Formed way back in 1988, The Haywains, based near Bristol, played three-chord
jangly punk-pop with bittersweet lyrics and a distinctive dual boy/girl vocal
delivery. Part of the do-it-yourself 'indiepop' underground and fanzine culture
that thrived in the late 80's, the band's refreshing fun approach was
characterized by singer Jeremy Hunt's jovial on-stage banter and minimal
no-frills charm.
Bristol rapidly became one of the UK's most productive areas on the indiepop
scene of the late '80's, and The Haywains were one of many bands on on the
city's vibrant pop scene centred around the legendary Tropic Club during the
halcyon 'C86' era. Progressing to gigs nationwide, The Haywains soon became
familiar faces at the 'Waaaaaah!' indiepop club nights around the UK.
The band's prolific recording career kick-started with the 'Surfin' Trowbridge
EP' a flexi-disc issued with Newcastle based fanzine 'Woosh!' in 1988. The
following year, the band's first 7" single 'Fisherman's Friend', Jeremy's
lyrical homage to the famous throat lozenges, was released on the band's own
'Emily's Shop' label and received some all-important exposure by John Peel.
Despite being hampered by unsettled line-ups, The Haywains went on to release a
string of 7" singles for small independent labels worldwide, ultimately signing
to Vinyl Japan in 1991. The band released two albums with the label, 'Never
Mind Manchester, Here's The Haywains' and the follow-up 'Desperately Seeking
Something'. Those hard-to-find early singles were also re-released on a
compilation CD 'Get Happy With The Haywains' in 1992.
After eight enjoyable years together, transit-van accommodation and heavy
recording schedules were beginning to take their toll. The Haywains officially
disbanded after announcing two 'farewell' shows in the summer of 1996. A brief
reunion took place in 2002 showing that the boys, and girl, could still sing
about teenage-angst some six years after their split. The band ended on a high
note, as they had always planned.
So, where are The Haywains now? In 2006, songwriter Paul Towler put together a
new band The Westfield Mining Disaster who have so far released two singles for
Cloudberry Records and an album. Meanwhile, Jeremy co-runs his own label Cider City Records (when he's not
following Bristol Rovers).
Jeremy and Paul have recently gathered together their collective memories of the
band to compile 'A37 Revistied', a brand new retrospective album for 2011,
spanning the band's entire career. This 20 track compilation brings together a
selection of favourites from band's back catalogue, carefully restored with a
sparkling digital makeover, ripe for the 21st Century. Copies are available to
order from this website.
