Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci
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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 introduce Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci, the Welsh psychedelic folk band whose adventurous sound and bilingual lyrics set them apart during the Cool Cymru era.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
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: Carmarthen, Wales
Active years: 1991–2006
Associated genres: Psychedelic folk, alternative rock, Britpop, indie pop
Record labels: Ankst, Fontana, Mercury, Mantra, Sanctuary
Members: Euros Childs – vocals, keyboards / Richard James – guitar, vocals / Megan Childs – violin, vocals / Rhodri Puw – bass / Peter Richardson – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1991 by Euros Childs, John Lawrence, and Richard James while still in school in Carmarthen.
Released their first cassette, Allumette (1991), followed by Peiriant Pleser (1992).
Signed to Welsh indie label Ankst, releasing the eclectic Patio (1992) and Tatay (1994).
Rise to Prominence
Early support from John Peel, who championed their Welsh-language music on BBC Radio 1.
The album Barafundle (1997) marked their transition to Fontana Records and expanded their audience.
Known for their blend of folk instrumentation and playful, experimental songwriting.
Commercial Success and Albums
Barafundle (1997) reached No. 46 on the UK Albums Chart, featuring tracks like Patio Song.
Subsequent albums Gorky 5 (1998) and Spanish Dance Troupe (1999) continued their critical acclaim, with singles like Diamond Dew and Young Girls & Happy Endings.
Released How I Long to Feel That Summer in My Heart (2001) and Sleep/Holiday (2003), which showcased a more introspective, acoustic style.
Later Activities and Legacy
Disbanded in 2006 after a string of inventive, genre-blending albums.
Euros Childs and Richard James pursued solo careers, occasionally reuniting for collaborative projects.
Celebrated as one of the most unique bands of the Cool Cymru movement, influencing Welsh and indie music alike.
Notable Facts
Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci had eight UK Top 75 singles without ever breaking the Top 40.
Their name is a playful mix of biology, slang, and humor, with “Mynci” deriving from the Welsh spelling of “monkey.”
John Cale called their album Patio one of his “favorite albums ever.”
Defining Lyric
"Why don't we sit back and have a lovely time?" – Patio Song
Discography
Allumette (1991)
Peiriant Pleser (1992)
Tatay (1994)
Bwyd Time (1995)
Barafundle (1997)
Gorky 5 (1998)
Spanish Dance Troupe (1999)
The Blue Trees (2000)
How I Long to Feel That Summer in My Heart (2001)
Sleep/Holiday (2003)
Essential Listening
Patio Song – A wistful yet quirky ballad that became their signature track.
Diamond Dew – A psychedelic gem with jangling instrumentation and ethereal vocals.
Spanish Dance Troupe – A playful and memorable track that captures their unique sound.
Why You Should Be Listening to Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci Now
Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci’s music is a kaleidoscope of sound, blending whimsy and depth with unparalleled creativity. Their bilingual lyrics and inventive instrumentation ensure their place as one of Britpop’s most distinctive acts. Rediscover the joy and magic of Gorky’s today.
See you on down the road.
