Cool Cymru
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Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we explore Cool Cymru, a cultural movement in 1990s Wales that emerged as a regional offshoot of Britpop. Defined by the popularity of Welsh bands such as Catatonia, Stereophonics, and Super Furry Animals, Cool Cymru celebrated Welsh identity while contributing to the broader tapestry of British pop culture.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and of course, the music that defined a decade. Cool Cymru added a unique Welsh flavour to this movement, showcasing the country’s creativity and pride during a transformative era.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there, or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Wales, 1990s–2000s
Key figures: Catatonia, Stereophonics, Super Furry Animals, Manic Street Preachers
Associated genres: Britpop, alternative rock, pop rock
Cultural impact: Redefined Welsh identity in arts, music, and sports; heightened visibility of Welsh culture globally
Formation and Early Years
Emerged as a cultural response to the Britpop movement, emphasising Welsh creativity and independence.
Influenced by the socio-political changes in Wales, such as the 1997 devolution referendum and the establishment of the Welsh Assembly.
The closure of the South Wales Coalfield in the 1980s and subsequent economic challenges shaped the defiant and introspective tone of many Cool Cymru artists.
Rooted in a history of underrepresentation, artists sought to redefine Wales’s place in the cultural landscape, blending humour, pride, and irreverence.
Rise to Prominence
The movement gained momentum with the mainstream success of bands like Catatonia, whose single "Mulder and Scully" became a UK Top 10 hit in 1998.
Manic Street Preachers emerged as pioneers, blending political themes with poetic lyrics, culminating in the seminal album The Holy Bible (1994).
Stereophonics’ debut album, Word Gets Around (1997), tackled themes of Welsh life and youth, earning widespread acclaim.
Super Furry Animals gained attention for their genre-defying sound and the Welsh-language album Mwng (2000), a bold statement of cultural identity.
The movement intersected with film, with the release of Twin Town (1997), a dark comedy that became emblematic of Cool Cymru’s irreverent tone.
Cultural Success and Albums
Catatonia’s International Velvet (1998) reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying their role as Cool Cymru’s mainstream champions.
Stereophonics’ Performance and Cocktails (1999) marked their breakthrough, featuring hits like "The Bartender and the Thief."
Manic Street Preachers’ This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours (1998) won Best British Album at the Brit Awards, highlighting their introspective evolution.
Super Furry Animals’ Radiator (1997) showcased their experimental ethos, cementing their place as critical darlings.
The Welsh Music Foundation supported emerging acts, furthering the movement’s impact.
Later Activities and Legacy
Cool Cymru’s influence waned in the early 2000s, but its legacy endured through festivals like Sŵn and the revival of Welsh-language music.
Artists like Gwenno and bands such as Y Niwl continued to draw on the movement’s ethos, blending modern sounds with cultural pride.
Welsh Language Music Day, launched in 2013, celebrates the movement’s spirit and the ongoing vitality of Welsh music.
The Millennium Stadium, built during Cool Cymru’s heyday, became a symbol of Welsh pride and a hub for cultural events.
Notable Facts
Super Furry Animals’ Mwng was the first entirely Welsh-language album to chart in the UK Top 20.
Catatonia’s Cerys Matthews became a cultural icon, later transitioning to a successful broadcasting career.
Manic Street Preachers dedicated The Holy Bible to Richey Edwards, whose mysterious disappearance remains a poignant symbol of the era.
The movement’s blend of irreverence and introspection reflected broader shifts in Welsh identity during the 1990s.
Defining Lyric
"We don’t talk about love, we only want to get drunk." — Manic Street Preachers, "A Design for Life" (1996)
Essential Listening
"Mulder and Scully" (1998) – Catatonia: A witty, genre-blending track that defined the era.
"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" (1998) – Manic Street Preachers: A haunting anthem of resistance.
"The Bartender and the Thief" (1998) – Stereophonics: A raucous anthem capturing youthful rebellion.
Why You Should Be Listening to Cool Cymru Now
Cool Cymru was more than a musical movement; it was a cultural awakening that placed Welsh identity on a global stage. The era’s music, films, and art remain a vital exploration of resilience, pride, and creativity. As Welsh culture continues to thrive, revisiting Cool Cymru offers a lens into a transformative period worth celebrating.
See you on down the road.
