Dan Y Cownter 2: A Review

Not one to miss out on a freebie, when I heard that Dan Y Cownter were offering a free CD of contemporary Welsh-language music I felt compelled to take up their offer. Admittedly, these are my first tentative steps into the Welsh-language music scene. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to take the leap but I’m very glad I did. Here’s a breakdown of the tracks and what I thought of them. Anyone who’d like to receive a copy should contact post@danycownter.com

Radio Luxembourg - Pwer y Fflwer - 4/5
A fast-tempo, punchy opening track which launches straight into the main riff. Almost punk sounding, this track would sound superb live. Watch out for the chorus, it‘s brilliant.

Swci Boscawen - Adar y Nefoedd - 5/5
Soft, echo-laden pianos (think The Smashing Pumpkins’s “Adore” album) and angelic vocals dominate the verses. An infectious chorus and a quickening piano riff really uplifts the song, especially towards the end when the electronic beat kicks in and rumbles along like a juggernaut. Brilliant.

Mim Twm Llai - Rhosyn Rhwng Fy Nannedd - 3/5
Hip-hop vocals over jazz-like guitars, bass and drums. The minimalist, stripped-down sound would sound great live. (Check out their blog at http://mimtwmllai.blogspot.com/)

Genod Droog - Breuddwyd Oer - 4/5
This track would fit nicely onto any Groove Armada or Air album. Very laid back with trumpets, synth sounds, wah-wah guitars, and a soft humming bass all seamlessly drifting in and out of focus.

Stitches - Dan Dô - 5/5
Haunting Dave Grohl-like vocals perfectly compliment the down-tuned guitars, distorted electronic beats, and samples. The sound is almost heavy and centres around a simple rock riff. Cool as hell.

Richard James - Tir a Môr - 3/5
An unusual track with a strange acoustic guitar riff and dreamy vocals which sound like they‘ve come from outer space. Interesting but not brilliant.

Sibrydion - Blithdraphlith - 2/5
Catchy, loveable and annoying at the same time. The cheesy hooks make it a song you love to hate, which, unfortunately, means it’ll be playing in your head several days later. After 20 seconds I always find myself reaching for the forward button.

Y Diwygian - Mewn Can Mlynedd - 5/5
In total contrast, this trip-hop style track sounds like it was made for a DJ Krush album. Soulful female vocals contrast perfectly against the head-bobbing beats and low-end hip-hop rapping. Slick and stylish, this one would sound perfect in the dark, rainy nights of winter.

Ryan Kift - Gola Ola - 4/5
The heavily layered guitar sounds gives this slow tempo track an interesting edge. Catchy, heart-felt vocals with a great melody that you can’t fail to sing along with.

Acid Casuals - Y Ferch ar y Cei yn Rio - 4/5
Another slow, dreamy track, containing a single vocal hook which drifts you off into a relaxed and happy state of mind. A nice way to end the collection.

OVERALL: 4/5 Highly recommended!

Related links

Welsh Music Foundation
Providing support, advice, information and contacts to the Welsh music industry.

Sebon
Featuring the latest releases of Wales' most exciting and original artists and labels.

Radio Amgen
Promoting experimental and alternative music in Wales.

Sain Wales
Wales's leading record label.