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)
Over & Out
Gorky's Zygotic Mynci Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Said 'that's, it I'm over and out'
Though I started young as a lover
Now I'm just burning out
And his voice used to soar so high
Close your eyes for California sky
When one day melts into the other
As he flew right over the ocean
Said 'that's it, I'm over and out'
Though I started young as a lover
Now I'm just burning out
The lyrics of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci's song "Over & Out" are reflective of the feeling of burnout and the loss of passion in life. The opening line "As he flew right over the ocean, said 'that's it, I'm over and out'" suggests that the singer is feeling disillusioned with life and is ready to give up. The line "Though I started young as a lover, now I'm just burning out" could be interpreted as the singer feeling like they used to have a passion and drive for life, but now that passion has fizzled out and they feel like they are simply going through the motions.
The lyrics "And his voice used to soar so high, close your eyes for California sky, when one day melts into the other, children still know the way" add to the overall feeling of nostalgia and longing. The image of California sky and the suggestion to "close your eyes" creates a sense of longing for a simpler time. The line "when one day melts into the other" suggests that the singer feels like their life is monotonous and unchanging, which is contrasted with the idea that "children still know the way," as if to suggest that children still have that sense of wonder and passion that the singer has lost.
Line by Line Meaning
As he flew right over the ocean
As he left the world as he knew it behind and moved on to new horizons.
Said 'that's, it I'm over and out'
He declared that he was finished with his old self and ready to move on.
Though I started young as a lover
Although he began his journey with optimism and passion.
Now I'm just burning out
Now he's feeling drained and exhausted, with no energy left to give.
And his voice used to soar so high
His voice was once full of hope and promise, pushing him forward.
Close your eyes for California sky
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you.
When one day melts into the other
When every day seems to blend together with no distinct difference between them.
Children still know the way
Even when we're lost, children still have the innocence and clarity of vision to see the way forward.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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