Wrexham football fanatic and lifelong supporter Neal Smith released his Around the Mind EP earlier this year.
A selection of beautiful, chilled out acoustic folk songs. A 6 track EP including the single Rosanna which was released back in 2020 and my favourite 1987tilpresent song which opens up the EP Over Polite.
I first heard Neals music back in 2017 when he released his debut album Letters to the Past which is another record you really should check out. Keep an eye out for Neals gigs as he’s a regular on the acoustic circuit.
Scott Marsden #MusicSceneWales @MusicSceneWales musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com
Heddlu is the new musical project by Rhodri Daniel. The Ceredigion native was a founding member of renowned Welsh band Estrons who had a major impact on the industry having gained rave reviews from the likes of NME, Vice, DIY and Clash to BBC Radio, Radio X, Ultimate Guitar, The Guardian and Independent.
After finishing the band in 2019, Rhodri became aware that his hearing was severely damaged. Years of touring the live circuit had taken their toll, Rhodri ultimately being diagnosed with hearing loss, tinnitus and severe sensitivity to noise. The effects were so acute, Rhodri was unable to be in the same room as other people, leave the house or play music for almost a year.
A chance encounter with a retired record producer, who’s old forgotten studio on the slopes of the Cambrian Mountains was filled with antique synthesisers, inspired Rhodri to consider music once more. Advised to get outdoors to aid recovery, he embarked on a three month hike spanning 900 miles of the entire Welsh coastline, where he conceived the new project and was inspired to write the music in his head, to be recorded upon his return. Serendipity led Rhodri back to music, and Heddlu was born. Meaning ‘Police’ in Welsh, from the words ‘peace-force’, Heddlu’s music has been true to its’ name, offering a force of peace to the songwriter.
‘Locker’, Heddlu’s 2nd release, was born from the frustration of being unable to escape from the confines of the artists’ own mind, after months of insomnia caused by incessant tinnitus. Sung from the perspective of a mad-man the protagonist is imprisoned with, under the sea. The repetitive distorted riffs were inspired by constant hammering of rolling waves on the cliffs of West Wales, when walking the entirety of the Welsh coastal path, where the song and debut album were written. ‘Locker’ is out on now on ‘Zawn Records’.
Last weekend I stumbled upon this gem of an EP by welsh singer songwriter Adam Walton. I spent the whole weekend relaxing and listening to this on repeat. Its subtle and beautifully crafted, there’s a sweet vulnerability to his vocals which I love. Very therapeutic songs. Definitely worth a listen.
Indie Revolution 