Kris Coombs-Roberts, Funeral for a Friend, South Wales

Kris Coombs

"...no sense of compromise, of 'middle ground' " says FFAF guitarist Kris Coombs-Roberts when commenting on 'Hours' the bands second album - it sums up the their approach.

They put their commitment where it matters, into the music. Winners of Kerrang!'s 'Best Newcomer' award is an achievement in itself but there's more, lots more. They headlined the NME's Awards Tour and racked up three Top twenty singles in the process!

Singer and writer Matt Davies along with guitarists Kris Coombs-Roberts and Darran Smith are supported by a solid engine room consisting of bass guitarist Gareth Davies and drummer Ryan Richards. Between them they've attracted some pretty heavy duty media attention since they emerged from South Wales.

A tough work schedule has clearly reinforced their confidence, taking them from strength to strength, gig by gig across America supporting huge rock acts like Linkin Park and in Europe, Iron Maiden. When recording 'Hours' they spent two months in Seattle working with famous music producer Terry Date (Soundgarden, Pantera, Deftones, Limp Bizkit)

We're so used to manufactured bands these days, polished to the nth degree, bundled and packaged. It's easy to be cynical but of course now and then the real thing comes along as with Funeral for a Friend. They're real musicians with true to life lyrics and authentic opinions shared by their peers and remembered by old fogies like me, I used to a youngster too!

It would be unfair to say they're set to follow in the steps of the Manic's, the Stereo's et al, this is a band who are forging their own way to the top. Hard working, talented and ambitious. We wish them all the success they deserve.

Click HERE for the bands official website. Connection: From South Wales