In the dark, we make sparks

Super Furry Animals - 'Mountain People' (Radiator - 1997)

In 1997, Welsh Beatles The Super Furry Animals closed their critically acclaimed second album, Radiator, with the enigmatic, epic and expansive track ‘Mountain People’. This song encapsulates the band's evolution since their early EPs and debut album, Fuzzy Logic, and set them on a pathway to their subsequent ventures into more and less out-there and experimental territories.

Following the success of Fuzzy Logic in 1996, Super Furry Animals quickly established themselves as one of the most innovative bands of the Britpop era. Their debut was marked by a psychedelic, anarchic spirit, blending catchy melodies with eclectic instrumentation and surreal lyrics. Radiator, released the following year, saw the band expand their sonic palette and lyrical themes, creating a more textured and balanced record that still retained their trademark whimsy, ear for melody and inventiveness.

‘Mountain People’ is a fitting conclusion to Radiator, showcasing the band's ability to craft epic, genre-defying tracks. The song is a sprawling, multi-part composition that combines elements of rock, electronic music, techno and traditional Welsh influences. It begins with a gentle acoustic guitar riff and soft vocals from Gruff Rhys. It gradually builds into a lush, orchestrated piece with swirling synths, brass, and strings before decomposing into a techno wig-out at the close.

The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but it comes across as examining the relationship between Wales and England. With the Welsh, the mountain people, The song highlights feelings of neglect and exploitation by the English, emphasising the distinctiveness and resilience of the Welsh. The lyrics contrast the prosperous English "tree-lined streets" with the rugged Welsh landscape, symbolising economic and cultural disparities. References to "milk and runny honey" suggest English exploitation of Welsh resources. Themes of resistance and survival are evident in the face of attempts to suppress Welsh culture. Despite these struggles, the song ends on a note of defiance and enduring legacy, asserting the lasting impact of Welsh culture.

Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon

In terms of production, ‘Mountain People’ exemplifies the ambitious and experimental approach that characterised the Radiator sessions. The album was co-produced by Gorwel Owen and the band, who took full advantage of the studio's possibilities to create a rich, layered sound. The use of unconventional instruments and effects, from the theremin to the Mellotron, adds depth and texture to the track, highlighting the band's willingness to push boundaries and defy expectations.

Radiator as a whole marked a significant step forward for the Super Furry Animals, blending the playful energy of Fuzzy Logic with a more mature and nuanced sound, replacing the punkier elements of their debut with more melodic endeavours. Tracks like ‘The Placid Casual’ and ‘Play It Cool’ also showcase the band's knack for writing infectious pop songs, while deeper cuts like ‘Chupacabras’ and ‘Demons’ showcased their ability to delve into darker, more introspective territory.

Following the release of Radiator, the Super Furry Animals continued to evolve and experiment with their sound. The Ice Hockey Hair EP, released in 1998, saw the band explore electronic music and incorporate more diverse influences into their work. With its pulsating beats and lush harmonies, the EP's title track hinted at the direction the band would take on their next full-length album, 1999’s Guerilla. Building on what was displayed on ‘Mountain People’, the band incorporated techno, dub, and avant-garde elements.

1997 was a particularly fertile one for British alternative rock. The third wave of Britpop, often considered the genre's nadir, had largely run its course by 1996, with A&Rs finally running out of money to promote more bands that were revisiting the 1960s, paving the way for a more diverse and experimental approach to music. Bands like Radiohead, Mogwai, Blur, Spiritualized, and Primal Scream were all moving away from that as a template to re-hash. Super Furry Animals were a part of this wave of innovation, blending their love of other eras of rock and pop with a fearless embrace of new genres and sounds. Their willingness to experiment and take risks set them apart from many of their contemporaries and helped to establish them as one of the most forward-thinking bands of their era.

This tank was eventually sold to Don Henley.

‘Mountain People’ showcases Super Furry Animals' ability to blend traditional rock with modern production techniques, creating a distinctive sound. Its evocative lyrics and rich, multi-layered arrangement make it a fitting conclusion to the album.

As the band moved into the late 1990s and early 2000s, they continued to explore new musical territories, incorporating a wide range of influences. Their experimental approach kept their music fresh and relevant, influencing many contemporary artists.