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.

Papur Wal - Amser Mynd Adra

 

Debut album from highly touted Welsh trio, Papur Wal, out via Libertino Records on October 8th

Papur Wal have been on the cusp of stardom for some time, going the devout route of releasing the odd single and live shows with the eventual culmination in an album release, this has become protracted due to the global pandemic and inability to record. 

Now the trio comprising of Ianto (vocals/guitar), Gwion (vocals/bass) and Guto (vocals/drums) who formed in Cardiff in 2017 after stowing away from North Wales; this slacker mentality feeds into the infectious pop we have in the new album Amser Mynd Adra; a devil may care mosaic of melody and power.

The band where there heart on their sleeve, and they are not afraid to show emotion either through the natural storytelling or the rich harmonies combined with the unflinching fuzz. Working with long-time producer who worked with Super Furry Animals, the album is a coming of age album in the mould of early Neil Young perhaps - that mixture of mature beyond their years and golden pop sound.

'Rhwng Dau Feddwl' opens the album with a glorious guitar sound follwed hot on the heels of 'Arthur'; but from strong guitar play you also have the contrast of 'Llyn Llawenydd' sounds like a lost Crosby, Stills and Nash harmony with the Hollies beat - but it is a song about reminiscing and getting away from it all.

 

Amser Mynd Adra offers the listener a mixture of melancholy as the three men come to terms of moving into their mid-20s and adulthood but married with catchy upbeat sounds that will leave you humming. There is something for everyone on this album and for novices to Welsh-language music do not be put off and enjoy, there is much value to listening to something from a different point of view.

Hot on the heels of The Lathums debut album going to Number 1 on the album charts; guitar music may be coming back to rule the roost from all four corners of the United Kingdom no less with other works from Mt. Misery also gaining traction.

Amser Mynd Adra is out now from Libertino Records.

My thanks to One Beat PR for the review opportunity.