There’s a new sound brewing in the valleys of South Wales, and it’s a chaotic, fuzzy whirlwind of psychedelic garage rock. The Family Battenberg, a four-piece from Cardiff, have finally released their debut EP, 'Spider Rock Forever', and it’s a time capsule of their signature "spider rock" ethos. This independent release, a testament to their DIY spirit, feels like a culmination of the energy they’ve been pouring into live shows over the last few years.
Recorded while producer Tom Rees (Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard) was on holiday, the EP was then meticulously mastered by long-time collaborator Eddie Al-Shakarchi (Boy Azooga, Loathe). This hands-on approach has captured a sound that is both raw and surprisingly finessed. The band pulls from an eclectic pool of influences, citing everyone from Ty Segall to The Black Angels, and even Iggy Pop's classic album 'The Idiot'. It's a blend that results in a sound that is both familiar and excitingly fresh.
The lyrical content, penned by Jones, delves deep into the unsettling world of cult mythology. Inspired by documentaries on figures like Roch Theriault, the songs weave together the "rambling psychobabble" of zealous leaders with the "thought reform" experienced by their followers. This dual perspective creates an intriguing, and at times unsettling, narrative throughout the EP.
Tracks like 'Spiders' and 'Anteater' perfectly encapsulate this sonic world. The former, with its saturation dialled up to eleven, embodies the whole EP's spirit. The latter is a standout, an anti-love song about "self-humiliation in the pursuit of a potential suitor’s attention," as Jones puts it. It’s a blistering track with spacey vocals ricocheting off a searing guitar, driven forward by a double-tracked mono drum that serves as a call to action. 'Gwyllgi' has a tale of its own, drawing on Welsh folklore about a ghoulish mythical dog, cementing the band's knack for weaving curious stories into their soundscape.
Already championed by tastemakers like Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 MUSIC, The Family Battenberg have been busy building a formidable reputation as a live act, supporting the likes of Gruff Rhys and Panic Shack. With festival appearances at The Great Escape and Green Man already under their belt, 'Spider Rock Forever' serves as a chaotic and brilliant introduction to a band destined for much bigger pastures.
