Issue 155

Transmission: Swansea Calling

14th May 2007

"Swansea calling to the faraway towns...?" It seems unlikely that The Clash ever had that particular lyric in mind, but on Friday 20 April, it was Swansea calling out to British music lovers courtesy of Channel 4's Transmission. Filmed within the breaktaking walls of the city's Brangwyn Hall, local legends Manic Street Preachers provided the main point of focus on a bill includingMika, who's love of high-pitched melodies puts Justin Hawkins to shame, pouting indie-pop prodigies Switches, and American nu-rave sensations, Shy Child.

For the Manics it is the second time they've bestowed their presence upon Brangwyn Hall in three years, having played Swansea as part of their Past/Present/Future tour in 2005. This time, however, they're airing their new single Your Love Alone Is Not Enough, complete with guest appearance from the song's co-vocalist, Nina Persson of The Cardigans. As well as a rousing performance of long-time hit A Design for Life, there is a bonus for those in attendance with a white-hot rendition of You Love Us. They're not wrong either.

Switches captivate the audience with a performance of their current single, Lay Down The Law, whilst Shy Child mesmerised with their haunting indie-dance stylings ahead of their support slot on Klaxons' nationwide tour in early May.

Having taken the charts by storm with hit single Grace Kelly, Mika closed proceedings on the night with his mini-set including latest single, Love Today whilst unleashing a wave of bubbles upon the gathered masses at the foot of his stage.

With Howard Marks, once the most wanted man in Britain, and stand-up Alan Carr completing the night's line-up, maybe it's a sign that Swansea is starting to attract the attention that will firmly establish the city as a rising star on Britain's glittering showbiz map.

Pete Hayman