Argonaut

Argonaut is a South Wales rock group from Pontypridd. The band members are Chris Duffy, Steve Meecham, Jamie Todd and Tim Williams. It is listed as playing metal, punk rock and rock, and the group is associated with trance, progressive trance, stoner rock and female vocals in festival listings.

Overview

The name is used by several groups, but the Pontypridd act is the South Wales band in the verified facts. The best-documented version is a female-fronted alternative grunge band from the UK. It begins as a five-piece and gains interest on the London circuit before signing to Criminal Records.

Recording and style

The band releases a self-titled debut album, Argonaut, in 2012 on Criminal Records. The album is a 10-track set that includes “Monet”, “Touch Electric”, “More Life”, “2. Lights”, “They Can Buy You”, “The Detail”, “Vintage Dress”, “Spectres”, “Chemistry” and “Sleep Tight”. The material moves between guitar-led grunge and more stripped-back songs, and the group’s references include Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon, Garbage, Hole and The Pixies.

Reception and videos

The album attracts support from a range of music writers and radio figures, with descriptions linking the group to indie, grunge and alternative rock traditions. A video for “More Life” shows the band moving through dimensions in search of another chance at life.

Other acts using the name

Two other groups also use the name Argonaut: a heavy rock band from Tacoma, Washington, formed in 1997, with Brandon Boote, Matt Sader, Dave Takata and Trina Walker in the lineup; and a stoner rock band from the Czech Republic.