R*E*P*E*A*T Presents

Leeks and Beets
A four way split single LP on limited 12” re-ground vinyl
for little more than the cost of a 7”

featuring

Leeks from South Wales
Bad Shout and Monet
Beets from East Anglia
Acid Alchemist and The Monoliths
Available on Bandcamp and digitally from December 1 ^st
and in record stores nationwide via Shellshock distribution from January 2024

Long standing underground DIY label R*E*P*E*A*T celebrate its dual Swansea / Cambridge heritage with a record showcasing uproarious talents from both East and West

Bad Shout

“Unhinged in all the best ways. I utterly love it. Sounds like someone left a cassette of Supergrass' debut album on the dashboard in the sun with Husker Du's Zen Arcade for just a little too long and it mutated into this”.– Adam Walton, BBC Radio Wales.
“Ones to Watch” Buzz Magazine

instagram.com/badshoutuk

Monet

“a stomping, melodic cry for change that fuses a raw barrage of caustic guitar riffs and surreal screams of the likes of the Dead Kennedys with the twisty turny relentless energy of early At the Drive-In” . God is in the TV. “fast becoming the enfant terrible’s of the South Wales music scene “ Clash Music.

instagram.com/monetbanduk

Acid Alchemist

Debut garage recording from furious, feather boaed and frantic cross dressing face painted rock upstarts from a sleepy village in Cambridge.

instagram.com/acid_alchemist_band

The Monoliths

Teenage psychedelic post-punk metal mayhem with an ear for unexpectedly massive sounds and unlikely time signatures. Their healthy disrespect for their elders and lessers hasn't stopped them packing out venues across London and the South East.

instagram.com/themonoliths/


Launch Gigs

Saturday December 16 ^th Elysium Swansea
(Bad Shout, Monet and special guest headliners Llanelli's disco punkers, Stickman)

Thursday December 28 ^th The Portland Arms Cambridge
(Acid Alchemist and The Monoliths plus support)


A R*E*P*E*A*T DIY Punk Rock East West Rebel Alliance Production 2023

Sister Envy hail from the North Wales coast, a place of mystery, harshness, and beauty, a place where opportunity is blocked for younger people yet dreams can break through. It’s here that Sister Envy met at college, this fast-emerging Alternative Psychedelic rock quartet are a brand new signing to North Wales label Yr Wyddfa Records, Snowdonia (home to Holy Coves). 

Their first single ' Mourning Sickness '  released on all streaming platforms on the 23rd of February eases you into their world. Woozy psychedelic-tinged guitars and enveloping vocals that detail the bleary moments after you wake. North Walian singer-songwriter Kameron Jolliffe vividly captures the wistful memories of growing up. With his infectious vocals burrowing their way into your head.  Possessing a carousel of percussion, a tapestry of beguiling rock sound, that takes influence from the sounds of the 60s and 70s but also the early 90s indie and gaze scene of bands like, My Bloody Valentine, Ride and Spiritualized. 

Kameron Jolliffe says of the bands debut single; “ Mourning Sickness was the first song I ever wrote when I was 16, and it feels like it makes sense for it to be released first, almost like an ode to my past self and what was happening in my life at that time.“

Sister Envy have been busy honing their sound in the studio with Welsh producers  Owain Ginsberg (Hippies Vs Ghosts) & Scott Marsden (Holy Coves) over recent months getting ready for ‘ Mourning Sickness ’ their debut single release this February. 

Their initial three singles were recorded in Liverpool at the famous Motor Museum Studio with Ben Harper. Mixed in France by Welsh legend Owain Ginsberg and mastered in Austin Texas by American producer Erik Wofford (The Black Angels).  Over the next twelve months, Sister Envy will invite you into their fascinating world over a series of singles releases and shows including a debut performance at Focus Wales in May.  Gradually revealing the different faces of their tapestry of sound and fledgling experience. 

Sister Envy band

Kameron Jolliffe - Vocals and Lead Guitar

Matty Waring - Guitar

Callum Jones - Bass

Ryan Roberts - Drums

http://www.facebook.com/sisterenvyband

http://www.instagram.com/sisterenvyband

http://www.twitter.com/sisterenvyband

Jac  by Sam Adams (Y Lolfa) is a novel of boyhood novel set in a south Wales Valley during the Second World War (1939-1945).

Described as “a lyrical and beautifully crafted story of growing up in the Valleys in the shadow of World War II” by poet, essayist and editor John Barnie, the novel follows Jac, a young boy at the start of the story, as he grows in awareness of the world beyond his home and family.

Author Sam Adams says:

“I wrote the novel to recall a lost age – wartime and the era of coal production in south Wales; the realities of the time. I also wanted to explore and commemorate the first steps in life outside the home, first friends and first boyhood adventures.”

The novel explores how war affected everything, including the play of children.

“The novel is semi-biographical, as I was a boy during the Second World War and grew up in a mining valley in south Wales. I have tried to recapture a time and a place which I know well,” said Sam Adams. 

Jac   by Sam Adams is available now (£9.99, Y Lolfa).

A new, updated version of the classic beginners’ Welsh course,  Welcome to Welsh , has been published by Y Lolfa. Written by Heini Gruffudd, bestselling author of materials for Welsh learners, the content of the new edition has been completely revamped and the book has been redesigned to bring it up to date. 

“Forty years have flown by! I would never have thought in 1984 that the book would be so popular. The grammar, stories and conversations needed updating, and humour has changed. The success of materials for learners show that there is an ever-growing wish for Welsh to be increasingly used as a spoken language. I hope this new version will still be around years after I’m gone!” said author Heini Gruffudd. 

First published in 1984, the original edition has sold over 70,000 copies. Carolyn Hodges, now Head of English-Language Publishing at Y Lolfa but formerly in charge of creating market-leading language coursebooks at Oxford University Press, said: “The original edition is an absolute classic and has helped tens of thousands of learners to take their first steps in learning Welsh. This edition builds on that success, with the content overhauled to teach up-to-date Welsh that you’ll hear around you in the real world today, and a fresh new design that will appeal to a brand new generation of learners!” 

Ideal for self-study, the course has 16 units, using engaging new strip cartoons by Welsh illustrator Osian Roberts to present sentence structures and grammar points. There is also a dictionary section at the back of the book, and free MP3 audio files to accompany the lessons are downloadable from Y Lolfa’s website. 

Swansea-born Heini Gruffudd has spent his life teaching Welsh to children and adults. He has for many years been at the forefront of the campaign for Welsh-language education, and is a prolific author of successful and popular materials for Welsh learners. Other titles written by him include  Welsh is Fun (which has sold over 200,000 copies) ,  The Welsh Learner’s Dictionary ,  Welsh Rules  and  Talk Welsh .  

Welcome to Welsh   by Heini Gruffudd (£9.99, Y Lolfa) is available now.

Mae’r Lolfa wedi cyhoeddi argraffiad newydd o’r cwrs poblogaidd i ddysgwyr Cymraeg,  Welcome to Welsh .  Wedi’i ysgrifennu gan Heini Gruffudd, mae cynnwys yr argraffiad newydd wedi’i ddiweddaru a’i ail ddylunio er mwyn ei wneud yn addas i ddysgwyr heddiw. 

Mae’r adargraffiad hwn yn cynnwys nodiadau gramadeg gwerthfawr, ymarferion defnyddiol, sgyrsiau cartŵn a geiriadur cyffredinol ar gyfer dysgwyr.  

“Mae pedwardeg o flynyddoedd wedi hedfan heibio! Bydden i byth wedi meddwl yn 1984 y byddai’r llyfr mor boblogaidd. Roedd angen diweddaru’r gramadeg, y storïau a’r sgyrsiau, ac mae’r hiwmor wedi newid. Mae llwyddiant y deunydd ar gyfer dysgwyr yn dangos bod yna ddymuniad i siarad Cymraeg sydd yn parhau i dyfu. Rwy’n gobeithio bydd y fersiwn newydd yma ar gael ymhell ar ôl i fi fynd!” meddai’r awdur Heini Gruffudd. 

Cyhoeddwyd am y tro cyntaf ym 1984, a gwerthwyd dros 70,000 copi o’r fersiwn wreiddiol. Meddai Carolyn Hodges, Pennaeth Cyhoeddi Saesneg Y Lolfa sydd hefyd wedi bod yn gyfrifol am greu llyfrau cyrsiau iaith gydag Oxford University Press: “Mae’r fersiwn wreiddiol yn glasur ac wedi helpu degau o filoedd o ddysgwyr i gymryd y camau cyntaf i ddysgu Cymraeg. Mae’r fersiwn newydd yn adeiladu ar y llwyddiant yma, gyda chynnwys cyfoes, gyda Chymraeg fyddwch yn clywed ar strydoedd Cymru, a dyluniad ffres a fydd yn apelio at genhedlaeth newydd o ddysgwyr!” 

Mae’r gyfrol yn ddelfrydol ar gyfer dysgu ar eich pen eich hun, Mae’n cynnwys 16 uned a chartwnau gwych gan y dylunydd Cymraeg, Osian Roberts, sy’n cyflwyno strwythur brawddegau a phwyntiau gramadegol. Mae yna hefyd eiriadur, a ffeiliau sain MP3 am ddim i gyd-fynd â’r gwersi. 

Mae  Welcome to Welsh  gan Heini Gruffudd ar gael nawr, £9.99.

In the heart of 18th century Ceredigion, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows, leaving an indelible mark on the region's history and folklore. Known by the intriguing moniker Siôn Cwilt, this enigmatic character was more than just a smuggler; he was a symbol of defiance against heavy taxes, a master of evasion, and a key player in the clandestine world of contraband trade along the Welsh coast.

Siôn Cwilt, also known as John White, arrived in the picturesque parish of Llanarth around the middle of the 18th century. His residence, a humble cottage named Sarnau Gwynion, became the epicenter of his smuggling operations. Clad in ragged clothes, Siôn Cwilt was said to patch the holes in his attire with pieces of cloth in every color imaginable, earning him the distinctive nickname.

The choice of the name "Cwilt" is shrouded in ambiguity. Some locals speculate that it could be a corruption of the word ‘gwyllt’ meaning wild, an apt descriptor for a man who rode boldly to meet smuggler ships under the cover of darkness. Others believe it may have originated from the colorful coats or cloaks adorned with multi-colored patches that Siôn Cwilt purportedly wore. The intrigue surrounding his name only adds to the allure of this elusive character.

For much of the 18th century, smuggling was not just a forbidden act; it was a way of life for many along the Ceredigion coast. The Napoleonic Wars brought with them heavy duties on imported goods, with exorbitant taxes on items such as tea, wine, salt, spirits, and tobacco. The taxation on salt, in particular, fueled an illegal trade, as it was used for pickling and salting fish.

Siôn Cwilt thrived in this atmosphere of economic discontent. Operating from his clandestine residence on Banc Cwm Einion, he orchestrated smuggling runs with mules over treacherous terrains to meet ships anchored in Cwmtydi. These vessels, carrying illegal cargo, were a lifeline for Siôn Cwilt, allowing him to acquire goods that would fetch a hefty price in a region burdened by oppressive taxes.

As Siôn Cwilt's activities gained notoriety, authorities caught wind of the old smuggler's operations. Faced with the imminent threat of imprisonment, Siôn Cwilt had to make a daring escape, leaving his cottage filled to the brim with wine bottles. The once-secretive Banc Cwm Einion transformed into Banc Sion Quilt in the wake of this event, a name that endures to this day, etching Siôn Cwilt's legacy onto the landscape of Llanarth and Synod.

The decision to rename the ridge was a symbolic acknowledgment of the notorious figure who had once roamed freely, defying the authorities and outwitting capture. Banc Sion Quilt stands as a testament to the resilience and audacity of a man who left an indelible mark on the region.

Intriguingly, Siôn Cwilt's connections extended beyond the shadowy world of smuggling. Stories suggest that he supplied contraband wine and brandy to none other than Sir Herbert Lloyd at Plas Ffynnon Bedr in Lampeter. The High Sheriff of the county, Sir Herbert Lloyd, played a pivotal role in local governance. The alleged collaboration between a smuggler and a prominent figure like Sir Herbert adds layers of complexity to the Siôn Cwilt saga. Was it a strategic alliance born out of necessity, or did Siôn Cwilt possess an uncanny ability to navigate both sides of the law?

Cwmtydu Beach: Where Smugglers, Limekilns, and Seals Collide Through Time

Nestled along the rugged Ceredigion coastline, Cwmtydu Beach stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of history that has unfolded on its secluded shores. This little bay, once notorious for smugglers and pirates who took advantage of its hidden caves and coves, now echoes with the whispers of bygone eras. From the exploits of smuggler Sion Cwilt to the limekiln that stands on the seafront, and the wartime encounters during World War I, Cwmtydu Beach carries the imprints of a multifaceted past.

In the 18th century, when smuggling was a thriving yet illicit trade along the Welsh coast, Cwmtydu Beach served as a haven for individuals like Sion Cwilt. The hidden little caves and coves provided the perfect cover for smugglers to carry out their clandestine operations. Sion Cwilt, a legendary figure known for his audacious exploits, utilized the bay's secrecy to conduct smuggling runs, navigating the treacherous waters under the cover of darkness.

The tales of Siôn Cwilt's colorful attire and strategic evasion tactics add an element of intrigue to the history of Cwmtydu Beach. As the waves lapped against the shore, smugglers like Siôn Cwilt left an indelible mark on the landscape, shaping the lore of this secluded bay.

Standing stoically on the seafront, the limekiln at Cwmtydu Beach is a tangible relic from a bygone era. Once a crucial element in the local economy, limekilns were used to produce lime by heating limestone. The restored limekiln at Cwmtydu serves as a poignant reminder of the region's industrial and maritime history.

As one explores the limekiln, a sense of nostalgia permeates the air. The meticulous restoration efforts have allowed visitors to step back in time, envisioning an era when the kiln was a hub of activity, contributing to the economic livelihood of the coastal community. The juxtaposition of the limekiln against the backdrop of the serene sea evokes a sense of continuity, connecting the present to the industrious past of Cwmtydu Beach.

The echoes of history extend to the tumultuous times of World War I when Cwmtydu Beach became an unexpected pitstop for a U-boat commander. During the war, the waters off the Welsh coast were fraught with danger and intrigue. In a surprising turn of events, a U-boat commander ventured ashore at Cwmtydu to gather fresh supplies for his crew.

This wartime episode adds a layer of complexity to Cwmtydu's history, showcasing the beach as not only a haven for smugglers but a strategic point with unexpected visitors during times of conflict. The footprints of war left on the shores of Cwmtydu serve as a poignant reminder of the diverse narratives that have unfolded on this secluded beach.

As the tides of time ebbed and flowed, Cwmtydu Beach underwent a transformation, now welcoming a different kind of visitor. Amidst the tales of smugglers, limekilns, and wartime encounters, the beach has become a sanctuary for Atlantic Grey Seals. During the autumn season, these marine mammals grace the shores of Cwmtydu to give birth to their pups.

The once-turbulent waters that may have witnessed clandestine activities now serve as a peaceful birthing ground for seals. Nature has reclaimed the bay, harmonizing the historical layers with the natural rhythms of life. The juxtaposition of seals landing on a beach once frequented by smugglers paints a picture of resilience and renewal, where the cycles of nature intertwine with the echoes of human history.

Location

Dirgelwch yr Ogof

Jason.nlw , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

We were all amazed and/or amused to hear that 'bigfoot tracks', together with a crude shelter have been discovered in a wood outside Caerphilly in south Wales. To read more about this story and the humorous expanation which followed read the article linked here: Welsh Bigfoot revealed as Monster hunter lifts lid on tracks from 6ft7 'Sasquatch'.

But tales of hairy monsters in the mist are not new in Welsh mythology. Indeed Welsh folklore is rich with tales of mystical beings and otherworldly entities, and among them stands the enigmatic figure known as Brenin Llwyd, the Grey King. Nestled in the mist-shrouded mountains of Snowdonia, Brenin Llwyd's presence looms large, captivating the imagination of locals and inspiring both awe and fear. This mythical character, often associated with nature's capriciousness, has left an indelible mark on Welsh storytelling, and echoes of the Grey King's reign continue to resonate through both ancient legends and modern literature.

The Mystique of the Grey King: A Presence in the Mist

Described as the Monarch of the Mists, Brenin Llwyd is a solitary figure, haunting the mountainous regions, particularly in Snowdonia. The name itself, Brenin Llwyd, translates to Grey King in Welsh, reflecting the figure's association with the color grey, often veiled in clouds and mist. While some accounts merely describe the Brenin Llwyd as a presence, others paint a more vivid picture, portraying it as a large, hairy, man-like creature.

Local tales depict the Brenin Llwyd as a brooding and silent figure, lying in wait for unsuspecting travelers who dare to venture into its domain. The disposition attributed to this Grey King is decidedly gruesome; those who disappeared in the mountains were said to have fallen victim to the Brenin Llwyd's clutches. In this narrative, the figure embodies the capricious nature of nature itself, a force to be respected and feared.

Mountainous Haunts and Regional Variations

The Brenin Llwyd is intimately connected to specific mountain ranges, with Snowdonia being the primary locale. The misty peaks of Cader Idris and Plinlimmon are frequently cited as the Grey King's favored haunts. In the North, the Brenin Llwyd is described as mighty and powerful, sitting among the mountains, robed in grey clouds and mist. Conversely, in the South, the figure is portrayed as hungering for victims, and children are warned not to ascend too high into the mountains, lest they fall prey to the Brenin Llwyd.

The regional variations in these stories add depth to the mythology, providing different perspectives on the nature and motivations of the Grey King. As with many folklore tales, these variations contribute to the cultural tapestry of Wales, where each locality weaves its unique narrative around the Brenin Llwyd.

Connections to Welsh Mythology and Otherworldly Realms

While the Brenin Llwyd is a singular entity in Welsh folklore, its tales draw connections to broader Welsh mythology. Marie Trevelyan, a folklorist from the early 20th century, notes associations between the Brenin Llwyd and the Welsh version of the Celtic Otherworld, Annwn. The figure's link to the Cŵn Annwn, or hunting hounds, suggests a deeper connection to the supernatural realms.

In certain accounts, the Brenin Llwyd is likened to Gwyn ap Nudd, the king of the Tylwyth Teg, another supernatural being associated with haunting mountain tops. The overlap with the Wild Hunt, a pan-European motif, draws parallels between the Grey King's pursuit of lost hikers and similar spectral hunts found in folklo re across different cultures.

Literary Echoes: Brenin Llwyd in Modern Fiction

The influence of Brenin Llwyd extends beyond oral traditions into modern literature. Susan Cooper's fantasy series, The Dark is Rising , features the Brenin Llwyd prominently in the fourth book titled The Grey King . Cooper's rendition of the Grey King as a lord of the Dark, an oppressive force around Cadair Idris, showcases the adap tability of folklore in contemporary storytelling. The novel, winning the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1976, cements the Brenin Llwyd's place in the realm of children's literature.

The novel weaves the Grey King into a dark and moody narrative, capturing the essence of the Brenin Llwyd's mysterious and foreboding nature. The spectral foxes, known as "milgwn," serve as agents of the Grey King, adding an otherworldly and supernatural layer to the story. Through this adaptation, the Brenin Llwyd continues to captivate audiences, proving the enduring power of folklore to inspire and shape imaginative worlds.

Comparisons with Global Folklore: The Big Grey Man and Beyond

The Brenin Llwyd's tales find intriguing parallels with other folklore figures worldwide. In Scotland, the Big Grey Man, or Am Fear Liath Mòr, shares similarities with the Welsh Grey King. Both are associated with misty mountainous regions, and legends attribute their presence to both corporeal and incorporeal interpretations. The melding of natural landscapes with supernatural entities is a common motif, demonstrating the universal human tendency to personify and mythologize the unknown.

Conclusion: Brenin Llwyd, A Timeless Enigma

Brenin Llwyd, the Grey King of Welsh folklore, stands as a timeless enigma, a figure whose presence echoes through misty mountain ranges and weaves its way into the fabric of Welsh storytelling. Whether a brooding earth spirit, a leader of the Wild Hunt, or a lord of the Dark, the Brenin Llwyd's adaptability across regional variations and literary adaptations showcases its enduring appeal. As long as the mists enshroud the peaks of Snowdonia, the tales of the Brenin Llwyd will continue to capture the imagination and curiosity of those drawn to the mystique of Welsh folklore.