SWN FESTIVAL 2018: FRIDAY | LIVE REVIEW
Various venues, Cardiff, Fri 19 Oct
THE PITCHFORKS
O’Neills
Young indie rock band The Pitchforks have been on a roll this year and their performance at Sŵn showed that they won’t be stopping any time soon. With an early evening slot and the opening set at O’Neills, the band displayed confidence and talent much above their years. The boys treated the audience to newest single Waste Of A Day.
KEIR
Kongs
A captivating, confident performer, Keir impressed after his opening set at Kongs, setting the bar high for acts to follow. Although shy in character, Keir’s abilities shone through his magnificent vocal range, notably in song Hallelujah, and with support from his powerful, loud and vibrant band. A hidden gem that needs to be discovered.
BOY AZOOGA
Tramshed
Boy Azooga, fronted by Davey Newington, have already received great attention, securing their place in Cardiff’s tight-knit music scene. The band appeared at Swn Festival last year, just nine months after their first gig at Clwb Ifor Bach, and now play to a packed Tramshed. With performances of tunes from their debut album 1, 2, Kung Fu, the moment was highly anticipated by many and can be deemed a highlight of Friday’s lineup.
HEAVY RAPIDS
O’Neills
Formed just last year, Heavy Rapids are already making a bold move in the Glasgow scene. Their appearance here showcases a bold heaviness, as well as a clear fraternity between members. The band already exudes confidence and strong stage presence – definitely ones to watch in the alternative rock scene.
LOW ISLAND
Kongs
Oxford-based Low Island, a duo of DJ/producers Jamie Jay and Carlos Posada, prove they are multitalented with the mixed sounds of keyboard, guitar, vocals and cowbell. The laidback electronic vibe attracted a variety of audiences, most notably Sŵn’s older attendees, and Jay and Posada even join in themselves, showing passion and engagement in their work.
YASSASSIN
Kongs
All-girl band Yassassin played their first show at Sŵn after touring in support of Albert Hammond Jr. in September. Amongst the five girls are three guitars and four vocalists, all with their own individual flairs. Yassassin’s music packs a punch, exudes girly attitude and carries a message – take their debut single Social Politics.
GOAT GIRL
Clwb Ifor Bach
London foursome Goat Girl face a packed-out Clwb Ifor Bach and deliver a pleasurable experience: harmonies amongst the three vocalists, and catchy choruses in songs like The Man. In return, they’re shown appreciation through a small moshpit that emerges in the busy crowd.
THE BLINDERS
O’Neills
With two appearances at Sŵn due to set clashes, it is clear that The Blinders are ones to watch. Their presence is in your face and wild, grabbing attention at all times; frontman Thomas Haywood is a force to be reckoned with, sporting black eye makeup that smudges with sweat from his passion and vigour. You can’t take your eyes off The Blinders, a band who know how to bring you in with their punky alternative sound.
words and photos AMY FARRER
