Tag: South Wales

Dan Bettridge Releases EP ‘Good People. Bad Habits’

Dan Bettridge Releases EP ‘Good People. Bad Habits’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

The most experimental and groundbreaking of his work to date. Dan Bettridge has made a fierce return to music, in the run up to latest EP ‘Good People. Bad Habits.’

Lyrically immersing himself in new depths, whilst musically reaching new heights. Bettridge has boldly tread into unexplored territory, harnessing newfound vocal effects, an array of instruments and an unhindered style of songwriting. All of which cumulate, to produce an EP that is earth-shatteringly good.

Lead single Habitat initially arrived in January, and set the pace for how Bettridge planned to take 2021 by storm. Its explorative, synth infused sound removes any acoustic-shackled-perceptions we had previously associated with Bettridge. Opening our ears to not only a different sound, but to a different side of this intriguing musician. All the while, being completely unsure of which direction he is about to take next.

As cutting lyrics pierce through on second release L.A.F.E. Bettridge pours out a dreamlike jangle of hooks, that meet with haunting harmonies. Looking inwards, pondering life, love and identity in a way that we have never heard before.

Penultimate single Sign soars with emotional empathy. Softer in style than previous releases, L.A.F.E and Habitat. Bettridge revisits his roots, merely in sound alone, as the track provides such a powerful emotive catharsis. Incapable to compare to any prior release. This symbolic step backwards in sound, is a bold step forward for Bettridge. A mirror image reflection, that remains similar, but somehow changed in so many ways.

Closing ‘Good People. Bad Habits’ with who am I? Bettridge nods to a past, present and future self. As acoustic strings lace against lovelorn lyrics, memories evoke and vocals ponder. There is a comforting warmth, yet a brisk biting realisation. As “who am I?” proves itself to be the perfect closing question. Bettridge has embraced a brand new side to his music and ploughed through personal progression on ‘Good People. Bad Habits.’ Yet as human as you and I, Bettridge remains linked to days gone by and fleeting pangs of what has passed. Truly capturing the notion – who am I?

As sweet in sentiment, as it is in sound. Dan Bettridge has delivered an EP that stuns. Steeped in memories but pulled forward by the future. It is surely a catalyst toward the bright beacons that await not only such a talented multi-instrumentalist musician, but a soul-stirring songwriter.

Stream ‘Good People. Bad Habits.’ on all platforms now via Channel Analog Records

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Trampolene Release Powerful Poetic New Track ‘Come Join Me In Life’

Trampolene Release Powerful Poetic New Track ‘Come Join Me In Life’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

After a hiatus from releasing music, Swansea favourites Trampolene return with rousing spoken-word track ‘Come Join Me In Life’. 

Fronted by Jack Jones, Trampolene are certainly not a band to shy away from. Boasting music that is unapologetically loud, outspoken, and bold. This 3-piece have garnered a reputation for packed-out, reckless, and brilliant live shows. 

Quickly becoming infamous for their ability to combine raucous indie rock music and spoken word poetry, capable of intoxicating any chaos-hungry audience. Future crowd pleaser ‘Come Join Me In Life’ elevates Trampolene even further, as it delights with a no holds barred, gorgeously untamed approach. Definitely one that Jones will have fans reeling back to him at every upcoming Trampolene gig. 

Stirring, and at times intentionally and purposefully unsettling. The singer-songwriter addresses us as though we are a boisterous crowd pouring down a flooded street. Jones at the forefront, demanding justice for each and every one of our lives.

A modern-day wordsmith, delivering poignantly punchy points and fiercely frank truths. ‘Come Join Me In Life’ is poetry that invades your mind and overtakes your voice. Etching itself upon your memory, with an eerily divine presence. “I belong in this poem and I belong in this pen. I belong in your head every now and then.” Through gloriously unrefined and powerful words, Jones has made clear impact, as the phrase “working-class hero” surely springs to mind. Aiming to empower and encourage, walking the line between rebellion and redemption, with glorious reckless abandon.

Heightening emotions, challenging thought processes, and demanding us to firmly grasp what we want out of life with both hands. ‘Come Join Me In Life’ fuels political fires and breaks from convention, as the track roars in solidarity with recent cultural and historical movements. Jones taking centre stage as that pillar so desperately needed, to prop up every single underrepresented voice. Giving much needed encouragement and support at a time where we must stand united to survive.  

‘Come Join Me In Life’ is out now via Strap Originals

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Feature: Get To Know Folk Musician Alcie Bela and Latest Single ‘Forest’

Feature: Get To Know Folk Musician Alcie Bela and Latest Single ‘Forest’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A fresh face in South Wales’ indie music scene, singer-songwriter Alcie Bela is mystifying. Perfectly pairing dark witted lyrics, to a delicate acoustic folk sound. The musician is currently recording her upcoming EP at a studio deep within the heart of Welsh woodland. Ensuring the seeds of her kindled earthy spirit are sown. As debut single ‘Don’t Leave Me Hanging’ arrived in August of 2020. We gazed in awe, upon music that was refreshingly different. Without doubt leaving many of us eager to hear more. 

Vocals sharp to the tongue, Alcie Bela is able to pierce through any softened music backdrop. Usually comprising a flurry of acoustic strums and the patter of drums. Allowing us to envisage Bela as the burning flames themselves, rather than those who gather around the campfire. A musician that draws influence from the powerfully soft Aldous Harding, Daughter and Sia, entwined with poetic notions from Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. Bela swiftly meanders between melancholy musings and a gorgeously rousing rage. Exuding a sound so rich and vibrant, yet fascinatingly thought-provoking.

Latest single ‘Forest’ strengthens Bela further again. First to be released from her forthcoming EP, the track delves into a soundscape even more expansive than her previous debut ‘Can’t Leave Me Hanging’. We feel the singer take on an up-tempo, almost cool country approach to her style. Shaking off any past preconceptions of “soft” and presenting a confident musician, firmly comfortable in her own footsteps. Bela struts through her sophomore single, as waves of empowerment and fierce feminism shine from her music. While bold and unconstrained lyrics call for something more meaningful, than a string of bad one-night stands. 

We ponder whether Alcie Bela looks inward for her bitter-sweet vocal vengeance, or if her words are instead outspoken projections towards society at large? One thing is for certain, this fiery and captivating musician is surely expected to set the music scene alight. As fractious yet gentle folk music fuels the fires of her enigmatic creativity. 

Stream ‘Forest’ on all platforms now:

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