South Wales: Sa - Sn

Sack Trick - band feat members of Rachel Stamp, David Ryder-Prangley (bass,voc), Robin Guy (drms). More info req’d.

Sack of Spastics - Bargoed band (1980s), feat; Gerwyn Williams (see also Discarnate Entity, Rico Oxide)

Said Mike – Pontypridd band (c2006) who are too fat for emo!, feat; Tom (voc,gtr), Dane (drms), Richard (gtr), Lloyd (bass), Rhys-o (keys). Played a huge amount of gigs in autumn06, also involved with Complete Control music. Rel EP ‘Stop The Clocks’ (Jan08) (website)

Sal - Cardiff based band, formed Nov98, feat; Catrin Southall (voc), Noog (gtr), Marc Real (bass), Denley Slade (drms). Matthew Narusberg was orig bassist. Have played around S.Wales, Rel ‘Before Tomorrow’ EP (Aug00) & made apps on The Wrap, Shotgun Slideshow & The Fizz. Rel single Perfect in 2 formats (English & Welsh) Nov02. Followed by LP ‘Dysfunctional’ (Casket Recs Jul05) and single Runaway (Jul05) (website)

Salad Days - post punk / math rock band from Swansea (formed Nov99). Feat Kristopher Green (gtr,voc), Edward Purcell (bass,voc) and Ben Leach (drms). 1st demo CD, Nuthin’ Fancy, rec with the help of the Prince’s Trust. 2nd CD, Irimi, rec at Swansea’s Mighty Atom studio, c2002. Band call themselves “the cutting edge of ‘British Emotional Hardcore Punk’”

Sammo Hung - Cardiff based band (2000) feat; Jemma Roper (gtr,voc), Iestyn Lloyd (gtr,voc), Andrew Coombes (bass), Richard Davies (drms). Rel single on Boobytrap recs & have app on Adam Walton’s Radio Wales show. Have played with Rocket From The Crypt (teaching San Diego’s finest the finer points of the Welsh language ie swearing!). More info req’d.

Samurai – Port Talbot-Merthyr rock band (1982-86), feat; Len Williams (voc), Craig Risdale (gtr), Huw Lewis (gtr), Neil Rodgers (bass), Mike Davies (drms). Rel 2 LPs on Ebony Recs. Toured extensively in the UK and did a club tour of Los Angeles.

Sanction - Caerphilly band; (formed Oct00) feat; Kris (voc), Gavin (gtr), Phil (bass), Andrew (drms) (joined Oct02 replacing Gareth). Another Gareth had temp replaced Gavin (Jul04-Mar05). (website)

Sassafras – Cardiff prog band, formed 1970 orig as a 3-piece feat; Ralph Evans (gtr), Ricky John Holt (bass), Rob Reynolds (drms). Dai Shell (gtr) was soon added. Terry Bennett (voc) joined after recording at Dai’s Ddraig Studios. The band turned pro and Rob left, being replaced by Congo Jones (drms) (ex Love Sculpture). Rel LP ‘Expecting Company’ (Polydor Oct73) and rec’d plenty of BBC airplay. Congo left and Chris Sharley took his place and Steve Finn replaced Ricky, although members would leave and rejoin many times over the years. Rel LP ‘Wheelin And Dealin’ (Chrysalis 1974) and toured USA, sometimes supporting Fleetwood Mac in front of 75,000 people. Rel LP ‘Riding High’ (Chrysalis 1975) with Dick Owen (drms) and became one the first bands to tour the old Eastern Bloc. Conitnued through the years eventually splitting in 1996, but still reform  for occasional gigs.

Scanners - band (1980) formed out of the ashes of Victimize feat; Bryn Merrick (bass) (later of The Damned), Andy Johnson (gtr), Roman Jugg (keys) (later Damned), Trevor Rees (drms). Also played under name Carburettors

Schafer – trashy pop-punk Newport band (2001), feat; Marcus Warner (voc) (later of Colour Me Dead, Trip), Adam Treheme (gtr), Neil Weir (bass), Graeme Pearce (drms). Described as ‘Ash, but angrier, or King Adora without the lipgloss!’ Changed name & style to Please Drive Faster (Sep02)

The School – Cardiff indie-pop band (c2008) (website)

Scooters – Cardiff band (formed 1996), feat; Anthony Carey (voc,gtr), Chris Kelly (gtr,voc), Bob Molcher (bass), Timothy Rooney (drms), Simon Rooney (keys). Signed to Gate Productions management until spring’99 but continued to play as much in California as they did the UK which incl jamming with Jeff Goldblum in his house & playing at Johnny Depp’s club. Debut LP ‘Peepshow’ followed by 2nd LP ‘I Can See Your House From Here’ on FF Vinyl. (website)

Screen Gemz - early Cardiff punk band (late 70s), feat; Karl Hyde & Rick Smith (both later of Freur & Underworld). They met in a Cardiff hard rock-style cafe, where Karl was a chef, Rick washed dishes, and starving musicians knew the two would feed them when they showed up at the kitchens’ back door. Rel a single I Just Can’t Stand Cars / Teenage Teenage (1979 Inflatable recs). Rick wasn’t in the band when this was rel. More info req’d.

Screw – Cardiff band (1970-71), feat; Dave Dearnaley (gtr) (now Snatch It Back and sessions for Alien Sex Fiend), John Turner (drms), Andy Beever (gtr), Ged Cox (bass), Bob Watkins (keys). Did 3mnth tour through Belgium, Germany and Switzerland – and did backing for the late and great Mike Patto band in Shweinfurt. Dave makes his own guitars in Splott, Cardiff and John does the electrical repairs. Their roadie, Ron says, ‘Shame no recordings were ever made - but album names conceived - Screw Theassophit, Screw-u-2 etc.’ Some members went on to form Eager Beavers

Scrhythm – comic from Cardiff (c1993) filled with loot, lager, lust & luggage. Edited by Tommy. More info req’d.

Sebon - online music shop selling all the important Welsh (and others) releases in Wales today (website)

Secluded - punk band, rel ‘Mindless Violence’ tape (1982). More info req’d.

Section 20 - Cardiff punk band, 1979-80, feat; Roddy Moreno (gtr) (later Oppressed, Insanity Squad), Michael ‘Jarvis’ Davies (bass), Robin Shackle (drms), David ‘Dio’ Dyer (voc). Started jamming in a Butetown bank, played about half a dozen gigs in Cardiff and fell apart when Roddy got jailed in 1980. The band got it’s name from one of the charges that Roddy eventually went down for. No recordings.

Semantics – band (formed 1997), and included many personnel changes, Oct06 line up; Andy Coleman (voc,gtr) (ex Dozy), Alan Rogers (bass), Bill Henry (drms), Kim Styles (gtr). Rel LP “Between The Covers” (2004) incl  guest appearances by Hywel Maggs (gtr), Richie Jones (gtr) and Dave Watkins (drms). Next LP “The Ballad Of Squint Eyed Jack” 2006 incl Danny Chang (ex Dozy), Richie Jones and the Impact Gospel Singers.

Serotonin - band formed in Aberdare mid02, currently unsigned but have rel 3 trk demo funded via the PYNCI label. This Demo was prod by legendary producer Greg Haver who was responsible for another famous Welsh export, the Manics ‘This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours’, it was recorded at Monnow Valley studios, previously used by Oasis and the Charlatans.

Serphona - orig name for Enclave

Set It Off – promo co. run by David Taylor at end of ’99. (website) More info req’d.

Seven Words - Aberystwyth band (2002), feat Dai Williams (gtr,voc), Jon Swain (gtr,voc), Richard Stott (bass,voc), ‘Camp’ Jon (gtr), Matt Allen (drms) and Timothy Crag (keys) - infl are Radiohead, the Smiths, and REM. One EP ‘How To Draw Anything’ has been rel with another one ‘Happy Here’ due soon. (website)

Shakin’ Stevens and the Sunsets (1971 - Date), Elvis Presley style rock band from Penarth still performing today as the Sunsets, without Shakey (Michael Barrett) who went to London, first to become Elvis Presley in the West End stage show and later a chart topping teen idol in his own right.

Shanghai – rock band (1980s), feat; Mark Davies (bass) (ex Traveller, later Celtic Pride)

Shaped By Fate - Cardiff punk-metal band (formed late 2001). (website)

Shemko – Cardiff band (orig from Llantrisant), formed 2001, feat; Andrew Hadland (b.1977) (voc,gtr), Stuart Beasley (b.1978) (gtr), Geraint Rees (b.1978) (bass), Mark George (b.1978) (drms). Prev called Mothers Ruin, Unreal Things. (website)

She’s Got Spies – Cardiff project by ex Keys members Laura Nunez (voc), Matthew Evans (gtr,keys,perc). (website)

Shooter – Swansea indie band formed summer 2000, feat; Simon Court (voc) (ex Spirals, Sweetest Ache), Peter Moore (gtr,bass,keys), Mark Royston (gtr), Stuart Vincent (gtr) (ex Sweetest Ache), Ian Saberton (keys) (ex Sweetest Ache), Steve Bugden (bass), Andy Kersey (drms). Session on Radio Wales (Aug02). Songs incl; All Things To Everyone. (website)

Shootin’ Goon – punk-skacore band from Cardiff/Pembrokeshire (formed 1998), feat; Tom (also of Adequate 7), Matt (also Cheapskates), have had up to 20 band members at various times. LP Splotside Rocksteady on Moonska Recs. (website). Split Jun04.

Shortcuts – punk band (formed Nov07), feat; Nicky (voc,gtr) (ex BDTY), Boris (bass), Lewis (drms) (ex BDTY). Rel demo ‘Fuck The Shortcuts’ (Dec07). (website)

Short Man Syndrome - band (c2008), feat the same members from previous Aberystwyth band Swiss Tony and The Vendors. Now based in Cardiff, started to get regular gigs in such venues as Buffalo bar and Clwb Ifor Bach. Recently added on the “watch this space” segment on the C2 radio wales site.

Shotgun Slideshow - music video prog that promotes English language bands from Wales on HTV. More info req’d.

Shrapnel – punk band of mid-late 80s, feat; Stew (voc), Paul (gtr), Steve (gtr) and Jeff (drms), there had been a few bassists. Played many gigs in UK & Eire, rel tape ‘Restricted Existance’ on Bluurg. 2 split singles, the 1st with Pontypridd punk band Symbol Of Freedom on Words Of Warning Recs and 2nd with Scottish band Toxik Effex. Plus a track on the `We Wont Be Your Fucking Poor` comp called Unjustified Actions After the demise of Shrapnel, Stew and Paul moved to London where they formed a band called the Duvals. They rel at least one single and a CD called ‘Beauty’. Paul is currently playing guitar with Ten Benson, who have rel a few cds and quite recently played in America and did a tour with The Darkness. (ace pic)

Sick Future – promo company run by Johnny Philips from Bridgend, deals mainly in hardcore & metal material & promotes gigs in S.Wales. (website)

Sick Note - Cardiff based electronica project (c2008), feat; Doghouse, Flapsandwich, Dr Conker, P&O, The Filth. Rel ‘Holy Trinity’ EP (Tantrum Recs). (website)

The Sidneys – band (c1992) feat; Gary Appleby (drms) (later Blood Sanction, Distorshaus, 9xDead). More info req’d

Singapore - band feat; Dave Watkins (drms), Danny Chang (who now has a studio in Penarth)

Situations Vacant - From somewhere in darkest Sth Wales - Rel the cassette ‘The Shady Road Shed Tapes’ on Baby Is Dead Records

60’ Dolls – Newport band feat; Richard Parfitt (voc,gtr) (ex The Colours), Mike Cole (bass), Carl Bevan (drms). Formed in early 90s thru the local music scene. 1st single Happy Shopper (94), earning them a great deal of media attention & many more fans. Follow up singles, incl Pig Valentine, Stay & Talk To Me, revealed noted for excellent live performances that would end with a cover of The Beatles’ Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me & My Monkey, typically followed by the smashing of their instruments. 1st LP ‘The Big 3’ made the Top 40 after rel in May 1997. In June they played to 36,000 people, opening for the reformed Sex Pistols at London’s Finsbury Park. Indolent Recs sadly dropped them just before the rel of their 2nd LP ‘Joya Magica’. Disillusioned with the music industry, they split in 1999. Richard went on to manage Terris, before embarking on a rising solo career.

Size 8 – Newport record label. Rel Derrero’s debut single. More info req’d.

Skangers - Cardiff Indie pop, early ’90s feat: Chris Dickson (voc,gtr) (ex Crush, Cola Shark, www.christopherdickson.com), Adam Evans (drms), Darren Lewis (bass, backing voc) (ex Crush, Cola Shark), Mark Kiltie (gtr, bass, voc). An earlier lineup also featured Brendan O’Driscoll (keys, voc) and Tony Crosbie (drms)

Skeeterhouse - small DIY label run from Cardiff, rel Carsondown’s May Contain Traces of Punk Rock EP. More info req’d.

Skeleteens – Cardiff ‘supergroup’ band, feat members of Reptile Ranch, Puritan Guitars, New Form. Formed as an acoustic busking band in order to finance a holiday in Paris but did support The Fall at Cardiff Uni 7.2.81. More info req’d

Skep - Cardiff band (2002) feat; Dai Lloyd (voc), Nathan Rosser (gtr), Adam Rosser (drms), Stuart Akkermans (bass). Rel Bingo EP on Dockrad (2001) & debut LP Static (26.08.02), followed by LP ‘Sgep’ (Dockrad 2008) and Dai had replaced the band by this LP with Matt Busuttil (bass), Steve Cox (gtr), Al Evans (drms) (website)

Skidmarks - Cardiff punk band (late 70s). More info req’d

Skindred – Newport ragga-metal band (formed 1998), feat; Benji Webbe (voc), Jeff Rose (gtr), Daniel Pugsley (bass), Ginger Ford (drms). Played 1st gig 1999 in Newport. LP Babylon rel Jun02 accompanied by a UK tour. Played Ozzfest 2002. Benji Webb also guested on Soulfly’s debut LP.

SKWAD – Pontypridd band (formed Oct03), feat; Todd Campbell (gtr) (also of Horse), Dane Campbell (drms) (sons of Motorhead’s Phil), and Mike Cox (bass). although it has not been updated in a long time. (website)

Slaughter Tradition – Penarth-Dinas Powys anarcho-punk band (1982-85), feat; Nicky Evans (voc,gtr), Matt Davies (bass), Richard Thomas (gtr) Dean Poole (drms). Rec 2 demos, ‘Don’t Invite Death Before Its Time’ (1983) and ‘The Passion Revolt’(1984). Put on and played some memorable  gigs in Penarth area incl Flux of Pink Indians, Chumbawamba and Kukl (Bjork’s first venture to the UK). Nicky went on to form Elemental Recs (Alabama 3, Rocket from the Crypt), Matt runs Tangled Parrot record shop in Carmarthen and Dean plays in FromMars

Slavaryan – orig name for Porthcawl band Gene Loves Jezebel, named after a conflict of races; Slavs and Aryans.

Sleep, The - band of late 80s. More info req’d

Sleeping Dogs - 10 part off the wall series on BBC Choice TV (Apr00) produced by Tom Law & feat the Mikey J Appreciation Society documentary. 2nd series aired Autumn 2000.

Slime - Late 70’s Sth Wales based post punk band, 1st rel was a split single with NCP, ‘1st Takes/Foreign Affairs (NCP)’. This was followed by a single on Toadstool Recs ‘Controversial Looney’ in Apr78 GOOD-1. NCP was basically solo artist Bob Gillham who could best be described as experimental. Bob was based in Oswestry and self rel a vast amount of cassettes on Sanc Recs. Titles incl ‘After Being Burned’, ‘Goes Overdub Crazy’, ‘Limited Options’, and ‘Music For Llanfair’. Company motto ‘It’s not your ears - No Commercial Potential’

Slow Graffiti - Cardiff-based label (2002) & live promoter. Shows at Clwb Ifor Bach under the “Bridging The Gap” banner have attracted good crowds and some decent names, label’s 1st rel - Polanski’s “All Possibility” EP (22.7.02), followed by comp CD of local and up & coming bands (website)

Slow Jam – punk band (1989) from Tremorfa, Cardiff, feat; Darren ‘The Flange’ D (bass,voc), Matt Gray (gtr) (ex Soldier Dolls, later Fenella Fielding, I Mobster), Ronald Bonham (drms), David Alderman (gtr,voc) (ex Blast Off, Animation, Soldier Dolls, later of I Mobster). Track Firewater appeared on Slaving For The Great Dictator comp. (discography)

Smack - band feat; Dave Watkins (drms)

Small Victories - band prev called Tommy & The Chauffeurs, feat; James Chant (voc), James Milford (voc,gtr), Jamie Beach (scratch DJ), Dave Cauvaine (bass), Ian Williams (drms), James Hannam (keys). Rel single (18.9.03) ‘Go Back To Bed America’ then LP ‘Holding On Hopefully’ (on Boobytrap Oct03). A tour was being put together to promote this

Smiling With Semtex - Swansea punk-dub band (formed 1999), feat; Justyn (voc) (ex Corrupt Silence, now Filthy Habits), Richy (bass) (also Corrupt Silence), Stu (gtr), Wez (drms). More info req’d

Smoke Like A Fish – Newtown based skapopunky 8-pc (formed 1993), enjoyed a classic 3 years of magical manic gigs up and down the country until on-stage fisticuffs signalled change. Inactive till late 99, this latest incarnation includes a 3 piece brass section new singer, TV appearances and supports to The Selector and Bad Manners. Signed to Do The Dog Music, and their widely acclaimed debut CD, rel in May02, is getting air play all over Europe, Venezuela, Brazil and Australia, as well as on BBC Radio 1. Former bands that S.L.A.F members have perfomed in: Thou Subversives,
Cucumber Fusion, The Pain and Crash 45. Releases - Punctured Shark, EP - Nov99 on Kippertronix, EP - Feb01: Smoke like a Fish, Album - Apr02 on Do the Dog music

Snatch It Back – Cardiff band, who up to 2006 have played around the city for at least 30 years. Line up has changed as members died, but now incl; Dave Dearnaley (gtr), Chris Rees (voc,gtr), Paul Higgins (bass), Ian Davies (drms). Rel LP ‘Live on Broadway’ (1987), followed by ‘Live And Later’ (2002) (website)

Snork Maiden - Newport band, rel LP ‘Eating is Believing’ (Apr03) on Sharp Noodle. (website). More info req’d.

Snowbirds – Band from Roath, Cardiff (c1992). Had track on a Glidge Recs comp. More info req’d.