Super Furry Animals look back on chaotic early days as they prepare for reunion tour
Sitting huddled at their Cardiff HQ, a compact second-floor warehouse studio space tucked away from the city centre, Super Furry Animals are trying to piece together what happened at their first-ever gig, reports BritPanorama.
The band recalls that this initial performance took place in Bangor, North Wales, where they attempted a set of techno music. They believe there were seven members on stage but struggle to remember the details, though electronic musician Meilir Tomos is confirmed to have been present. The timing of the gig remains unclear, estimated to be sometime in 1994, and they unanimously describe it as a chaotic experience enhanced by drug use.
“It lasted two minutes,” says keyboardist Cian Ciaran. The band, having spent a week rehearsing in a friend’s flat, found that their equipment went out of sync during the performance. In a state unfit for troubleshooting, they suggested simply playing a record instead. “We should put it out as a 7 inch,” suggests frontman Gruff Rhys.
This humorous anecdote encapsulates the turbulent early years of one of Britain’s quintessential original bands. Super Furry Animals joined the 90s indie scene with their innovative, kaleidoscopic songs that combined wit and musical experimentation.
The Welsh band fused politically charged lyrics with eccentric themes—ranging from alien abductions to absurd cultural critiques—all presented through an eclectic sound that merged indie rock with elements from dance, country, folk, and glam. Their performance style was equally unique, often involving unusual visuals and concepts, such as dressing as yetis or driving a modified army tank around festival circuits.
Yet, the history leading up to their formation was equally anarchic, comprising an array of experiences, including illegal raves, arrests in the countryside, and experiments with techno music. Their recently announced compilation, Precreation Percolation, features a collection of tracks that chronicle the band’s evolution from 1993 to 1995, before signing with Creation Records.
In addition to previously out-of-print EPs from Welsh indie label Ankst, the compilation includes unreleased demos and early versions of songs that would later become staples in their discography. It also sheds light on a lesser-known chapter involving actor Rhys Ifans as their lead singer, showcasing tracks that he contributed to during his time with the band.
Gruff Rhys reflects on Ifans’ participation, noting, “I think it is a curiosity that it’s been mentioned he was in the band, and nobody is sure if it’s true or not.” The compilation contains tracks featuring Ifans’ vocals, revealing the full scope of his role in the band’s early formation.
Super Furry Animals are set to reunite for their first tour in a decade beginning in May, although bassist Guto Pryce is absent from the discussions today. The history of this band, rooted in their teenage years within the Welsh language scene, informs their current musical endeavors.
As they remark on their past, they recall how they initially formed bands that sang in Welsh before transitioning to English. Rhys cites their decision to embrace English as a “bit of a taboo at the time,” highlighting a cultural shift in Welsh music. They recognize this evolution has opened doors for newer Welsh bands to gain recognition.
Throughout the 1990s, the band’s collective narrative intertwined with the underground rave scene and criminal escapades that included run-ins with law enforcement. Despite these misadventures, their musical identity solidified with each gig, as seen in their early performances supporting bands in various locales while rounding off chaotic nights with impromptu antics and humour.
By the time they adopted the name Super Furry Animals, the group had begun to develop a clearer musical direction. Their unique sound was shaped by blending rock and various musical influences, leading to an eclectic mix that intrigued audiences. The initial chaos surrounding their formation made way for significant artistic development, culminating in a distinctive sound that set them apart from their contemporaries.
Following their signing with Creation Records, Super Furry Animals wasted no time in recording new material and solidifying their presence within the Britpop landscape, albeit with a firm stance against its prevailing trends. Their two-year journey from obscurity to recognition reflects the band’s willingness to experiment and innovate, ultimately leading to a legacy that continues to resonate in the music industry.
Precreation Percolation is set for release on 1 May, with their UK and Ireland tour commencing on 6 May.
