Samoans

Since forming Samoans have established themselves as one of Wales' up and coming talents, creating a collection of intricate, yet melodic songs, drawing influence from a range of different genres to carve out their own distinctive musical direction.

The band released their first single 'Somersault' in March 2011 via Barely Regal Records, followed in 2012 by the EP Elevated Reflections. Prior to the release of the Elevated Reflections the band parted ways with drummer Taliesin Leboutillier. Chris Rouse, who was drumming for Surrey based band, Hold Your Horse Is, immediately joined the band.

‘Rescue’ was written and conceived after Daniel broke his back in December 2012. The band were unable to play together for a number of months but found the situation gave them impetus to explore a new direction and write an album. The isolation of writing and recording demos in the confinement of his flat helped Daniel to test a new vocal approach which has given the album a more melodic and considered feel, leaving behind the math-laden sound that tended to prevail in the band’s earlier works and making way for a more expansive sound. Influences come from far and wide, as the band were listening to a lot of Oceansize, Nine Inch Nails, Dinosaur Jr, Mogwai and Reuben whilst writing and recording ‘Rescue’. The album was recorded in just five days by Todd Campbell of Straight Lines (the band’s first ever drummer) at Stompbox Studios in Pontyclun, Wales.

October 2013, Oliver Miles joined the band on second guitar.

Rescue was released on 14 July 2014 on the band's own label, Apres Vouz, and was later nominated for the 2014 Welsh Music Prize alongside acts such as Manic Street Preachers, Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals) and Cate Le Bon.