ANI GLASS ***
Ffrwydrad Tawel EP (Recordiau Neb)
Translating as Quiet Explosion, this W H Dyfodol (Y Pencadlys)-produced EP is the next stage in Ani Saunders’ metamorphosis into an accomplished electronic artist. Last year’s excellent single Y Ddawns is included here and, along with Geiriau, provides the poppier angle of an otherwise experimental EP. BG
HMS MORRIS ****
Morbid Mind / Arth (Waco Gwenci)
The colourful sounds of this Cardiff group are always set to catch you off guard. Morbid Mind is an agitated amalgamation of Blondie and Gong with an infectious volatile energy whilst Arth brings a welcome solace and spacey tranquillity in soothing contrast. This re-emerging double A-side trend is frustratingly tantalizing! CPI
NINETEEN FIFTY EIGHT ****
Dark Blue (Transcend Music)
Six tracks from the Swansea five-piece dealing with relationships, feelings and the tribulations of growing up. It’s not hard to spot the stated Catatonia influence but Ceryn Sara’s vocals are softer and more melodic, although it did feel as though she was holding back. The band is musically tight and Liam Grundie’s drumming is showcased throughout. LN
PEANESS ***
Are You Sure? (Alcopop!)
Alcopop!’s Jack Clothier signed Peaness – no sniggering at the back – because they’re “pretty much the BEST band I’ve heard in the last few months”. Hyperbole, perhaps – but the five tracks on Are You Sure? are guaranteed to warm the heart of anyone smitten by Best Coast and sweet-but-not-sickly guitar pop. BW
SILENT FORUM *****
Limbo (self-released)
Once over the shock of Richard Wiggin’s deep yet slightly Morrissey-esque voice bursting unexpectedly into the melody, I found Silent Forum’s new single an enjoyable ride. Music and vocals sometimes felt at odds, but the song has a catchy quality and when it ended I wanted more. LN
UMOJA *****
707 EP (Awesome Tapes From Africa)
It’s on the ATFA label, so it’s gotta be an African classic you’ve never heard unless you collect this stuff or lived there at the time. ‘There’ being late 80s South Africa, where Umoja blew up national radio with Money Money (“bananas!” goes the refrain) and the title track, both of which are wicked spins on American electro and freestyle. NG