From the Margins : June 2017 News Archive

  • Gwyll ArallGŴYL ARALL
    The event's name translates dryly as 'Another Festival', but if you are looking for something exceptional on the weekend of 6th - 9th July then this is where you should start. The bill of literature, music, art, spoken word and film across Caernarfon is a masterfully curated celebration of contemporary Welsh culture and language. The full bilingual programme is here (PDF), advance tickets are available, and the musical highlights include:
  • Gai Toms : Gwalia ReviewGAI TOMS : GWALIA
    Blaenau Ffestiniog's Gai Toms plays guitar in Brython Shag, which makes him worthy of note even before six previous solo albums and his contribution to Anweledig are taken into account. A new CD, Gwalia, is due for release on 21st July - he has been inspired by everything from the haunting, hymnal O Gymru by Eleri Llwyd to a searing book on the history of Latin America; the result is an inventive, eclectic and brilliant collection of songs. Read the full review.

  • Patrobas ReviewNEW VIDEO : PATROBAS : PAID RHOI FYNY
    To continue a theme - with the launch of their outstanding debut album Lle awn ni nesa'? here is a new Patrobas video for the song Paid rhoi fyny, and from Monday night on Heno, S4C a live performance of the instrumental Difyrrwch Sieff-Sieffre.


  • Patrobas ReviewPATROBAS : LLE AWN NI NESA'?
    Two years on from their debut EP the evolving contemporary folk of the Llŷn peninsula's Patrobas has been condensed into a set of ten uplifting and spirited songs for their first album. It does not disappoint - read the review.
  • NEW VIDEO : CHRIS JONES & EVE GOODMAN : SI HEI LWLI
    Eve Goodman is a very talented singer songwriter from Caernarfon who has recently released a new EP, Low Sun, on CEG Records; Chris Jones is a hugely accomplished folksinger from Cwm y Glo, who released a beautifully performed album, Dacw'r Tannau, in 2014. They recorded this stately, lulling version of Si Hei Lwli together earlier this year.

  • Katey Brooks Live ReviewKATEY BROOKS LIVE REVIEW
    There is something exalted in the music of singer songwriter Katey Brooks - and it was magnificently evident in her 3rd Space show - full review.
  • Oblong Debut Album ReviewOBLONG DEBUT ALBUM : BRILIANT ... GWD
    Llanelli's Oblong have right the elements in place to be a great band, and this debut - with its melodic songs and wired, urban rock sound - is the album of the year so far: read the review.
  • HMS MorrisHMS MORRIS : MORBID MIND
    The latest single from the off kilter world of HMS Morris explores the subject of morbid curiosity - it's an indisputable musical success, and the accompanying video (below) intensifies the subtly unsettling and infectious psychedelic art-pop of the song. Tempted by this four minutes and two seconds, you can find more of HMS Morris' recorded work here. The band play Chester Live on June 23rd.

  • Tudur Owen ReviewTUDUR OWEN : NEVER WORN OR TORN
    Anglesey comedian Tudur Owen has a new Edinburgh Fringe show, 'Normal Wear & Tear'. As a warm up his recent Venue Cymru show was a hilarious demonstration of comedic craft, there's a review here - with details of his Fringe show and how to get tickets for it too.
  • Goat Roper 3rd Space ReviewTHE GOAT ROPER COUNTRY CLUB : EVERYTHING BUT THE BLUES
    A stomping, soulful triumph of an evening hosted by Rhuddlan's The Goat Roper Rodeo Band, as they and guest Ash Gray served up irresistible acoustic country blues at Llandudno's 3rd Space. With future guests Michelle Stodart (The Magic Numbers) and Lee Southall (The Coral) this looks like a monthly date not to be missed. Full review here.
  • The Immediate : Manbuoy ReviewNEW REVIEW : THE IMMEDIATE : MANBUOY
    Whilst the world will be, for a moment or more, distracted by Theresa May's struggles to hold together her own credibility and a minority government at the same time, this week will just as importantly see the release of Manbuoy by Mold's The Immediate - the album is "an unexpected power pop revelation" - and perhaps the exact musical antidote you might need to all the senseless confusion. Read more & listen to the album here.