R I T U A L C L O A K
APRES VOUS
Apres Vous Records was formed by the band Hold Your Horse Is in Camberley, Surrey. The label began life as a DIY vehicle by which the band could release their music.
In 2012, Hold Your Horse Is drummer and Apres Vous founder, Chris Rouse, joined Cardiff's Samoans. Samoans immediately widened the label's reach, with front-man Daniel Barnett taking a co-leading role in the labels output. Samoans went on to release several singles and EPs as well as 2 albums via Apres Vous, the Welsh Music Prize nominated 'Rescue' in 2014, followed by the critically acclaimed 'Laika' in 2017.
Samoans disbanded in 2018 but Daniel and Chris continue to release music through the label. In 2019 Chris's new project Axe Hand released the single 'Fuck Off In Capitals' with Daniel's current project Ritual Cloak releasing their self-titled debut on 27 September 2019.
R E L E A S E S
AV018
SAMOANS LIVE AT THE BBC
Samoans recorded 3 live sessions for the BBC during their time in the band. Each with different line-ups. Some of the recordings appeared on the bandcamp exclusive releases, Splottnik Live & Rarities, Volumes I & II back in 2018 but this album collects all these recordings for the first time.
The first was recorded by Romesh Dodangoda at Longwave Studios for Jen Long's BBC Introducing show on Radio 1 and originally broadcast on 9 May 2011. The line-up on tracks 1-4 are Dan (guitar/vox), Calv (bass/vox) and Tal (drums).
The second session was recorded at BBC Radio Wales' studio for the Bethan Elfyn show and originally broadcast on 12 January 2013. The line-up on tracks 5-8 are Dan (guitar/vox), Calv (bass/vox) and Chris (drums).
The third session was recorded at Maida Vale Studios for Jen Long's final show on BBC Radio 1 and was originally broadcast on 11 August 2014. The line-up on tracks 9-12 are Dan (guitar/vox), Calv (bass/vox), Chris (drums), Oli (guitar) and Kay (backing vocals).
AV017
DRAINS WORLD
Drains are Dan (Samoans/Ritual Cloak), Jim & Ben (Wylderness).
Formed in 2009 in Cardiff, Drains gathered rave reviews for their raucous live performances, which the Drains World EP encapsulates perfectly.
Early shows supporting acts such as Women and Divorce drew the attention of BBC Introducing who supported the band, broadcasting the band's visceral live set at SWN Festival 2010.
Originally released on the Small Cities imprint in 2010, Drains World has been remastered by Charlie Francis (R.E.M., Turin Brakes, Future of the Left) and re-released on Apres Vous to celebrate its 10 year anniversary.
AV009
LAIKA
The sophomore record from Samoans featuring the singles, Patience, Future Ghost and Broken Hands.
Released September 29, 2017.
Recorded by Todd Campbell at Stompbox Studios, Pontyclun. Mastered by Ade Emsley at Table of Tone Mastering.
The Independent - "Laika is a deeply rich and rewarding record"
Kerrang - "It's a gentle, charming concept that keep's the band's angular rock on the rightside of interesting KKKK"
AV008
SAMOANS / FREEZE THE ATLANTIC SPLIT EP
The Samoans/Freeze The Atlantic split EP was the culmination of the two bands relationship, with each providing their own unique take on each others’ 2014 singles ‘I Am Your Density’ and ‘Stompbox’. Additionally, the bands showcased a new original track; Freeze The Atlantic's ‘The Floor is Made of Lava’ and Samoans' ‘Wrong Cops’.
Released October 16, 2015.
Tracks 1 & 2 Recorded/Produced July 2015 by Todd Campbell at Stompbox Studios, Pontyclun. Tracks 3 & 4 Recorded/Produced July 2015 by James Curtis at Plus 11 Studios, Chelmsford. Mastered by Ade Emsley at Table Of Tone Mastering.
AV007
RESCUE
The Welsh Music Prize nominated debut album featuring the singles, 'I Am Your Density' and 'Dancing On The Sea Lion'.
Released July 14, 2014.
Recorded by Todd Campbell at Stompbox Studios, Pontyclun. Mastered by Optimum Mastering.
Metal Hammer (8/10) - “They manage to instil the same icy, fragile beauty that Chino Moreno and company are famous for throughout.”
Rock Sound (8/10) - “It’s exciting, it’s promising and it’s tireless in its execution.”
AV006
FRIMLEY
The long-awaited follow up to their 2011 debut album 'Rammin' It Home' (Big Scary Monsters), the sophomore album 'Frimley', named after two-thirds of the bands' hometown.
Released August 6, 2012.
Recorded by Gordon Mills. Mastered by Sam Manville.
The 405 - "At one point, Hold Your Horse Is claim "It's a pleasure to have you around, I don't want to let you down," but the pleasure is all ours and they don't have to worry, they most certainly haven't let anyone down with Frimley. 8/10"
Stereoboard - "More than anything else 'Frimley' is fun. It has buckets of energy, and is an admirable achievement."