Despite it's size , Wales has a truly glorious musical history. Manic Street Preachers , Catatonia , Stereophonics , Super Furry Animals were all major indie darlings and the Manics are legends. Then there's the veteran acts like Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Tom Jones. There's long been something in the waters that stream through the Welsh valleys.
And in 2014 , it seems to have happened again. And in completely different style. It;s not everyday you get a Welsh electro-pop act.
Enter Underground Ally. A sibling dance act made up of Ash , Kristian and Vicky Owen. I was introduced to their music shortly before Christmas and was instantly smitten by the fresh , clubby combination of powerhouse vocals courtesy of Vicky and the thrilling radio friendly beats that signal a huge dance influence but are steeped in current pop sensibilities. Underground Ally are a thrilling prospect, and their tracks Addict , Blood and 2 Minutes are blistering earworms.
Having always had an interest in music Underground Ally officially formed in 2012. Kristian , Vicky and Ash upped sticks from their Swansea home and headed to where else , but London. Bringing a whole new meaning to the independent route , the talented siblings bought and refurbished a flat by day whilst working on synths by night with Kristian taking charge of production duties. He took it upon himself to learn how to use Logic and produce from home having been frustrated by the lack of vision for the tracks that he had conceived.
It's testament to their "do it yourself" attitude and incredible work ethic that the stars were beginning to align and Underground Ally were slowly but very surely coming together as a potentially credible dance pop trio.
Their backstory is an inspiring one. They had always seemed destined for a career in music. Vicky had previously sung vocals for their older brother at just 14 before entering into a management deal with Bonnie Tyler's manager. Even recording some of Bonnie;s songs. Not surprisingly as Vicky has what can only be described as a powerhouse voice. One which took her to the Hammersmith Apollo where she shared a stage with Sir Tom Jones and Heather Small. Following that were a number of gigs in the legendary Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club in Soho.
On her return to Wales , Vicky formed Kiddo360 with her older brother and roped in Kristian on keyboards. Despite winning UK Live and Unsigned and Vodafone Best Unsigned Act , Kiddo360 soon disbanded.
Which brings us to Underground Ally. Or U.A as they're popularly known. 2014 is set to be a huge year for the Owens gang. Addict was the first track I heard and I loved it instantly. In the video Vicky looks every inch the pop diva in waiting. Shit cool and kick ass with a voice that could be heard from London to Barry Island. Her subtle yet fierce "oh ow , oh ow , somethings gonna get me " elevates the track and harks back to 90s dance. It's s a track you can imagine yourself losing your shit to at 2 in the morning. Ash's voice has a phenomenal tone to it , potentially one of the best new pop voices to emerge in a long time. It is effortless. And it's that commercial , although not purposely , style that deserves to see U.A make a dent on the charts and find space on your iPod.
The intro to Addict , to my ears sounds reminiscent of Girl Gone Wild by Madonna from her last album. Ignore her spoken word bit and theres a small likeness. Addict is hi-energy , frenetic dance with a modern pop sound that is a brilliant precursor to what this lot are capable of.
Blood is another stomper , Vicky slaying it again , but as does Ash. "bloods thicker than water , stand by your side, stand by your daughter." It's the perfect Saturday night anthem. Polished , euphoric and addictive. I cannot get enough of this track. Superb little stomper of a track with a tinge of dubstep. Ash completely owns it. A pop voice that could rival or actually better most of the X Factor/The Voice fodder. Stronger than any of the lads from The Wanted , or even Olly Murs. Just a pop voice that's too good not to be successful.
It is not surprising Underground Ally have caught the attention of Wes Maebe who mastered Addict. This being the same guy that's worked with British soul queen Beverley Knight and none other than Ellie Goulding.
Underground Ally are constantly honing their considerable skills live too. Gigs at Westfields and a triumphant homecoming gig in Swansea last week have added to their burgeoning live reputation. There's also the small matter of Kristian and Ash getting their kits off for Gay Times Magazine recent Naked issue. Mouthwatering.
Ah , but it's all about the music. But having an adonnis like Kristian and a cutie like Ash certainly helps. The Owens certainly aren't the ugliest kids in the pop playground. And it doesnt harm their appeal. Of which , there is lots.
There's not really a current pop or dance act taht I could realistically compare U.A to. And that's very much a good thing. Sure , theres little glimpses of Scissor Sisters , old 90's dance. But their sound is a melting pot of pulsating mainstream dance and floorfiller beats , modern pop finesse , stunning and powerhouse vocals and unlimited potential.
Prepare for Underground to go overground. The weekend has landed. It's euphoric , hedonistic and banging and in 2014 it;s gonna be soundtracked by Underground Ally. U.A if you're nasty!!
U.A official website http://www.uaofficial.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/U_Ally_
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/undergroundally
Blood
Addict
$2Million
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