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It all began around about the
autumn of 1998, with the introduction of James (drums) to the partnership of
Will (guitars, lead vocals) and Ben (lead guitars, backing vocals) who had
previously been playing with various other instrumentalists. All three were in
the same year of Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest; all three were just
the tender age of 15. Winning the 1998
Pembrokeshire music festival modern music ensemble category in early in
November of that year with short term bassist Rob (now of Blue Dog Supa
Highway) seemed to provide the band with inspiration, direction and a new found
sense of confidence that is characteristic of their performance.
However, without a
permanent bassist their band’s future was looking grim. Fortunately, help was
at hand, the place was quickly filled by the awesome Wiggy (Chris Hedley,
(me)), who after only a few months of bass guitar playing provided the base
lines for an already strong, and well-rounded outfit.
After the first few practices tunes began coming
thick and fast from the band’s main lyricist Will, with one or two numbers from
Ben. Our first public performance was an audition for The National festival
Of Music For Youth in London in the spring. Despite not getting through
more valuable experience had been gained. Our second performance came much
later in a year 11 assembly in front of our mates; it was the last day of
school before GCSE study leave. Everyone expected us to be crap but we rocked
them with probably my most favourite track Where are we
going?Our exams came and went and a lot of hard work in the summer saw us
play a memorable gig at The Druidstone Hotel, Druidstone haven, Pembrokeshire,
sometime cult music venue of the area (according to Manager Mike, who arranged
it.).
Early autumn came and soon we were in the
recording studio Dreamworld near Letterston. There we recorded our debut four
track demo, self-titled “Cyclonic”, including the tracks: Where
are we going, you and Yourself,
Bored Easily and what’s on your
mind? . Several local
businesses made this possible with the financial support (Thank you very
much!!) Local radio station “More” Fm provided us with airplay that was
valuable to our local reputation.
In November we played a party in Cardiff on the
eve of the Rugby world Cup where celebrities such as Rupert Moon, Bryn Terfyl,
Siân Lloyd, and Iowan Gruffudd attended (probably just to come and see us – not
really). Two fairly successful gigs of our own in December ’99 gave us more
notoriety and a spread in Local Paper, The Western Telegraph enhanced
our publicity yet more.
