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. Released 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, Released ‘Before Tomorrow’ EP (Aug00) and made apps on The Wrap, Shotgun Slideshow and The Fizz. Released single Perfect in 2 formats (English and Welsh) Nov02. Followed by LP ‘Dysfunctional’ (Casket Recs Jul05) and single Runaway (Jul05), a long period of inactivity was ended with a new LP release (spring 09) and the track Devil May Care was used as the theme for the new James Bond audio book (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'”
Ruby Samba – singer / songwriter from Cardiff (c2009), born 1988, with her father, Tim Short supplying guitar and production work. (website)
Sammo Hung – Cardiff based band (2000) feat; Jemma Roper (gtr,voc), Iestyn Lloyd (gtr,voc), Andrew Coombes (bass), Richard Davies (drms). Released singles in 2002, Random S.O.B on Boobytrap recs, and ‘The Simon Richards Popular Front EP’ (on Purr). Also played live 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!).
Sam’s Bar – Cardiff nightlife bar and live music spot (c1970s–2000s), located at the corner of Mill Lane and St Mary Street in the city centre. A lively part of Cardiff’s social scene for decades, Sam’s Bar became known in the 1980s and 1990s as a popular late?night bar and informal live music venue where local bands and touring acts would play gigs and informal sets, often with student crowds and emerging talent taking to the stage; it was typical of the city’s alternative nightlife alongside other Cardiff institutions such as Clwb Ifor Bach and The Stage Door. Sam’s Bar also featured in the city’s broader nightlife memories alongside venues like Neros, PCs and Bogiez as key places for music lovers and performers alike in an era before many of Cardiff’s current venues opened. The building later became Zync and then Peppermint Bar & Kitchen but the Sam’s Bar name lives on in local music?scene recollections as a grassroots spot where bands cut their teeth in front of passionate Cardiff crowds.
Samurai – Port Talbot-Merthyr rock band (1982-86), feat; Len Williams (voc), Craig Risdale (gtr), Huw Lewis (gtr), Neil Rodgers (bass), Mike Davies (drms). Released 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). Released 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. Released LP ‘Wheelin And Dealin’ (Chrysalis 1974) and toured USA, sometimes supporting Fleetwood Mac in front of 75,000 people. Released 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.
Saturday’s Kids – band (c2010); Sion, Rhys, Jordan and Matt (website)
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
Scavenger – 1970s progressive rock band, based in Swansea. Various changes in personnel, but the 1979 line-up comprised: Chris Sharples (gtr,voc), Dave Deakin (gtr,voc), Dave Bowen (bass,voc), Karl Williams (voc,hrmnca) (also Sleever), (the late) Tony Evans (drms).
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 and style to Please Drive Faster (Sep02)
The School – Cardiff indie-pop band, feat Liz – (keys,voc), Ryan (bass), Rich (drms), Ceri (gtr,voc), Steph (violn,voc), Harri (gtr,perc), Colin (trmpt) had session on Adam Walton’s BBC Radio Wales Show (Apr09). Fran and Kay also appear with the band. Toured Europe in 2008. Released single Let It Slip. Followed by And Suddenly (Slumberland Jul09). Album ‘Loveless Unbeliever’ (released 15.2.10), 2nd LP ‘Reading Too Much Into Things Like Everything’ (Elefant Recs). Sessions for Marc Riley and Tom Robinson on 6Music, Radio 1 Session in Wales. Played at Latitude, Wychwood, Swn, Indietracks, London Popfest, Going Up The Country, Now We Are Weekender and Wales Goes Pop! festivals in the UK, as well as South Pop, Lemon Pop, Murcia Popfest, Contempopranea and Murcia Sound in Spain, and NYC Popfest. They’ve also toured Sweden, Italy, Spain, the USA and the UK several times. 4th LP ‘Wasting Away and Wondering’ (04.09.15 Elefant). (website)
Science Bastard – Newport band (c2011), feat; Dean Poole (drms), Jonny (gtr,voc), Vern (voc,keys), Jim (bass)
Scimitar – 1982-1983, Abergavenny-Newport sorta NWOBHM meets punk, feat; Trevor Molten (voc) (later Deja Vu), John Dimbylow (gtr), Stuart Silcox (drms), Wayne Morgan (bass). Rec track for Hull’s Ebony Recs for the “Metallic Storm” comp album (which incl Mercyful Fate’s Black Funeral -which was utter pants IMHO). First band to play El Sieco’s (TJs to anyone under 40) after convincing Johnny S they would be playing hits of the 60s and auditioning with House of the Rising Sun. Had enough mates at the gig to make Sunday profitable for JS so got another gig on the Thursday this time getting paid £60.
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 and playing at Johnny Depp’s club. Debut LP ‘Peepshow’ followed by 2nd LP ‘I Can See Your House From Here’ on FF Vinyl. (website)
Screaming Martini’s – Newport rock band (c2012), feat; Vinnie Fiera (listen)
Screen Gemz – early Cardiff punk band (late 70s), feat; Karl Hyde and Rick Smith (both later of Freur and 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. Released 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 and luggage. Edited by Tommy. More info req’d.
Seabass Music – project by Sebastian Griffiths (born 05.01.08). Released debut album ‘First Thing’s First’ (2025) (YTMusic)
Sebon – online music shop selling all the important Welsh (and others) releases in Wales today (website)
Secluded – punk band, released ‘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.
See Monkey Do Monkey – record label based in Cardiff and home to The Method, Houdini Dax, The Keys, The Broken Vinyl Club and The Moles. (website)
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). Released 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.
Serein – record label run by Huw Roberts (of Nest, Hidden Rivers), started in 2005 and specializes in ambient crossover stuff. Their output is frequently used in TV and film productions, regularly receives international radio airplay. (website)
Serotonin – band formed in Aberdare mid02, released 3 trk demo funded via the PYNCI label. This demo was rec at Monnow Valley studios.
Serotonin – punk band from Llanfair Caereinion, (formed Oct02), orig called Fly 4 Zero. Released LP ‘The Rise of Falling’ (on their own Alka Salts label, Jan05) (website)
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 released with another one ‘Happy Here’ due soon. (website)
Seven Year Itch – (formed 1983 and split two years later in 1985). Orig members, Liza Thomas (voc), Dave Inson (gtr), Steve Lane (bass), Mike Penny (drms). Influences included Paul Weller / Style Council, with the band performing mostly orig material written by Dave. Rec 4track EP at Minotawr Studios – Gwaun-Cae-Guewen, the most well know being titled: Michael, Your Goes In Style, written about former Swansea Sound presenter, Mike Evans. Studio rec featured a brass section in the form of Jacqueline Boxx and Jayne Morgan, both former musicians with Swansea Youth Orchestra. One of their break-through performances was supporting Swansea’s Tremblin’ Knees, at the Coach House on Halloween Night in 1984, to a packed audience which included many know faces. It was said to be once of the best sets seen at the venue! Today (2016) two members of the band are still around, these being Dave Inson, who still lives in Penllergaer – Swansea, and bassist Steve Lane, who has not long returned to live in the city.
Sewer Youth – Cardiff punk band feat; Jason “Pipeman” Stickler (Effigies, Some Weird Sin, The Weird), more info req’d
Shadow Of The Sun – band (c2012). More info req’d
Shakin’ Stevens and the Sunsets – (1971 – Date), Elvis Presley style rock band from Penarth still performing today as the Sunsets, without Shaky (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.
Shale – Cardiff band (formed early21), feat; Samuel Hale (voc,gtr), Austin (gtr,voc), Rohan (bass), Zach (drms). Originally a sixth-form school project by songwriter Samuel Hale, the group evolved into a polished indie-pop and dance-punk outfit drawing influence from The Cure and LCD Soundsystem. They gained traction with their debut single Green Light Red Light, which led to support slots with Panic Shack and appearances at the S?n and Swansea Fringe festivals. Their sound matured with the 2024 single Fuzzy Identities, which earned them a spot on the BBC Radio Wales A-list and national airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music. In April 2025, they released their self-titled debut EP ‘Shale’, featuring the track Made With Love, and were named finalists in the Green Man Rising competition. (youtube)
Shamones – Ramones tribute band from Cardiff (c2012) feat; Bryn Merrick (bass) (ex Damned, Victimize)
Shanghai – rock band (1980s), feat; Mark Davies (bass) (ex Traveller, later Celtic Pride)
Shaped By Fate – Cardiff punk-metal band (formed late 2001), feat; Phil Maine and Luke. Released LP ‘In At The Deep End’ (2006)
Shape Records – label ran from Monthermer Rd, Cardiff, primarily set up to release stuff by Attack and Defend, but started adding others to their catalogue, Them Squirrels, Evils, Frederick Stanley Star (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 Ripped – Treorchy post-punk band (c2012), feat; Rhodri Cox (gtr), Tom Williams (bass), Jake Healy (voc,gtr), Dr. Rhythm (drms). Released single Ultra Social Happy Man (website)
She’s Got Spies – Cardiff project by ex Keys members Laura Nunez (voc), Matthew Evans (gtr,keys,perc). (website)
Shockhead – Cardiff space-rock band, orig feat; Crum (keys,voc) (later Moonloonies), Sqwab (gtr,keys,voc), Mr B (voc), Rhys (bass), Cozmo (drms) (now living in the Swiss Alps, but proudly with a Welsh flag flying over his house). Rhys was replaced by Mark Humphries, who in turn was replaced by Doug “Dr Drugless”. Sqwab (Chris Swambo) sadly died (Mar01), there was a reunion in 2005 in his honour to celebrate what would have been his 40th birthday, reuniting the band’ss founding members.
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 Howells (voc,gtr) (ex Carsondown, BDTY), Boris (bass), Lewis (drms) (ex BDTY). Released demo ‘Fuck The Shortcuts’ (Dec07) then debut LP ‘Happy Accidents’ (Numbskull Recs Mar09). (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 and Eire, released 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 released at least one single and a CD called ‘Beauty’. Paul is currently playing guitar with Ten Benson, who have released 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 and metal material and promotes gigs in S.Wales. (website)
Sick Livers – garage rock and roll band feat; Ginge Knievil (voc) (ex Viva Knievils), Dai (bass), VJ (gtr), Matty (drms). Members from Cardiff, Briton Ferry, Bridgend and Cwmbran respectively and have previously played in the following South Wales bands: Black Eye Riot; The Viva Knievils; Strawberry Blondes; Shrapnel. Self released debut single “St. Pauli” recorded on 10.05.09 at Zed One Studios, Camden Town. Released albums on the Glunk label, ‘Motors, Women, Drugs, Booze and Killing’ (2013) and ‘Mid Liver Crisis’ (2015).
Sicknote – Cardiff post-punk/electro/underground performance collective (c2007–c2014), feat; Doghouse (voc), Dr Conker (spiritual guidance/dance), Flapsandwich (music production), The Filth (drms), Johnny No Cash (visuals). Sicknote are a chaotic, genre-blurring ensemble from Cardiff whose live performances mixed elements of post-punk, techno, breakbeat and electro-punk with a carnival of dancers and visuals, described by fans as an explosion of instinctive sound and performance that defied easy classification. The group formed around a shared improvisational ethos — rarely rehearsing, creating much of their material in the moment — and cultivated a cult following for their energetic gigs packed with humour, audience engagement and surreal stagecraft, often accompanied by situationist slogans and guerrilla promotional antics. They released music via platforms such as SoundCloud — including early tracks like Ring Ya Dad (22.03.13), S.O.S. (12.05.13) and Whitey (22.03.13) — and issued the ‘Holy Trinity’ vinyl pack (01.04.12) featuring songs such as I Want Your Soul, Benefit Cheat and Death Before Employment that captured their off-kilter blend of styles. Sicknote played underground venues and secret Cardiff gigs including events around Clwb Ifor Bach, building a dedicated fanbase before eventually ceasing activity in the mid-2010s; their legacy within the Welsh DIY scene lives on through recordings, online archives and memories of their frenetic live shows.(website)
Side FX – punk band (c1978), feat; Jonathon Griffiths (drms), (later Frames), Julian Kelly (gtr,voc).
The Sidneys – band (c1992) feat; Gary Appleby (drms) (later Blood Sanction, Distorshaus, 9xDead). More info req’d
Sigiriya – Swansea stoner metal band, formed 2009, the name comes from the ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka, which former guitarist Stu O’Hara visited. The initial lineup included four out of five members of the original Acrimony: Stu O’Hara (gtr) (ex-Iron Monkey), Paul “Mead” Bidmead (bass) (ex Plan 9), Dorian Walters (voc) (2009-12), Darren Ivey (drms), Matt “Pipes” Williams (voc) (2013 onwards joining for the second album), Rhys David Miles (drms since 2015). Released albums; ‘Return To Earth’ (2011), ‘Darkness Died Today’ (2014) and ‘Maiden Mother Crone’ (2020). The band’s sound is characterized by massive, chunky riffs, colossal grooves, and a blend of menace and melody. They often receive comparisons to bands like Monster Magnet and Hawkwind, maintaining a distinct “Welsh heap” of doom, dub, space rock, and prog influences. (YTMusic)
Silent Partner – Chepstow based soft rock band. After the singer left, the bass player stepped up to the mark, one Grantl Nicholas (Feeder). Guitarist Brian Sperber left for America and became respected sound engineer/producer
Singapore – band feat; Dave Watkins (drms), Danny Chang (who now has a studio in Penarth)
Situations Vacant – From somewhere in darkest Sth Wales – Released 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 and many more fans. Follow up singles, incl Pig Valentine, Stay and 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 and My Monkey, typically followed by the smashing of their instruments. 1st LP ‘The Big 3’ made the Top 40 after released 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 released 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. Released Derrero’s debut single. More info req’d.
The Skangers – Cardiff Indie pop, (formed late 1990) feat: Glaswegian, Chris Dickson (voc,gtr) (ex Crush, Cola Shark), Adam Evans (drms) (from Ystrad Mynach), Darren Lewis (bass) (from Bargoed) (ex Crush, Cola Shark), Mark Kiltie (gtr) (from Caerffili). An earlier lineup also featured Brendan O’Driscoll (keys, voc) and Tony Crosbie (drms).
Skapa Collective – ska band from Cardiff (c2020), feat; Steve Bick (gtr,voc,sax), Paul Jennings (voc), Hylton Hayles (bass), Will Davis (drms), Alistair Leith (trmpt), Jon Butler (gtr), Andy Roberts (sax), Victory Nelson (perc), Bertie Trousers (keys), Zola de Cwtchy (trmbn), Suzi Chunk (b.voc). Released ‘Songs About Running Away’ LP (Dec22) (bandcamp)
Skeeterhouse – medium DIY label run from Cardiff, released 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). Released Bingo EP on Dockrad (2001) and 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 after the split of Dub War), feat; Benji Webbe (voc), Jeff Rose (gtr), Daniel Pugsley (bass), Ginger Ford (drms). Played 1st gig 1999 in Newport. Debut LP Babylon released Jun02 accompanied by a UK tour. Played Ozzfest 2002. Benji Webb also guested on Soulfly’s debut LP. The band issued several albums, inc 2023’s ‘Smile’ (bandcamp)
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)
Chris Slade – rock drummer (real name Christopher Rees), born in Pontypridd 30.10.46. Had played with the likes of Tom Jones, Gary Numan, AC/DC, Uriah Heep, The Firm and Asia to name a few!
Slamfish – Cardiff project by Tim (ex Khagool) and Bex (who married each other 19.5.09).
Slate – A young post-punk quartet from Cardiff barely out of their teens. Feat; Jack Shepard (voc), Raychi Bryant (drms), Elis Penri (gtr), Lauren Edwards (bass,voc). Have a love of poetry and epic widescreen sound. Released single Tabernacl (24.04.23) followed by St Agatha (12.09.23) (spotify)
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 inc; Flux of Pink Indians, Chumbawamba and Kukl (Bjork’s first venture to the UK). Although keeping their ideals their music changed to almost pop. 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, namedium after a conflict of races; Slavs and Aryans.
The Sleep – 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 and feat the Mikey J Appreciation Society documentary. 2nd series aired Autumn 2000.
Sleepy Panda Club – Swansea indie-pop band (c2012) (myspace)
Sleever – Eclectic new-wave band formed in Swansea in 1977. Original line-up was: Graham Larkbey (gtr,voc,kazoo) (ex Aunt Fortescues Blues Rockers, and later The Escape Committee, out of Walthamstow, London), Richard Cowell (gtr) (also of The Lost Boys, and later the Rag Foundation), Karl Williams (perc,voc,hrmnca) (also of Scavenger), Dave Douglas (gtr), John Harvey (drms).
Slime – Late 70’s Sth Wales based post punk band, 1st released 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 released 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) and live promoter. Shows at Clwb Ifor Bach under the “Bridging The Gap” banner have attracted good crowds and some decent names, label’s 1st released – Polanski’s “All Possibility” EP (22.7.02), followed by comp CD of local and up and coming bands (website)
Slowjam – 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)
Slugbait – Ammanford band (late 70s?) feat; Patricia Morgan (later of Datblygu, Y Cymylau). Had songs, Working in Boots and You Are Used. More info req’d
Smack – band feat; Dave Watkins (drms)
Small Miracles – new wave band from Cardiff (formed 2021), released 6 ‘singles’ up to their debut EP ‘Live At Rockfield’ (01.12.23).
Small Victories – band prev called Tommy and The Chauffeurs, feat; James Chant (voc), James Milford (voc,gtr), Jamie Beach (scratch DJ), Dave Cauvaine (bass), Ian Williams (drms), James Hannam (keys). Released 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 Faeces – Neath based punk fanzine, edited by Slag (c1983)
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 acclaimedium debut CD, released 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 perfomedium 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). Released LP ‘Live on Broadway’ (1987), followed by ‘Live And Later’ (2002) (website)
Snork Maiden – Newport band, released 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.