POSTS TAGGED : Welsh

Ynys – ‘Aros Am Byth’

Ynys is the moniker of Welsh artist Dylan Hughes (formerly of Race Horses and Radio Luxembourg) who has dazzled us with his work to date; namely singles ‘Mae’n Hawdd’ and  ‘Caneuon.

Teaming up with the excellent Libertino Records once again, Hughes has returned with a super smooth and hypnotic new single; ‘Aros Am Byth’. It is yet another lavish psych-washed synth-pop beauty filled with starry-eyed wonder as Hughes brings together 70s Italian disco synths and power pop harmonies – a magical combo. ‘Aros Am Byth’ washes over you with ease as lush vocals flow above a slinking groove and seductive beats while woozy flourishes of synth ripple amid the psychedelic swirl. A beautiful hypnotic tune tinged with melancholy and swelling heart and soul – another dazzling display from Ynys.

Listen to ‘Aros Am Byth’ below:


Kidsmoke – ‘Layla’s Love’

North Wales band Kidsmoke – Lance, James, Sophie & Ash – have been charming us with their woozy indie-pop wonders for a while now, and following a string of sublime singles they will release their debut album A Vision in the Dark on June 19.

Out via the ever impressive Libertino Records, the Wrexham outfit are previewing the record with another beautiful slice of dream-pop splendour; in the shape of ‘Layla’s Love’. It is sunny and cheery brimming with heartwarming charm as guitars shimmer over driven basslines, lush melodies and lavish harmonies as ‘Layla’s Love’ conjures up memories of golden sunsets and balmy summer evenings. ‘Layla’s Love’ is a truly wonderful and charming reminder of what Kidsmoke do best – the intertwined male/female vocals are a particular highlight – together, they will have you hooked.

Listen to ‘Layla’s Love’ below and keep an eye out for A Vision in the Dark coming on June 19.

Panic Shack – ‘Jiu Jits-You’

Cardiff noisemakers Panic Shack introduced their raw, spiky and incendiary punky stylings with debut ‘Who’s Got My Lighter?‘ in February – and they have made a rip roaring return with new single ‘Jiu Jits-You’.

‘Jiu Jits-You’ is a fierce, fiery and furious blast of guitar wielding brilliance as Panic Shack give both barrels to unsolicited approaches on nights out. It hurtles off upon a relentless rhythm and snappy snare while riffs roar, guitars crunch and vocals are spat put with a snarl. An unforgettable three-minutes of taut indie-punk, it is delivered with swagger, raucous energy and fuck you punk attitude but also with fun, hooks, catchy chorus and shout-out chants.

Listen to ‘Jiu Jits-You’ below – the video too, is great and well worth some of your time:

SYBS – ‘Cwyr’

Welsh outfit SYBS introduced them and their wares with deliciously catchy debut single ‘Paid Gofyn Pam’ last year, and the Cardiff-based foursome are back with another beauty.

With ‘Cwyr’ (Wax), we find SYBS in a more serious, driven mood. Produced by Stefan Pringle (Adwaith, Estrons, KEYS), this adventure in post-punk and psychedelia is fueled by a relentless rhythmic groove, chugging guitars and flurries of fizzing riffs as it dances along with swagger and explosive energy while deep toned vocals scoot across the top.It is a powerhouse of irresistible rhythms, mighty riffs and hooks you could hang your hat on – a stellar piece of guitar wielding brilliance.

‘Cwyr’ is out now via the every excellent Libertino Records – listen to it below now:

Accü – ‘Is There A World?’

Cardiff-based artist Accü aka Angharad Van Rijswijk has returned to the fold with her first new material since the release of her stunning 2018 debut Echo The Red; a beautiful, mysterious, delicate yet strident otherworldly listening experience.

New single ‘Is There A World?’ continues to reside and thrive in a hazy world of psychedelic electronic-pop and warped imagination. It tips along a playful yet eerie, almost nursery rhyme-esque melody while the kaleidoscopic swirl grows and swells, increasing the disorienting otherworldly air as we desperately attempt to cling onto some semblance of reality. This hypnotic and kaleidoscopic adventure waltzes along with warped Casio tones threaded with winding bass lines and flashes of scorched riffs and topped off with hazy vocals. Van Rijswijk is not one to rest on her laurels creatively, always moving forward and exploring, and ‘Is There A World?’ is no different – it is magnificent in fact.

Listen to  ‘Is There A World?’ below – it is out now via the ever reliable Libertino Records. 

Kidsmoke – ‘The Bluest You’

Welsh indie outfit Kidsmoke – Lance, James, Sophie & Ash – have been charming us with their woozy indie-pop wonders for sometime now.

Following a string of sublime singles, the Wrexham outfit have announced their intention to release their debut album in June via the Libertino Records and are previewing it with another beautiful slice of dream-pop splendour; ‘The Bluest You’. Tender, melodic and hushed vocals drift majestically above the undulating, alluring and dreamy haze of mild fuzz and distortion below. It slowly but steadily grows and swells while guitars shimmer and jangle, riffs burn brightly and divine harmonies melt your heart. This is absolutely flawless indie, executed with a deft touch and heartwarming sentiment; it is hypnotizing, hazy and euphoric – a divine combination.

Listen to ‘The Bluest You’ below and keep an eye out for the debut album coming on June 17th.

Campfire Social – ‘Speak Louder

North Walian five-piece Campfire Social trade in lavish, heart-melting folk-tinged indie-pop; a sound brimming with charm, sweet seduction and heavy on hooks you could hang your hat on.

The brand new single ‘Speak Louder’ clearly and concisely parades the endearing nature of their charming, country tinged jangle. Abounding with colour, charm and melodic sweetness, beautiful lilting vocals and soaring choruses glide above the hazy meander, whisking us away on a sojourn to warm and swooning sliding guitar-led alt-country world of lush sunshine, carefree abandon and end of summer sweetness. ‘Speak Louder’ is colourful, charming, super sweet and bursting with passion – and utterly irresistible.

Listen to ‘Speak Louder’ below, you will not be disappointed. Also, check out ‘Isolation Song’ (Lockdown Session 2020 aired on BBC Radio Wales) over here – it too, is sublime.

Nia Wyn – ‘Who Asked You’

Hot on the heels of her debut EP Love I Can’t Ruin, released in February, London-based Welsh artist Nia Wyn has returned with a stunning new single ‘Who Asked You’.

‘Who Asked You’ is a soul rich jam that swaggers along with attitude amid a sea of lavish warm brass, seductive groove and dusty hip-hop beat. This deeply alluring backdrop provides the perfect canvas for Wyn’s rich, soulful and unmistakable voice to thrive and take centre stage as she directs a middle finger to unsolicited opinions and judgement. It is defiant, rousing and of course, soulful and irresistible – par for the course when it comes to Wyn. We’ve been keeping an eye on Wyn for a while now and she has done nothing but impress time and time again – a huge talent – long may it continue.

Tune in to ‘Who Asked You’ below:


Omaloma announce debut album; share ‘Walk The Dog’

Welsh outfit Omaloma has etched out a rather special place on the musical landscape with a series of sublime singles marking him out as a reliable source of blissful, spacey psych-pop.

Originally the solo-project of Welsh artist George Amor, Omaloma is now a full band operation – including Amor Llŷr Pari (drums, sample pad), Daf Owain (bass), Alex Morrison (synths) & Gruff ab Arwel (guitar) – and together they will release their much anticipated debut album, Swish on April 3, 2020.

Ahead of the forthcoming album, they have shared lead singe ‘Walk The Dog’ and is filled with all the alluring stardust that has charmed us thus far. It gently grooves along a syrupy smooth groove, languidly meandering through an alluring blend of slinky synth-pop amid cascading twinkles of electronics, psych brush strokes, woozy synth lines and Amor’s soft, soothing soft vocals. ‘Walk The Dog’ is a blissful sojourn to a peaceful and tranquil plain in a world gone mad and makes the debut record a mouthwatering prospect.

Listen to ‘Walk The Dog’ below. Swish is out tomorrow (April 3, 2020) via Cae Gwyn Records.

Adwaith – ‘Lan y Môr’

With a string of brilliant singles and Welsh music prize winning debut album Melyn, in the past few years, Welsh outfit Adwaith – Hollie Singer, Gwenllian Anthony & Heledd Owen – never cease to amaze with their intense, compelling and unique experimental post punk sounds.

The Carmarthenshire trio are back with new single ‘Lan y Môr’, marking Welsh Music Day, and adding to their ever growing catalogue of brilliance. Bursting with potent energy ‘Lan y Môr’ is built around bright grooving melodies, buzzing bass, surfy guitar and interlocking riffs as it takes off, fizzing like a rocket underpinned by frenetic and transfixing motorik beats. As always, Adwaith are fearless in their creative endeavor as trio deliver yet another potent blast of post-punk – and it goes without saying, Adwaith are unique and one of the most exciting bands on the planet.

Listen to ‘Lan y Môr’ below and if you haven’t done so already, check out their Welsh music prize winning debut album Melyn here.