We are in northern Holland for EuroSonic 2001. Radio stations across Europe are presenting their own nations finest and most promising talent. The result is seventy bands from all over Europe, performing in twelve venues in the charming university city of Groningen. The festival, which has sold out for the last three years running, is broadcast live on radio station's across Europe. The whole of the Dutch and much of the European music industry are here as well as media and music fans alike.
Radio 1's John Peel has selected Melys to represent the UK. What is really suprising is the amount of people in the packed audience who have come specifically to see the Welsh four piece. The stamp of John Peel and the 5 sessions he has previously broadcast have produced a strong Dutch following.
The electrifying set starts with Tiny Bombs from their album Kamikaze. It builds and grows through tracks such as Lullaby reaching what seems like a creschendo for their recent and brilliant single Un Darllenwr Lwcus. Paul Adams screams of 'What the hell did she say' in reply to Andrea Parker's beautifully and angrilly delivered Welsh lyrics provide the track with hugely emotive tension. A lack of knowledge of the Welsh language takes nothing from the performance in fact whatever the lead singer is saying it is obvious that Adams is getting a right royal bollocking!
Throughout the set John Peel has been in the audience bopping away like an uncle at a wedding, he is obviously a big fan and has been taking photo's with a little camera for his private album. Melys are not afraid to use unusual percussion. Andrea smashing shit out of a road sign on Bady Tornado is suprisingly compelling and a beer barel is no match for bassist Richard Eardley and a hammer as he whips up a storm on the finale Disco Pig.
Melys have delivered a brilliant set and judging by the amount of post gig interest have certainly confirmed or converted the large majority of the audience. The gig is being broadcast on John Peel's Radio show 10th Jan at 10pm.
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