Rebecca Hurn’s debut album “Brace for Impact” delivers soft, acoustic folk music with emotional depth. The poignant lyrics and mellifluous vocals offer a subversive punch, as seen in tracks like “Gave Up Giving” and “I Don’t Mind the Rain.” Hurn’s storytelling prowess shines through, hinting at her promising future in UK Country/Folk.
Category Archives: Welsh Arts Scene
Mared – Better Late Than Never
The release of ‘Better Late Than Never’ was ironically well timed. For there was no better sound to accompany the Northern Lights than Mared’s latest record. The Welsh singer-songwriter presents a suitably expansive soundscape; with sweeping melodies, soaring vocals and carefully-crafted rhythms running through a mix of pulsating electronica, fragile folk, and lightly-dusted pop. AsContinue reading “Mared – Better Late Than Never”
Creisis – S4C
I can think of many television dramas which feature mental health as a theme or part of a storyline. But to have it at its core makes Creisis a rarity. The facts which appear at the end suggest that it’s grounded in real-world evidence. The complexity of the protagonist Jamie’s journey over the course ofContinue reading “Creisis – S4C”
Mammoth – BBC Wales
The premise of Mammoth is far-fetched. But go along for the ride and this Welsh sitcom doesn’t disappoint. More funfair than theme park, its zaniness takes time to get used to. Once in the flow of Mike Bubbins’ world though, there emerges a strange empathy for his protagonist, resulting in a desire to return forContinue reading “Mammoth – BBC Wales”
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”
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”
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”
Mared & Bronwen – A Joint Christmas Review
Bronwen and Mared have been visited by the ghosts of Christmas past and present this year to tell their respective tales of home. Both Welsh singer-songwriters draw on a rich array of imagery to convey the festive season. ‘December Blues’ contains the most simple yet striking of pictures that represent a very modern sensibility. TheContinue reading “Mared & Bronwen – A Joint Christmas Review”
Jodie Marie @ The Tin Shed
“It’s like being in my living room”, says Jodie Marie. And the audience quietly agree. Last time I was at The Tin Shed, the Spring sun was streaming through the windows from the green hillside: the perfect accompaniment to Ellie Gowers. Tonight, in mid-December, it’s a different story. The black night coats the glass toContinue reading “Jodie Marie @ The Tin Shed”
