Who are the Martyrs?

The Scarlet Martyrs remain the only significant band to emerge from the small Welsh seaside town of Aberystwyth. Formed at the university there at the tail end of 1989, they would go on to singular acclaim through their unique and angular songwriting, unequalled among their peers in its prolificacy, and storming live shows at local venues. Known initially as Rat Salad, a name previously rejected by the proto-Van Halen, they underwent line-up changes, slimmed down to a foursome and became the Martyrs. That year, they would play at venues throughout Aber, not always necessarily where there was a stage, while refining their widely noted songwriting abilities. Those who attended their last Aber gig, a two and a half hour tour de force mixing old favourites such as "She's Blind" with the elemental insistence of new songs such as "Stars" and climaxing in the crazed maelstrom of "Four Walls", will be unable to forget the occasion.

But the story, whilst interrupted, did not end there. In the succeeding years, the band would regroup to rehearse and even record new material, initially at 3rd Ear Studio, scene of their earliest sessions, and latterly at Replica Recording Studio in Cheshire with "fifth member" Sean Connor. Matured beyond the belief of those who remember them filling Rummers in Aber, their current sound typifies the best of thoughtful, enthralling and always emotional British rock music. From the philosophical gaze of "East West" to the psychotic humour of "Tractor Killer", they stand poised to claim the inheritance bestowed upon them through their laudable influences. Ladies and gentlemen, the Scarlet Martyrs are, quite simply, the best band in the world tomorrow. (And we only say this because we know so few people are in a position to contest it.)

Jennie Wood - Vocals
Alan Brown - Guitar
Dan Smith - Bass
Ade Rixon - Drums

© 1998 Scarlet Martyrs