Alarming Alarm by Rob Jones
The Alarm are back in favour after the successful single, 45RPM. Because of pre-conceived music industry ideals about age, fashion and scenes, The Alarm feared rejection with their new release. Therefore, the lads decided to temporarily change their identity to The Poppy Fields, in an attempt to storm the Top 40 charts. Their clever ploy has reaped rewards, as the new record shot in to the singles parade. 45RPM is a fiery feast of fury with its cap doffed firmly in the direction of 70’s punk, and it wipes the floor with a host of young pretenders that regularly occupy press attention. The Alarm are celebrating 25 years, and their recent work is arguable their best to date, offering a return to commercial and critical acclaim.

The Rhyl rebels have confirmed their position as one of the great Welsh rock acts. Flag bearers for the principality with anthems such as 68 Guns, Spirit of ’76, Rain in the Summertime, Blaze of Glory and the Rhondda Valley inspired, A New South Wales, The Alarm have a repertoire of repute.

A day after celebrating his 45th birthday, Mike Peters along with his Alarm accomplices visited The Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd. Peters and his pals oozed stage presence in front of a full house of 400 adoring, anthem hungry, punters. The tag of veterans was never evident, as The Alarm proved that they can still cut the mustard in 2004. The decision to opt out of a support act resulted in The Alarm performing a couple of scintillating sets, and the audience still demanded more from their heroes. The band proved that they are still firing on all 68 Guns, and their blaze of glory ensures that the spirit of ’76 is alive and well!
A new album, ‘In the Poppy Fields’ featuring songs chosen by fans is out on Monday, April 19. The band launches the record with a gig at Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff on the evening of its release. For more details 01745 571571 or www.thealarm.info

The Muni has a busy programme of live music, and look out for future gigs from Manfred Mann’s Earth Band on Friday, March 12 and Stiff Little Fingers on Saturday, March 20. For more details, ring 01443 485934.

Thanks
Rob Jones