Swansea indie label R*E*P*E*A*T today releases an EP by Atomic Beat Boys, a band of 10-11 year olds through its Big Badger imprint. The trio – Alex, Calwyn and Kaiden – have covered Shampoo‘s 1994 pop-punk smash hit ‘Trouble’.
The label’s Richard Rose, who teaches at the boys’ school in Swansea and famously took a similarly aged group to play live in front of six million viewers on Blue Peter, recorded the song lo-fi style on his laptop.
“From the moment they first started experimenting with guitars, I’ve been bowled over by their enthusiasm, creativity and hard work, and I love the way they’ve made the track their own.”
Shampoo’s manager from 1990s Gillian Porter supports the release as does press officer Caffy St Luce who said “How fantastic! I was singing along! As a Shampoo fan, I gotta say this is ace!”
The connections between the song and Wales are longstanding – Shampoo, who consisted of school friends Jacqui Blake and Carrie Askew, wrote Manic Street Preachers fanzine ‘Last Exit’ whilst at school themselves.
Contemporary Swansea musicians have also praised the recording. ‘You never forget your first time on the radio, and these boys deserve it for their enthusiastic rendition of this classic. The definition of punk. Amazing stuff!’ responded singer songwriter Tom Emlyn who releases his debut solo album next week. Remixes were donated by John William Davies (Teen Anthems) and bubblegum punk icon Helen Love. Of her remix Helen explained, “I tried to do it a bit modern so the kids can hear that they can make pop music too”.
The Trouble EP is available to stream now, with very limited vinyl and CD copies available from R*E*P*E*A*T’s Bandcamp page here; these will be sold to raise money for War Child to support children who are suffering in wars around the world, including Ukraine. Monies raised before May 31st will be matched by the government. Find out more about War Child here www.warchild.org.uk
Full track listing
1. Trouble
2. Trouble – Glitter and Sea Foam mix by Helen Love
3. Trouble – Teen Anthems mix by John William Davies
