ORCOP..
Has been in existence for about 5 years, previously known as Middlekid, Gwydion ap Hywel writes and produces electronic music using only hardware (machines, no computers). Signed to Cardiff’s Machine-Records in 2004, Orcop has released one (vinyl only) E.P ‘diablo & drum’, a re-issue of the self released album ‘worry wires and digital scraps’ (as Middlekid) and released 2 download singles.
Orcop has received a lot of support and radio play in Wales and the UK, and in 2005 he played a live radio session for the Bethan & Huw show on radio1. As well as being a regular on the live circuit he’s supported the likes of Hot Chip, Nathan Fake and Mike Paradinas.
For more information, live dates, available releases etc:
Some reviews:
Smallfish Records (London):
“A four-track ep that draws from all manner of retro electronica influences, be they warp, ninja tune or mo-wax. Well, that's what I thought, anyway. I guess those into the likes of schematic, benbecula and maybe even skam (not to mention the above) should give this a listen as it really does cover all bases”.
Review by Soundnation, Wales’ only industry magazine, of CD-R album released under former alias “Middlekid”.
'Gwydion ap Hywel, the man behind the widely-revered Middlekid, is back with his first non self-released record. Amidst the glitchy middle ground between consumable breaks and beats and warped melodies 'Some Old B-Side' demonstrates this in a minimal and slightly unsettling fashion, whereas the jaunty techno of 'Bad Magic' ups the pace superbly. With so much solo 'dance' material being dismissed as self-indulgent and inaccessible, Middlekid allows you to get inside the tracks and see where the seams and glue are holding the music together. Through the nocturnal 'Sleep Crime' to the mid-tempo electronics of 'In The Wheel', Middlekid ensures that, for once, you can believe the hype.
Norman Records (Leeds):
"And the last thing I'll be reviewing this week is a 12" by Orcop which is a cracker. It's dark electronica with a hint of techno. The drum sound is incredible and it drives along like a pram rolling down a hill with a fat baby in i.e. relentless and rather excellent. On Machine Records."
Little Detroit.com
'A double debut for both Orcop and Machine. Records as both artist and label launch themselves fully into the wider musical arena. Hitherto known for its digital download material, Gwydion Ap Hywel otherwise known as Orcop, brings this south Wales based electronica stable beyond the realms of the web, with the label’s first full release on vinyl. Influenced by the likes AFX and Hawtin, Diablo and Drum sketches Orcop’s unsettled vision as the A side features the down tempo atmospherics of Impetus and Everything for Sale, where grungy loops rule galore, kit is cranked to the limit and fx seemingly get thrown into the mix at importune moments. H-Rot (B1) takes a 4/4 friendly approach with a full front bass assault followed by End In Tears (B2) that meanders of on a jazzy Hammond grooves.' - Owain Kimber
Sound Nation:
"Cardiff
label ‘Machine Records' latest release features the electronic tunesmithery
of Orcop - the pseudonym for Gwydion Ap Hywel. Kicking off with 'Impetus',
Diablo and Drum sets a dark
progressive and slow burning soundscape, in the vein of a more strung out
Massive Attack. 'Everything's For Sale' maintains the nocturnal atmospherics
with spooky synth shapes and hypnotic beats whilst the chilled electronics
of 'H-rot' and 'End In Tears' conclude a dark and impressive offering."
