Welsh language punk rock has a rich and interesting history that dates back almost as far as the inception of punk in general: Llygod Ffyrnig’s NCB single was released in 1977. By the time we enter the 90s, though, it’s a highly rare commodity. Young Welsh bands who wished to play loud, hard and fast would inevitably sing in English; conversely, if they were determined to honour thy mother tongue, would probably pootle along in the indie lane. This is what makes Ffug (formerly Y Ffug), a quartet from west Wales with members currently resident in Cardiff, Manchester and Milford Haven, an intriguing proposition.
Love Is Stupid, released this month on the Strangetown label (and the opening song on their self-titled debut album, out in August), is a raucous jittery garage punk pile-up. As the title indicates, it’s not sung in Welsh: Ffug’s 10 tracks offer a fairly even split of languages, courtesy of vocalist Iolo Selyf James. The band certainly don’t appear blithe cheerleaders for the culture that raised them; Datblygu, Black Flag and the Manics are among their stated influences, likely for ideological as much as musical reasons.
Granted, Ffug isn’t exactly the most ragingly extreme punk record you’ll ever hear. Indeed, they have a pronounced indie element, with songs like Are U With Us and Upside Down veering towards the psychedelia of the Super Furries – who Ffug have just supported on a brief UK tour. The energy and drive is obvious throughout, though, and justifies this group making waves on the Welsh language gig circuit while still all in their teens.