Croeso! Welcome to CLASH's monthly roundup of new Welsh music. In this feature, we highlight the best recent releases from emerging artists in Wales. This month's selection is particularly impressive, showcasing a range of sounds from a rich psych-folk epic to reflective rap, and uplifting synth-pop. These releases evoke a strong emotional response, navigating the dramatic and soulful landscapes of Wales, both in a literal and psychological sense.
Before diving into this month's music, here’s a brief overview of key recent events in Wales. The highlight last month was FOCUS Wales in Wrexham, an event I attended and covered for this publication (check out our live report here), where I had an amazing time immersing myself in this fantastic exhibition of Welsh music and cultures from other nations. Additionally, the beloved South Walian festivals In It Together and Devauden took place, featuring an impressive lineup of both emerging Welsh talent and established national acts. Green Man’s Rising Competition also crowned its winner in a showcase at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach, with London group Wing! earning the chance to open the festival's main stage in August. Congratulations are also due to Welsh alt pop artist Mali Hâf, who, among 7500 other acts, finished in the top three of Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition and will perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at this year’s festival.
May brought an abundance of fantastic new tracks from artists including Figo, ovajoi, CATTY, Only Fools & Corpses, Morn, Mali Hâf, Sister Wives, The Bug Club, Siula, teethin, Enabling Behaviour, Dream State, and many more.
We hope you enjoy the following selection of exciting new releases from some of Wales’ best contemporary artists!
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The Gentle Good – ‘Elan’
Created in a cabin amidst the remote Cambrian Mountains of mid-Wales, ‘Elan’ is a beautiful blend of folk rock, indie psych, and post-rock experimentation.
The latest release from The Gentle Good (Gareth Bonello) via the esteemed Welsh indie label Bubbblewrap Records, ‘Elan’ represents his most accomplished work to date; a bilingual masterpiece as expansive and beautiful as the valley that inspired its name. Infused with a profound sense of Welsh melancholy, this 13-track album delves into themes of culture, identity, and history, with the flooding of the titular valley for English-serving reservoirs serving as a recurring motif. A reflective and textured piece of eclectic indie folk serenity.
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Lemfreck – ‘We Have Been Here’
Winning last year’s 2024 Welsh Music Prize marked a significant moment for Welsh hip-hop, and Newport’s Lemfreck (real name: Lemarl Freckleton) has delivered an introspective gem with his new EP ‘We Have Been Here’. This six-track collection showcases his distinctive vision and emotional depth, exploring complicated memories of breakups (‘Fine’) and the nuances of casual relationships (‘Slip Away’).
Produced by Harry Edwards, known for co-producing Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ highlight ‘Ya Ya’, this release stands out as another powerful and confident offering from a Welsh artist poised for greatness.
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Tokomololo – ‘Cysgod Lliwgar’
Currently, there's nothing quite like Tokomololo in Wales. Based in Anglesey, this solo act creates bright, rich electronica reminiscent of Bonobo, Four Tet, and Barry Can’t Swim.
The multi-instrumentalist and producer (who also provides vocals in Welsh) has crafted an impressive debut EP, ‘Cysgod Lliwgar’; a dynamic work whose sonic landscape ranges from the beautiful techno of the title track to the pop-influenced pianos and textures of ‘Sylfaen’. This lush and heartfelt collection is masterfully produced, positioning Tokomololo at the forefront of contemporary Welsh electronic music.
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PARCS – ‘sleepless’
Continuing with the Welsh electronic theme, Newport synth-pop group PARCS has released a delightful new EP. One of the many talented emerging Welsh acts supported by the BBC Horizons scheme, their new EP ‘sleepless’ further enhances their reputation, which already includes plays on 6 Music and regular slots at Welsh festivals.
The crisp production is impeccably executed, but it’s Elly Sinnett’s vocals that elevate PARCS’ music. Her combination of power and emotion infuses each song with significant depth, particularly the lead single and standout track ‘red lines’. A thoughtful and endearing collection of accomplished pop music.
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Emyr Sion – ‘Gwanwyn Tapes’
A self-identified “DIY artist from West Wales” and a member of the established Welsh indie band Los Blancos, Emyr Sion’s new EP is the inaugural release from the new Welsh label Grwndi Records, which also includes indie favorites Mellt and industrial/shoegaze artist Em Koko.
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Croeso! Welcome to CLASH’s monthly roundup of new Welsh music. In this feature, we highlight the best recent releases from up-and-coming artists in Wales. It’s a