Nia Wyn – A Pleasure to Have in Class

It’s always a pleasure listening to the music of Nia Wyn. Her truth is worn with such beautiful honesty. None more so than on her debut album, ‘A Pleasure to Have in Class’. The Welsh singer-songwriter seems to have finally settled on her sound. Confidence brimming on a record that oozes with Jazz and Soul.Continue reading “Nia Wyn – A Pleasure to Have in Class”

Rebecca Richards – Aces are High

Having come to associate Rebecca Richards with the Country ballad, ‘Aces are High’ shoots across to the other end of the spectrum. Her new single is more ‘Goodbye Earl’ than ‘Wide Open Spaces’. With plenty of electric guitar to boot. Telling the story of how one woman overcame a violent and abusive childhood, the songContinue reading “Rebecca Richards – Aces are High”

Caitlin Mae – Mr Moving On

Welsh Country artist Caitlin Mae retains the rock and ratchets it up on her latest single. ‘Mr Moving On’ contains more than a streak of what has become her signature sound. This is a production with plenty of electric guitar and heavy drumbeat. Instruments that speak to a narrative of regret. This is a caseContinue reading “Caitlin Mae – Mr Moving On”

Nia Nicholls – Goldilocks

In ‘Goldilocks’, the new single from Nia Nicholls, three bears are the least of her worries. Instead, taking the dialectical tension at the heart of the well-known fairytale, and subverting it in the context of a relationship, she highlights a man as the cause of her troubles. Using her inimitable style of light-hearted country-pop, sheContinue reading “Nia Nicholls – Goldilocks”

Lost Boys and Fairies – BBC

“Lost Boys and Fairies” is a poignant TV series that delves into the highs and lows of adoption, drawing on the personal experiences of its creator, Daf James. The performances are captivating, and the incorporation of magical realism adds depth and emotion to the storyline. The series skillfully evokes both laughter and tears, offering a deeply moving and life-affirming viewing experience.

Rebecca Hurn – Brace for Impact

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.

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”

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”