Cumbia-influenced Cardiff supergroup The Sun Kings, emerged fully formed like a brightly coloured Colombian butterfly from the cocoon of lockdown with the express aim of bringing joy and colour to the drab 2020s landscape.

Their set centres around the witty songs of Dan Nichols formerly of Railroad Bill, and Punks Not Dad. Following heart problems, Dan had stepped away from performing music but couldn’t stop writing songs. Whilst listening to Cumbia and other latin styles while outside running and walking he found new shapes and rhythms were directing his melodies and lyrics, though his lyrical subject matter, observational British story songs hadn’t changed.

“The music just seemed such an antidote to the grimness of Britain right now. I’ve always written about what I see but the music has helped my lyrics become more optimistic so that even the darkest moments carry the hope forward”. With his heart fixed, a vague plan emerged to try to make something that paired latin sounds with grassroots British music sensibilities, creating something a little like a Latin Two-Tone.

To this end, he brought together a group of like-minded musicians from other groups. These included Sax Supremo Rob Smith (Wonderbrass, The Heavy Quartet), Sallie Maclennan (vocals and percussion) the leader of top Cardiff Samba band Barracwda, Rob Nichols, Dan’s son, from indie ska band Junior Bill (guitar and vocals) and Nick Baron (drums) the leader of Cuban band Fiesta Resistance. The current group was eventually completed by legendary producer Charlie Francis (Robin Hitchcock, High Llamas) on bass

During lockdown they rehearsed socially distanced in parks before moving to rehearsal studios as laws relaxed. The band felt ready to play but weren’t allowed to. Their first gig was the week lockdown was lifted for music venues and took place in The Moon, Cardiff to a joyous and emotional reception. Especially for their set closer, Dancing At The Moon, a song written in the depths of lockdown, longing for the return of live music and sweaty dancefloors, referencing the very venue of their first gig.

The song is a triumphant tribute to the nation’s indie venues and their importance to local communities, and dares to dream that we will all one day dance together, shaking off the shackles of the trying times we’re in. It’s this contrast of cynicism and hope that defines The Sun Kings’s oeuvre.

Their jubilant performances and heart-on-sleeve stage presence won the love of a loyal Cardiff audience from that day onward. They dance, sing and let loose every time The Sun Kings take to stage in their local venues, as evidenced by the live video for their single Heat of The Night. Since then, the band have become firm favourites in The Canteen, Bristol, The Bell Inn Bath, and in 2023 completed a run of festival shows that included Glastonbury and Camp Bestival. With singles, videos, and a first album in the works in 2024, The Sun Kings are ready to bring the heat.

National premiere.