). Played Deeside area youth clubs and school functions. James now lives in Alaska.

Inner City Sumo – Rhyl band (c2003), feat; Wayne Jones (drms) (also Jives Room, Something Personal, Mexican Walking Fish), Simon Anderson (gtr), Helen Anderson (voc), and a bassist who’s now left. Changed name to Anders (2005)

Innocent Bystanders – Port Dinorwic thrash Punk band, 1996, feat; Martin Peet (bass), Dean (voc), Steve (gtr), Pete (gtr), Glen (drms). Martin remembers, ‘We set the band up in 1995 when I was in my 3rd year at Bangor Uni. We used to rehearse at the Crypt (I was working behind the bar at the time so had the keys for the weekend)  The songs were created while Steve and myself just jamming and mucking about, then from that building a 2 hour set. I miss those days. The Crypt used to put bands on every week, but we packed the house on our first gig (only 100 capacity, though). We charged 99p and a chocolate bar at the door. Our support band were Dog On A Rope. Well we did a few sets in the Crypt, then I started working in Bristol. A gig was booked for the Jocks Bar in the Student Union.  I booked a week off work to do the gig. I rang Pete and they had replaced me with a mate of mine! However, they didn’t tell him when the gig was, therefore he didn’t turn up. The band split after this. Shame really, I quite enjoyed it.’

The Insects – Bangor beat group of late 60s, feat; an adolescent Alan Holmes (later of Lungs, Fflaps, Ectogram)

Inspite of Appearance – Connah’s Quay band (c2009), currently playing mainly covers, feat; Stace Young (voc), Phil Hutchinson (gtr), Ally Ready (bass), Soph Williams (keys) and Holly Griffiths (drms) (website)

The Instant – new name for Rhyl’s Cellophane Boys who played only one gig under this name (their last) at The Queens in Rhyl in May 1978, with John Soxx on gtr.

Interceptors – Holywell punk band formed early 80s after The Grids had split, feat; Andrew ‘Tunkie’ Tunnicliffe (gtr) (see also Vicious Circle), Neil (bass), Ian ‘Sten’ Stenhouse (gtr), Timmy ‘Bean’ Davies (drms). Played a series of Gigs around N.Wales playing what would today be known as Britpop. Also billed on the CND benefit festival at the Queens in Rhyl 21.2.1981. Tunkie left to join Mercenary Skank, and Sten moved with them to London to be their roadie and ended up being the one who got a deal after joining a band Lightning Strike. More info req’d.

Interpreted Heroes – Anglesey band (2002), feat; Tim Williams (voc,bass), Pedro Meade (gtr) (orig from Brazil), Sevan Niggogoshain (drms) (orig from Armenia), Tom Hume (gtr). Started out as the Asscandles for a laugh and got offered a slot at Llanfest, having a good reception.

Institute of Air Guitar – Mold based rock monsters (c2000), self proclaimed loudest band in Clwyd, band also double up as rhythm section of Metabbalism. Early members of the band included Flints’ Volume Twins. Prev named Everyday People.

Into The Valleypunk tribute radio show (1998) on Shore FM, hosted by Dave Macher in the guise of Float Jones.

Invasion of the Astro Monsters – Colwyn Bay indie band formed 1989 by Robin Hemuss after being ousted from 4Q, also feat, Adam Astro Hemuss (voc), Dave Slave (bass). Julian Gardner (brother of Simon Gardner) rehearsed with them once but didn’t want to join the band ’cause he thought the name was silly. Formed 1990, in the image of the Stone Roses and Charlatans, also heavily influenced by The Cure. Never actually split up, but haven’t done anything collectively since about 1992. They basically got bored waiting for a decent drummer – who could live with the name – to turn up. No gigs, but a few rehearsals and a shed load of demo songs. Dave Slave played bass on the version of Godz’v’Megz with acoustic drums. The rest of the demos without real bass on were recorded after he’d lost interest. Also known as the Astro Monsters.

Inverted Commas – Bangor band of late 70s, feat; Brian Griffiths (drms) (ex Bran, Maggs), Paul Stroud (voc, bass), Ann Williams (keys) (all ex Hot Water) and John Wilce (gtr) (ex Red Hot Pokers). Later changed their name to The Pumps. Paul and Ann were earlier in Weetabix Express.

Invisible Comics – comic distribution run by Daryl Cunningham of Buckley, who also contributed and edited Automatic.

IQ Zero – Wrexham metal band, (c1990-91), feat; Rossie. Played The Bistro in Rhyl

Irony Board – label (c2009) run by Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals). Rel LP by Cate Le Bon ‘Me Oh My’

Iris3 – Holyhead melodic rock band (formed early03), feat; Paul Williams (gtr,voc), Martin Roberts (bass), Gary Pritchard (drms). Rel 2 EPs ‘Nonchalant’ and ‘Breathe’ (video) both rec at Sylem, followed by LP ‘Battle Crash and Bleeding’ (2011). Orig called Iris (website)

Irma-Vep
Irma Vep –
band / project from Llanfairfechan, feat; Edwin Stevens of Klaus Kinski (ex Gape, Sex Hands). Debut release was 7″ single Jerk (on Great Pop Supplement Mar13). Has released several albums; including ‘Haha’ (Turquoise Coal Mar12), also a cassette album ‘Deep Sea Fish’ (Endless Rec 16.01.14), ‘The Washing Up’ (Bandcamp 21.07.16), Embarrassed Landscape (02.04.20). Also appeared live in sessions on Marc Riley’s BBC 6Music Show 20.04.16, 01.03.17 and 10.03.20. Issued an RIP t-shirt on April 1st 2021 announcing the end of Irma Vep. In 2023, released a solo album as Edwin R Stevens. (website)

IsoPHeX – project by Cian Owen (b.2001) of Llangefni. Rel debut single Doppelgänger (on Cae Gwyn 21.01.21) (listen)

The Issues – Shotton indie/rock band (c2009), Jay Lloyd (voc,gtr), Chris Foulkes (gtr), Kris Brown (drms), Mike Sealey (bass) (website) (reviews)

ISOR – Mathcore/Hardcore metal band from Rhyl formed Mar99. Feat, Dave Merricks (gtr,voc), Dylan Evans (bass), Nick Hemingway (drms).  Ex members incl. Andy Knightly (bass), Jim Davies (gtr,voc). Nick is a cousin of Nigel Twist (ex Alarm) (biog)

It Might Be – Abergele based band in the Jesus and Mary Chain mould, fronted by Alun Evansh (who re-emerged 14 years later as Alun Tan Lan (see also Brwas, Y Niwl). Bootleg tape does exist of their gig at The Bistro in Rhyl Apr91 where Evansh introduces the band as It Might Be, but they could be Boff Frank Boff

1 Comment

  1. Tom Simms
    November 17, 2022 @ 4:38 pm

    Hiya man how’s it going? I’m here to update you on the band Imperfect Youth. I’m an audio engineering student from Liverpool. Recently I have made some efforts to revitalise the Imperfect Youth name by using it in a few uni projects and a small recording studio (utilising the name). As my surname might suggest I am the son of Martin Simms original guitarist from the original welsh punk band and now roughly 40 years later I have convinced him to get the boys back together (minus Chris who resides in wales) to record two ep’s ones consisting of original tracks from back in the day and new tracks that they are writing.

    We are currently unclear on when we will be releasing these new tracks yet for the time being I am in posession of the only recordings ever taken of the band. Rough as they may be they’re well worth a listen, and I am assuming that we’re going to release these tracks around the same time as the newly recorded ones (produced and engineered by myself). Anyway it’d be great to get in touch and I’m sure Martin will be overjoyed to see what comes from this interation when I show him this site later today.

    And for those reading this comment who cannot get in touch, keep an eye out for any future releases from us within the next few months (no official release as of this post) or alternatively get in touch with my instagram ‘iy_mellow.jpeg’

    Anyway hope you get back to me via the attatched email, stay punk – Tom

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *