History

So, what became of No Flags Etc.? Hotly tipped in the late eighties as the South Wales band most likely to, the flame of success burned bright and brief before obscurity beckoned

The first single followed shortly after. Two and a half minutes of pure pop (Wonderful), grandiosely available only in 12 inch form, the song was widely played and bought and it was surely only a matter of time before the serious offers came rolling in. Several flirtations with the majors led nowhere and gradually the popularity The Flags brand of low-tech pop gave way to a coarser, more corrosive sound.

The death of guitarist and founder member Martyn was a life altering event for all concerned and forced a reassessment of priorities. Indeed it was 1996 before the band again raised its head above the parapet and flourished briefly with a deal with (ill- fated) Canadian based label Hi- Rise. The sackful of tracks recorded for the US market was never released.

Outside of any 'Flags' member's radar, No Flags Etc.'s first 12" single had become a collector's item, changing hands for up to $70 a time. The band defined the Japanese 'Neo Acoustic" genre and there was an appetite for more, much more, and with a catalogue of 40+ songs, many recorded in one shape or another, No Flags were ready to start the ball rolling once again.

2005, No Flags Etc. contacts in Japan, lead to Tokyo indie label Apple Crumble, source of the original 12" single's availability in Japan. Aware of the Flags' Japanese buzz, Apple Crumble agree to distribute an album's worth of material on CD. No Flags Etc were back in the studio, blowing the dust of some old songs, and significantly, writing new ones.

2007, Back in the studio with more songs and more plans. Lots of rehearsal and gigs mean that No Flags wer back to the tight performance unit they never had been!

2008, first fruit of 07's work is realised with the release of the single Slipshod Sailor.

A classic case of learning to run too soon, within months of forming the band had already notched up a series of winning radio and TV appearances as well as a burgeoning cult following on the local live scene.

The inevitable line up changes ensued as inertia and ennui took their toll. Still active, however, throughout the early nineties and gathering an apparent orchestra of associate musicians along the way, the band's sound changed with the addition of brass, sax and keyboards. Now recording again, No Flags Etc seemed poised to make a real impact and negotiations were well under way for the release of their debut album when tragedy struck.

So to 2004, a chance 'Google' of the band name leads to two unusual discoveries. A German site featuring a request for more information on No Flags Etc and a series of indecipherible hits on numerous Japanese DJ sites and play lists. Simultaneously, a letter arrives at Rob's old Swansea address from 'The Sound Of Leamington Spa' (TSOLS), strange things were happening!

Late 2004, Firestation Records (label behind TSOLS) request a track for a new compilation, No Flags Etc. license the track 'Rubble' to them, a typical example of a simple flags song recorded in about 1992.

2006, mixing and mastering of the appropriately titled "From DNA To Yesterday" is finished and released. With on-line sales and interest from around the world.

The excitement of 2008's energy leads to a few gigs, but eventually enthusiasm and opportunity wanes again.

2013 ...

So to today, life, children and work has taken over most of the band members' time. The various members still perform, though rarely together. Will time bring another No Flags Etc revival, it's unlikely, but you never know...