9Bach/ 9 Bach

9Bach
9 Bach
(Gwymon)

9Bach have been orchestrating a unique brand of Welsh-language folk for a couple of years now, and some of you may recall their frontwoman Lisa Jen Brown singing on Gruff Rhys' avant-pop album Candylion. Along with her husband Martin Hoyland, the outfit strike a slightly melancholy affair, which appeals most when it comes up for air and optimism, such as on the early morning sparkle of 'Yr Eneth Gadd Ei Gwrthod' and the gracefully seductive 'Cariad Cyntaf'.
The history of alternative Welsh language music shines through this record's various laments and storytelling expeditions, recalling at times Bran, Sidan and Eleri Llwyd, all of whom can be tracked down on the essential compilation Welsh Rare Beat.
It's a fine thing that 9Bach are keeping this lineage going, and even finer that they're doing so with poetic integrity and spooky imaginations. Viva Cymru!