NAR
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Q: What do you get if you cross a local newspaper journalist, a beef farmer, a primary school teacher, a computer whizz and a playleader for handicapped children?
A: You get Nār, one of the most original and exciting bands to show its face in a very long time. Aged between 21 and 29, Nār come from Pwllheli in North Wales and have been playing in their current line up for nearly three years. They're as comfortable performing in English as they are in their native Welsh, and their sound is contemporary yet original. Their recipe for success? Mix two tablespoons of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci's wobbly keyboards with a handful of 60ft Dolls' husky-voiced vocals; stir in the melodic madness of Super Furry Animals, and simmer gently until you're tender and aching for more. Throw in a generous serving of Stereophonics' ability to make people dance without knowing they could dance and voila A mouthwatering dish to satisfy every appetite. Band Info |
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There are currently five members of NAR: |
Photograph © 1997 |
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Since winning the Battle of the Bands at the 1995 National Eisteddfod the band have released three EPs via a publishing arrangement with Fflach Records - 1996's Ystafell Goch, 1997's Lux and The Ethel EP, released on 31 August 1998. This was recorded as one of many sessions for Ram Jam on BBC Radio Cymru. Nār had their last single Lux playlisted by John Peel, and count Catatonia's Cerys Matthews among their growing army of fans.
Following constant gigging around Wales in '97 topped by their hugely successful appearance at the Welsh Bands Weekly Christmas Party at London's Borderline in December, Nār played a very well-received gig at the Kentish Town Bull & Gate in April 1998 and are preparing to slot further London dates into their schedule for late 1998, including a headline appearance in the Barfly Club at The Falcon,234 Royal College Street on 27th September. They've played a number of festivals in Wales during the summer, including a spot at Maes B (the groovy 'Youth Field') at this year's National Eisteddfod in Bridgend, South Wales, on 4th August, where their set was filmed for use in S4C's music magazine programme Garej. Nār have been recommended to play a gig in India on behalf of the Welsh Tourist Board to help promote Wales - details of this are yet to be confirmed, but the WTB are keen to have Nār represent their country abroad. Nār, in case you're wondering, is an old Celtic word meanin God. It won't be long before they're worshipped far and wide. "Together, we attempt to make exciting music using different styles and genres to make the music interesting. We wouldn't place NAR in any single category, but we would like to be considered to be surreal popular music." The band are currently recording new material, but if you would like to contact them in the meantime, or would like to buy any of their recordings, please contact Fflach at
c/o Fflach Llys y Coed Heol Dinbych-y-Pysgod Cardigan SA43 3AH phone(01239) 614 691 or send an e-mail If you would like details on Nār's gigs, or would like to book the band to play, please contact Debbie Prowse at Ffwndwr a Dwndwr on 0403 579 600, or write to Highgate Raod London NW5 1BN Discography |
1. NAR "Ystafell Goch" Catalogue no. unknown, 1996
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No details currently available |
2. NAR "Lux" Catalogue no.FFLACH CD193E, 1997
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Tracklisting
1.Lux (Welsh Vocal) 2.Geneth heb gwallt ar ei Phen 3.Lux (English Vocal) 4.We all live in the Sea Performed by
All songs written by Gwern ap Rhisiart, Llyr ap Rhisiart, Hefin Huws, Dylan Williams and Dylan Thomas |
3. NAR "Ethel EP" Catalogue no.FFLACH CD204E, 1998
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Tracklisting
1.Ethel Dynes Coeden 2.Mr Lolipopo (Welsh Vocal) 3.Gorau Ddyn 4.Ethel Tree Woman 5.Mr Lolipopo (English Vocal) 6.Runaway 7.Sleepwalking |
Who is Ethel Dynes Coeden [Ethel Tree Woman]? There are two theories as to how the mysterious Ethel Tree Woman became the siren that she is. One theory is that when women die, they turn into trees. Another is that unpopular prostitutes stand unnoticed and unwanted for years at the roadside, their feet eventually taking root, their arms becoming branches, their clothes turning into leaves.Ultimately, Ethel Dynes Coeden's true identity is of little significance. The only thing that's known about her is that she's cold and lonely and calling out to passing men to keep her warm; clad scantily in dying leaves, Ethel shivers pitifully as she struggles to keep the coming winter at bay. She will seduce you into her branches and smother you with love; all she's ever wanted is to be held and cherished. But although remaining a sad and enigmatic figure Ethel will never quite be forgotten, thanks to Pwllheli power pop quintet Nār who have immortalised her in the Ethel EP, their long-awaited follow-up to last year's Lux, which found its way into John Peel's heart and onto his playlist soon after its release. The Ethel EP contains four songs. The first three are sung in Welsh and then in English, and the last track, Sleepwalking, is sung only in English, making a total of seven tracks. This practise of recording each song twice is common to every Nār release, making them the only truly bilingual band in Wales. Perhaps this is why Catatonia's Cerys Matthews has quoted Nār as being one of her favourite bands. Ethel Dynes Coeden/Ethel Tree Woman is a beautiful and fitting tribute to the sultry nymph who has no voice with which to tell her own tale. Nār will spirit you away with their unique power driven pop to rest forever within Ethel's boughs, where she will sing to you, caress you and kiss you goodnight, leaving you powerless to do anything other than kiss a final goodbye to your heart, mind and soul. Ethel always gets what she wants eventually. |
All songs/all releases © Cyhoeddiadau Mwldan/Fflach, 1997/1998
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In 1995, Nār also contributed to the Gog Rock compilation album. If you have a RealPlayer, you can hear "Om", Nār's contribution to the album, by clicking here.
Download the free Real Player g2 by clicking on the icon below
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©GRR/Ffwndwr a Dwndwr 1998