Biography

We are a bass driven alternative band based in Newport, South Wales called Piblokto. We formed in December 2009 as a four piece consisting of brothers Hadleigh Banfield (guitar & vocals) and Harrison Banfield (bass), Adam Watt (drums) and Chris Mitchell (lead bass). Hadleigh and Harrison had played together for several years in the rock band ‘Death by Wookiee’ and decided to form a new band with a more atmospheric and crafted sound. Adam and Chris, old school friends of Hadleigh, joined soon after to complete the line up. We decided to try something new and play with two full time bassists instead of employing the more traditional second guitarist. Incorporating duel basses and keeping the guitar sparse to enable Hadleigh to focus on vocals gave us an atmospheric, dynamic sound that we have tried to develop. As a band have we have an eclectic mix influences including The Smiths, Jeff Buckley, and Joy Division to name a few. We are attempting to differentiate ourselves from the majority of bands in the area by spending time crafting our songs, combining subtlety and atmosphere with passages of raw power and progression. To complement our musical style our lyrics are dark and pointed focusing on themes of frustration, injustice and emptiness. We have recorded several demos this year enabling us to secure a series of gigs and air-play on BBC Radio Wales.

''...Vacant Vessel and Channel 3's Dark Age City demonstrate considerable craft in pace and structure, building up to subtly moody soundscapes that backdrop a lyrical discontent with modern life. The latter track particularly shows a command of composition which any of the slowcore rock crowd would be proud of. Plenty to admire, then.'' - Miniature Music Press

''Heavy, dirty drums kick off lead track Greed Nation, and they're swiftly joined by the duel bass guitars of this self-confessed 'bass driven' Newport four piece. Lead singer Hadleigh Banfield's vocal is soft and considered, akin to fellow Waleians Them Squirrels but when the track explodes into - somewhat more conventional - guitar territory come the end, his voice matches admirably. Vacant Vessel has a stalling riff that reminds of Future of the Left, whilst Hadleigh's vocal draws closer to Jeff Buckley and Morrissey's love-child. Drummer Adam Watt throws in some neat percussive flourishes in the song's bridges, livening up this straight-forward 80s alternative-sounding rock number. Closing track Channel 3's Dark Age City begins with slow tentative guitar and quiet, splashing cymbals. It begins and ascending cycle, Hadleigh's vocals repeating as the track grows with spine-tingling anticipation. As he thoughtfully sings; 'I have the urge to burn down this dark age city.' the track recalls (a tad aptly) Burn by The Cure, and it climaxes in a mild rage to similar effect. I don't know how aware people are, but Wales produces great bands as if it were a factory designed for the very purpose. Piblokto are a strong rock group, who on the strength of this debut EP could be another one to add to Wale's very long list of quality music.'' - God Is In The TV

''I like this a lot - excellently crafted, intriguing lyrics, really interesting voice.'' - Adam Walton, BBC Radio Wales