The band's first release was Patio (1992), a 10" collection of various live, home and studio recordings released on the Welsh Ankst label (this was later expanded for the 1995 CD version). In 1994 their first full studio album, Tatay appeared. Bwyd Time followed the next year - both were produced by Alan Holmes who also provided their colourful artwork. These early releases show a huge range of influences and styles: "Thema o Cartref", the opening track of Tatay, for example, is a relatively gentle harmonium-backed song, while "When You Hear the Captain Sing" appears to be a tribute of sorts to Captain Beefheart and "Amsermaemaiyndod/cinema" presents one song in the right channel and a completely different one in the left.
Gorky's also released a number of singles and EPs on Anskt. Running through all the Ankst records is a kind of psychedelia and playfulness evidently inspired by the Canterbury scene of the 1960s and 1970s (Kevin Ayers' album Shooting at the Moon is cited in the notes to Tatay as "the best LP of all time", and the record also includes a version of Robert Wyatt's "O, Caroline"). Bwyd Time in particular also features a wide range of instruments, with parts for the celesta and sitar credited on "Iechyd Da", for instance. The 1996 compilation Introducing Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, their first release in America, was a compilation of this material from the Ankst years.
For their next album, Barafundle (1997), produced by Gorwel Owen (who had also worked with the Super Furry Animals) they moved to the larger Fontana label. The wide-ranging instrumentation remained ("Diamond Dew" has a prominent part for the jew's harp) and there were still psychedelic touches, but the album as a whole is more laid back than their earlier work, tending more towards folk music.
This gentler direction was largely maintained and refined in their later records, though the occasional poppier and rockier number, such as "Poodle Rockin'" from Spanish Dance Troupe or "Mow the Lawn" from Sleep/Holiday, continued to crop up.
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci split up on 26 May 2006, Euros Childs and Richard James having released solo albums. James' is in the folky vein of later Gorky's, wheras Childs' has moments that hark back to earlier moments in their career (so far he has released four albums). And John Lawrence releases as Infinity Chimps.
As of Summer 2007, no re-issues of the first 3 albums have surfaced, but Autumn 2007 is a likely date for the expanded & re-mastered Patio.
Final lineup
Euros Childs - vocals, keyboards (1991-2006)
Megan Childs - violin, vocals (1992-2006)
Richard James - bass, vocals (1991-2006)
Rhodri Puw - guitar (1999-2006)
Peter Richardson - drums (2000-2006)
Previous members
John Lawrence - vocals, guitar (1991-1999)
Euros Rowlands - drums (1995-2001)
Osian Evans - drums (1991-1995)
Sion Lane - keyboards (1991)
Cenwyn Brain - guitar (1991)
Sammy Davies - keyboards (1991-1992)
Steffan Cravos - violin (1991-1992)
Barbed Wire
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mae'n dod i lawr so dere gweld fi
Barbed Wire yn dod i lawr
Dewch ach chwaer, chwaer eich brawd
Auntie Mary Auntie Joseph
Barbed Wire yn dod i lawr
Dod i lawr, lawr i'r llawr
Barbed Wire yn dod i lawr
Dod i lawr, lawr i'r llawr
The song "Barbed Wire" by Gorky's Zygotic Mynci begins with the repetition of "Mae'n dod i lawr so dere gweld fi" (It's coming down so come and see me). This could be interpreted as a call to action, inviting someone to come and witness something significant that is happening. This is followed by the repetition of "Barbed Wire yn dod i lawr" (Barbed wire is coming down), which adds a sense of urgency to the message. The phrase "dod i lawr" (coming down) is repeated in the chorus alongside the names "Auntie Mary" and "Auntie Joseph," which creates a familial connection and suggests that the message is meant for a specific group of people.
The use of barbed wire as a symbol in the song can be interpreted in various ways. It may symbolize obstacles that are being removed or barriers that are being broken down. The song's message may also be seen as a call to overcome differences and unify. In the final lines of the song, the chorus repeats "Barbed Wire yn dod i lawr/Dod i lawr, lawr i'r llawr" (Barbed wire is coming down/Coming down, down to the ground), which creates a sense of resolution and closure.
Line by Line Meaning
Mae'n dod i lawr so dere gweld fi
I am feeling down, come see me
Mae'n dod i lawr so dere gweld fi
I am feeling down, come see me
Barbed Wire yn dod i lawr
Barbed wire is falling down
Dewch ach chwaer, chwaer eich brawd
Come sister, sister your brother
Auntie Mary Auntie Joseph
Auntie Mary Auntie Joseph
Barbed Wire yn dod i lawr
Barbed wire is falling down
Dod i lawr, lawr i'r llawr
Falling down, down to the ground
Barbed Wire yn dod i lawr
Barbed wire is falling down
Dod i lawr, lawr i'r llawr
Falling down, down to the ground
Contributed by Evan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.