Datblygu
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | David R. Edwards, T. Wyn Davies |
| Headquarters | Cardigan , Wales, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Datblygu (translated as "develop" or "developing") was a Welsh experimental rock ensemble established in 1982, acknowledged as pioneers of the early 1980s resurgence in Welsh rock.
History
The band originated in 1982 at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi in Cardigan, founded by singer David R. Edwards alongside instrumentalist T. Wyn Davies. In 1984, instrumentalist Patricia Morgan became a member.[1] Edwards' predominantly Welsh-language lyrics conveyed his profound disenchantment with life under Thatcher's government in Wales.[1][2] Following four cassette-only releases through Casetiau Neon, their initial vinyl offering was the 1987 Hwgr-Grawth-Og EP on Anhrefn Records, featuring Edwards and Morgan. This release garnered the attention of John Peel, resulting in five sessions recorded for BBC Radio 1.[3] Although they received minimal airplay on Welsh radio, their visibility increased via Geraint Jarman's Fideo 9 program broadcast on S4C.[2]
Their first full-length album, Wyau (meaning Eggs), was released in 1988, followed by Pyst (Posts) in 1990 under Ofn Records. After Davies departed in 1990, the group persisted as a duo before expanding their lineup with additional musicians including drummer Al Edwards. Transitioning to Ankst Records, they issued the Christmas-themed cassette Blwch Tymer Tymor in 1991. Edwards also collaborated with Tŷ Gwydr and Llwybr Llaethog on the 1992 album LL.LL v T.G. MC DRE, subsequently releasing Libertino in 1993.[1] The band dissolved following their 1995 single "Alcohol"/"Amnesia."
In August 2008, Datblygu unveiled a new 7-inch single titled "Can y Mynach Modern," which reflected Edwards' personal challenges during the band's hiatus and subsequent recovery. This release functioned more as a conclusion than a fresh start.
Datblygu's influence extended notably to later Welsh acts such as Gorky's Zygotic Mynci and Super Furry Animals, the latter covering their song "Y Teimlad" on the album Mwng.
In 2009, Edwards featured in an S4C documentary named O Flaen dy Lygaid, which documented his journey overcoming mental health issues alongside former bandmate Ree Davies.
A 2012 exhibition held in Cardiff honored their musical heritage. Subsequently, Edwards and Morgan reunited to produce the EP Darluniau'r Ogof Unfed Ganrif ar Hugain, followed by the mini-album Erbyn Hyn released in June 2014.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Their 2020 album Cwm Gwagle achieved the No. 2 spot on The Quietus' Best of Weird Britain list, underscoring their lasting significance.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
David R. Edwards passed away on 22 June 2021.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Discography
- Casetiau Neon
- Amheuon Corfforol (Body doubts) – cassette EP; circa 1982
- Trosglwyddo'r Gwirionedd (Transferring the truth) – cassette EP; circa 1983
- Fi Du (Black Me) – cassette EP; circa 1984
- Caneuon Serch i Bobl Serchog (Love songs for lovers) – cassette EP; circa 1985
- Anhrefn Records
- Hwgr Grawth-Og – 7-inch EP; 1986
- Wyau (Eggs) – LP; 1988
- Ofn Records
- Pyst (Posts) – LP; 1990
- Ankst Records
- Blwch Tymer Tymor (Season mood box) – cassette LP; 1991
- Peel Sessions: No AIDS, No Salmonella, and No Gulf War Respectively – LP; 1992 (compilation of first three Peel Sessions)
- Libertino – CD; 1993
- "Alcohol" / "Amnesia" – single; 1995
- Wyau / Pyst – CD; 1995 (combination of two prior albums)
- Ankstmusik Records
- Datblygu 1985–1995 – CD; 1999 (collection including singles, compilation tracks, and EPs)
- Wyau, Pyst a Libertino – double CD; 2004 (reissue combining three earlier albums)
- Can Y Mynach Modern – 7-inch single; 2008
- The Peel Sessions 1987–1993 – CD; 2008 (complete set of five Peel Sessions)
- Darluniau'r Ogof Unfed Ganrif ar Hugain – 7-inch vinyl EP; 2012
- Erbyn Hyn – CD mini-album; 2014
- Porwr Trallod – LP, CD; 2015
- Cwm Gwagle – LP; 2020
- Terfysgiaith - 1982-2022 – LP; 2023