Pren ar y Bryn/Tree on a Hill – S4C/BBC Wales

“Hell’s Bells” is the phrase that sticks from Pren ar y Bryn / Tree on a Hill. “Bingo” too. Both are utterances of Clive, a quirky character, played by Rhodri Meilir, who is representative of this offbeat drama. Filmed in Welsh and English, the former went out on S4C around Christmas whilst the latter appearedContinue reading “Pren ar y Bryn/Tree on a Hill – S4C/BBC Wales”

My Relationship with ‘My Church’

Everyone has a song that means something to them. And for me, ‘My Church’ by Maren Morris is one of those songs. It has followed me for the best part of almost ten years, and recently I have had cause to reflect on how its informed my relationship with faith, religion, spirituality, and music. IContinue reading “My Relationship with ‘My Church’”

Gareth Lewis – Roots

Gareth Lewis knows how to concoct the perfect musical cocktail. The Swansea singer-songwriter has come up with a delightfully eclectic mix for his latest record, ‘Roots’. Expect a strong taste of rock, with a dash of Blues and a pinch of Country, a drop of Gospel and a hit of electronica, guaranteed to fizz andContinue reading “Gareth Lewis – Roots”

Helen Maw – Growing Pains

Helen Maw has a great deal of heartbreak to share on debut album ‘Growing Pains’. The Liverpool singer/songwriter puts the piano centre stage in a series of songs that feature break-ups, shake-ups and the odd take-up of relationships. Mixed in with these emotional stories are a variety of instruments that all serve to enhance theContinue reading “Helen Maw – Growing Pains”

The Wandering Hearts – ‘Mother’ Tour

The Wandering Hearts will always soothe the soul. None more so than on nights like this. For such has the frustration, expectation and manipulation weighed heavy on me this past Easter week, that to enter Gorilla and experience the refreshing tones of the trio’s harmonies is a gift duly embraced. An air of nostalgia alsoContinue reading “The Wandering Hearts – ‘Mother’ Tour”

Sarah Louise – Change of Plan

On a night when I’m not at my best, there are moments on ‘Change of Plan’ that still capture my attention. This 14-track collection from Sarah Louise is an assortment of sounds and genres. A selection box of different flavours from Country to Pop, Jazz to Folk. It is hard to pin her down, butContinue reading “Sarah Louise – Change of Plan”

Taynee Lord – Heavy Air

Taynee Lord is diverting down a darker road for her latest single. Country turns to Blues on ‘Heavy Air’: electric guitars creeping over her like shadows; haunted by the harmonies in the chorus. It perfectly resembles the situation in which she finds herself: trapped by a gaslit narrative that has moulded her into an anxiousContinue reading “Taynee Lord – Heavy Air”

The Way – BBC Wales

Its title is perhaps deceiving. For there are many ways to describe The Way. Realist, certainly, but both magic and social. Incorporating documentary-style shots with archive footage. Alluding constantly to myth and legend. And that fine line between the supernatural and the imagined. All such elements contribute to what feels like something that wants toContinue reading “The Way – BBC Wales”

Bariau – S4C

Bariau is the latest series to enter the realm of prison drama. With Time and Screw already making a mark in their respective ways, it is the turn of S4C to put a Welsh spin on the subgenre. Bariau follows the blueprint of the other two insofar as real-life stories inform the onscreen narratives. VerisimilitudeContinue reading “Bariau – S4C”

Girls’ Night In @ The Philharmonic Music Room

Each of the members of Girls’ Night Inbring something different to the show but friendship runs through them all like a stick of rock. The camaraderie between the four is a joy to behold, and is one of the reasons this Songwriters’ Round works so well. The quality of their voices and the variety betweenContinue reading “Girls’ Night In @ The Philharmonic Music Room”