Three former Croesyceiliog schoolmates who formed a band in the late 1970s have reunited – and they’re releasing what they call an “anthem for Cwmbran” this month.
Paul Weston (vocals and guitar), Bryn Williams (bass) and Dai Chetley (drums) went on to enjoy success as The Refreshers, supporting major acts like Level 42, releasing a single, touring the UK and securing a residency at the famous Marquee Club in Soho.
In the 1980s, they began working on an album with musician and producer Steve Hillage, known for his work with Robyn Hitchcock and Simple Minds. But, as Paul put it, “life got in the way” and the project was never finished.
“Forty years later, the old band of brothers, co‑conspirators and kindred spirits has been reimagined and re‑energised,” Paul said. They’re now joined by his son, Joe Weston, on lead guitar. “Bryn was the ‘baby’ of the band, but Joe has inherited that mantle. He’s an amazing guitarist.”
Forcasta
The group’s new name is Forcasta.
They’ve already released their 11‑track debut album, Kaleidoscope, recorded at West Sound Studios in Newport between November 2024 and March 2025. Rehearsals and recording weren’t easy – Dai now lives in Brighton and Bryn is based in Merseyside – but the band made it work.
Their new EP, Crow Valley, features four new songs and two radio mixes. The cover shows The Tower turned into a rocket and shooting into the sky.
Paul explained how the reunion began: “I started writing songs again. I can’t remember what the reason was. Something clicked. I thought, ‘Who do I know?’ We’ve always kept in touch. We got together and played through a song.”
He said Crow Valley is “about growing up in a Welsh new town, staying out of trouble, and getting involved in music. It’s an anthem for Cwmbran.”
Paul added that Newport City Radio “have been good to us” with airplay. Forcasta’s music is available on streaming channels including YouTube, Spotify and Bandcamp.
As The Refreshers, the band gigged across South Wales before moving to London and releasing Carried Away. They played venues including the Isca in Newport (now the Riverside), the Great Western Hotel in Cardiff, Clapham’s Dingwalls and the 101 Club, and even performed at Time Out magazine’s Christmas party in a circus tent on Clapham Common.