Adwaith - Bato Mato

 

Welsh trio return with 2nd album 'BATO MATO' via Libertino Records

The Welsh language scene has had a boom in recent times, with many like Gwenno at the forefront and in 2018, a three piece from Carmarthen released their debut 'Melyn' which won the Welsh Mercury music prize and put them in the mainstream consciousness due to their mixture of pop and punk sensibilites in their core.

While that debut was very much a piece about growing up in small town Wales, the sophomore piece - work on which had already begun in 2019 before the world became gripped by coronavirus - took a turn when the band found themselves on the Trans-Siberian Express in the cold city of Ulan-Ude. The sense of batten down the hatches survivalist mentality on the foreboding deserted streets, leant a sense of wow this is real life for the three young women.

The three piece are Hollie Singer (vocals, guitar), Gwenllian Anthony (bass, keys) and Heledd Owen (drums); and this album is very much about confronting the messy future and where you find yourself in the early 20s of your life.

Incorporating the influence of fellow trailblazer Gwenno, the band embrace the sound of Siouxsie and the Banshees and fellow girl band The Breeders. You do not have to be a Welsh language speaker to embrace the broad palette of styles and substance on display here. 

This album is very much a band coming to terms with success and being aware of their own growth as people and a group. While the album was made in a close knit feel of community in Wales, rejoining with debut album producer Steffan Pringle, this is an album that reaches for a global audience that this big world is attainable and the reach of music and language together is unlimited.

From the fuzzy feeback of 'Yn y Swn' to the opus quality of 'ETO' this album is not merely one for connoisseurs but for those willing to try something new; you need only listen to a composition like 'Cwympo' to applaud a band who are making big strides in their capabilities and reach or 'Lan y Mor' which evokes feelings of summer bliss.

Bato Mato is out on July 1st on all platforms via Libertino Records.

My thanks to One Beat PR for the review opportunity.