With lots of exciting new developments taking place in the world of RW/FF over the last week, the mood turned to one of sadness and shock today as we learned that the incredible Welsh band Estrons have split up. Formed back in 2013 when Welsh-Canadian vocalist and lyricist Tali Källström met guitarist Rhodri Daniel on a beach in Aberystwyth. Källström presented us a strong, intelligent female role model who didn't need permission for anything, while Daniel brought savage guitars and intricate notes to the mix. The musical differences between the two as well as their self-confessed love/hate relationship added the fuel to the fire, making for collision of two worlds, and an exhilarating sound that hit even harder thanks to their razor sharp rhythm section, comprised of Steffan Pringle and Toby Bangs. One of the keys to their brilliance was their total defiance of boxes and stereotypes: some have described their songs as alt-rock, post-punk, garage rock and even pop-punk, but Estrons bashed out an explosively dynamic sound that was very much their own. “I didn’t want to be another rock band that looked and sounded like something else that had existed before,” Tali told the NME. And they certainly weren't. There aren't many groups who could remind you of Savages one minute, and Rihanna the next.
After a few small releases, they scored a hit on the indie scene with the terrific 'Make A Man' in 2015, before releasing 'Drop' in 2016, a call-to-arms written by Källström in a police cell. "I got arrested. And I was bored. So I just started reciting these lyrics. No wonder I ended up getting charged, they must have thought I was mental. I was fine in the end." The EP 'She's Here Now' and the single 'Strobe Lights' followed in 2017, before the group started work on their debut album. Featuring the singles 'Lilac', 'Camera' and 'Bodies' (as well as 'Drop' and 'Make A Man'), the astonishing 'You Say I'm Too Much I Say You're Not Enough' arrived in 2018 to critical acclaim. This site was particularly captured by the LP, giving it a rare 10/10 rating:"A fierce, captivating, and empowering record from a band whose vitalising energy is thrillingly infectious... Fast, loud, adrenaline-fuelled noise is balanced perfectly with genuine, unbridled human emotion and vulnerability to evoke strength, energy and vitality across this awesome half hour... Developing their sound over the three years together before recording their first album has paid off, resulting in an impressively accomplished debut. Packed full of raw, passionate music that excites the mind and arouses the soul, 'You Say I'm Too Much, I Say You're Not Enough' brings a gut feeling like no other new band have delivered for years. 2018 is the time for Estrons."
While the album didn't make the UK charts (people are stupid), those who were lucky enough to hear it were in for a treat. The band's UK tour kicked off soon afterwards, and RW/FF had the pleasure of witnessing a sweaty, intense night at the Louisiana in Bristol as Estrons set the stage on fire. "Tonight is one of those nights where this reviewer wouldn't want to be at any other gig in the world. A moment in time turned into a joyous, thrilling, life-affirming experience..."
"Tonight confirms that they are also a truly seismic live act, whipping up the sort of fevered, sweaty energy that only the greatest bands can produce... The world has been waiting a long time for a band with an insightful view on the world, and the wild confidence to present it in such a confrontational and intelligent way. Open, vulnerable confessions and honest, true statements of intent from a band whose songs have the ability to truly connect with people. Inspiring, arousing and appealing to every emotion, their music providesa pathway to the soul and a tonic for the mind. This band could even save your life."
"After tonight, there is no reason why I shouldn't declare Estrons to be the best thing that this decade has produced. I hope they go as far as they possibly can, and I hope that Tali and Rhodri never stop reaching. When you have the power to create such magic, and install such a fire in people, anything is possible."It looked like the momentum was in full force, as more shows were quickly confirmed for 2019. A new video for the song 'Strangers' was released last month, providing a candid, fourth wall-breaking glimpse into the group's life. In hindsight, the fact that the video's screen was split in two may have been a sign that the well-known tension between the band's core members was taking more of a toll. We knew that the differences between Tali and Rhodri were the spark that made the music so incredible, but we also should have known that it could split them at any moment.
The band played a storming headline show at the Scala in London last week on February 7. Nobody had a clue that it would turn out to be their final gig. This morning came an unexpected announcement:
"Estrons is over. This band was never supposed to last this long, but we're glad it did.
Estrons kind of means 'strangers' in the Welsh language, we met as strangers, became friends, became less, became more, then less.. now we leave as strangers again. We wrote some great songs together, crashed into towns and cities all over the world for some unforgettable gigs, and met some incredible people in every one of them.
Estrons has been our lives for the past 5 years, its been tough but amazing, and we wouldn't trade it for anything.. Creative and personal differences made us what we were, it only makes sense that they now make us what we are - Strangers.
We're sorry to cancel all upcoming tours, all tickets will be refundable. We will all be back soon with new projects that we're excited about.
To every-one of you who ever bought or played our music, came to our shows or supported us in any way, Diolch/Thank-you so much. To anyone reading this, we hope we brought you a fraction of the happiness that your support gave us.
Diolch o galon
Thank-you
Estrons."
Estrons you were brilliant. One of the greatest bands of recent times are gone. I am absolutely devastated. Last year, I finally found a band who made me feel the same buzz for new bands that I felt years ago. Less than a year later, they're no more. It was a short but enjoyable ride. And they may have preserved their legacy, since that album was so good and perhaps impossible to follow. For their fans, a truly life-changing group who stunned with their debut album. Today is a sad day. Thank you Tali, Rhodri and Steff for the short but amazing time you spent with us... long live Estrons.
Here's to the future of these incredible people and their next moves in the music world.
Below you can enjoy a selection of their finest moments, and read the reviews.
ALBUM REVIEW: Estrons - You Say I'm Too Much, I Say You're Not EnoughLIVE REVIEW: Estrons - The Louisiana, Bristol - 08/11/2018
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