Anhrefn

Yr Anhrefn, often known simply as Anhrefn, was an influential Welsh punk rock band that came to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s. Based in Bangor, North Wales, the band was formed in 1982, primarily performing in the Welsh language. Their music and activism reflected the band’s commitment to promoting Welsh identity, often challenging the mainstream Welsh media. Anhrefn played hundreds of gigs across Europe, garnering support from figures like BBC’s John Peel, while maintaining a distinct presence in the Welsh punk landscape. Despite receiving little attention from Welsh-language media outlets, Anhrefn stood as a vital part of the punk rock world, both musically and culturally.

History

Formation and Early Years

Yr Anhrefn was founded in 1982, taking their name from the Welsh word for “Disorder.” The band emerged from Bangor, North Wales, and adopted a punk rock ethos while singing predominantly in Welsh. Founding member and bassist Rhys Mwyn quickly became a vocal critic of the Welsh music industry, which largely ignored the band. Mwyn, also known as Gwynedd Rhys Thomas, launched Recordiau Anhrefn, a record label dedicated to promoting Welsh-language punk and alternative music. Anhrefn was soon supported by legendary BBC DJ John Peel, leading to three Peel Sessions and numerous gigs across Europe, including performances in Germany, Czechoslovakia, and the Basque Region of Spain.

Critical Reception and Continued Success

Despite the lack of mainstream Welsh media support, Anhrefn gained traction internationally, playing around 300 gigs a year at their peak. The band appeared on the influential British TV show *The Tube* in 1987 and toured with Joe Strummer on the Rock Against Rich tour in 1988. Although early members Hefin Huws and Dewi Gwyn left the band in the late 1980s, replacements Dylan Hughes and Sion Jones allowed the band to continue evolving musically. During this time, the band remained staunch advocates of Welsh identity and language, and their work was deeply tied to their cultural roots.

Exploring New Directions

In 1994, Yr Anhrefn released their first English-language recording, a single featuring actress Margi Clarke. Earlier, they had collaborated with Pauline Murray of the punk band Penetration. By 1995, Rhys and his brother Sion Sebon transitioned into a more techno-driven sound, releasing the album Hen Wlad fy Mamau – Land of My Mothers. This record incorporated elements of world music, traditional Welsh folk, and electronic influences, featuring collaborations with a range of artists, including Punjabi rapper Harvinder Sangha and African dub collective Zion Train.

Disbandment and Reformation

Following the release of Hen Wlad fy Mamau, the band dissolved. However, Rhys Mwyn continued to play an influential role in Welsh music, managing the Crai label and artists like Catatonia. In 2007, Anhrefn briefly reformed without Mwyn, with Ryan Kift taking over vocal duties. Mwyn later transitioned to broadcasting, hosting radio shows on Môn FM and BBC Radio Cymru, while continuing to perform with new musical projects like Welsh Rebel Outpost and White Ether.

Discography

Albums

• Defaid, Skateboards a Wellies (1987, Workers Playtime)
• Bwrw Cwrw (1989, Workers Playtime)
• Soft Lights And Loud Guitars (Part 2) (1989, Released Emotions) – Split LP with Last Rough Cause
• Rhowch Eich Teitl Eich Hun (1990) – Live cassette-only album
• Dragons Revenge (1990, Lithograph, Crai, Probe Plus)
• Dial y Ddraig (1990, Incognito)
• Rhedeg i Bohemia Live (1991, Pro Art)
• Dave Goodman Sessions (1991, Incognito, Crai)
• Hen Wlad fy Mamau – Land of My Mothers (1995, Crai)

Singles

• “Dim Heddwch” / “Priodas Hapus” (1983, Anhrefn)
• “Be Nesa 89” / “Bach Dy Ben” (1988, Anhrefn)
• “Rhedeg i Paris” / “Y Ffordd Ymlaen” / “Llgad Wrth Lygad” (1990, Crai)
• Bwtleg Powerhaus Llundain (1990, Information Libre) – 12″ EP
• Clutter From The Gutter (1994, Incognito, Crai) – Featuring Margi Clarke