PLU

Formed of a sibling trio – Elan, Marged and Gwilym Rhys from Snowdonia, North Wales formed their band in the summer of 2012. Plu (meaning ‘feathers’ in Welsh) play alternative Welsh language folk music with hints of country/Americana along with close 3 part harmonies being a back-bone to their varied sets. As well as their own material, Plu play adaptions of traditional songs of Welsh and other origins.

In 2014 Plu were part of Horizons/Gorwelion, a scheme delivered by BBC Cymru Wales in partnership with Arts Council Wales to develop new, independent contemporary music in Wales. As part of this project they played in festivals such as Hay Literary Festival and Festival No.6 as well as recording a live session at BBC studios Maida Vale.

Plu released their debut album 'Plu' on the label Sbrigyn Ymborth in July 2013 which was produced by Aled Hughes from Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog. This album was shortlisted for the Welsh Language Ablbum of the Year 2013/14. The trio created an album for children, titled 'Holl Anifeiliaid Y Goedwig', on the Sain Cyf label, released in December 2014. This was also shortlisted for Welsh Language Album of the Year 2014/15. Their third album 'Tir a Golau' was released at the end of 2015.

Glaw Du

Their third album was recorded at Bryn Derwen studios, Bethesda and Sain studios, Llandwrog and produced by Aled Hughes from the band Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog.

Different to the first album, ‘Tir a Golau’ was not recorded live. Elan Rhys, the band’s lead singer, explains:

“As the title suggests, many of the songs on the album were inspired by the landscape around us. To reflect this, we wanted to experiment with our sound by building layers and melodies. We also were able to take advantage of all the different instruments available at Bryn Derwen. It was also lovely to be able to introduce other musicians to play on some of the songs.”

The album was produced by Aled Hughes from the band Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, who also runs the Sbrigyn Ymborth label. Dafydd says:

“We are very happy to have Plu release another album on our label. Sbrigyn Ymborth works hard to release music in the Welsh language and we are extremely happy to be able to support Plu with their lovely music. It was also a pleasure to produce the album and help them explore different instruments and sounds.”

The band have already been playing the new songs at gigs with their single ‘Arthur’, recorded at the LIPA studios in Liverpool by Robin Llwyd Jones, available on their Soundcloud.

The band will also be touring to perform the album in late November. As part of the tour Plu will be supporting Carwyn Ellis, of Colorama, who will be launching his first solo album. Carwyn and Plu will also be performing songs from their new collaborative project.

Tir a Golau (Land and Light) - Gentle song about the landscape surrounding them. Layered harmonies with a banjo strumming in the background.

Ambell I Gan (A Few Songs) - Gentle guitar strummin, a single beautiful voice singing and then harmonies begins. The song gets stronger with slow country rockabilly. Intricate tones are mixed in.

Caryl Hughes, with her sheepdog Mist.

www.walesonline.co.uk ~ Because sometimes I dream ~

Byd O Wydr (World of Glass) - A taste of a world step beat. The sound of the wind musically blowing. The wind along the landscape of Wales.

Dwynwen - Notes of chiming xylophone bells and a lively guitar complimenting the happiness. A voice comes in singing a haunting but beautiful melody.

Ol Dy Droed (Your Footsteps) - A country feel sung as you walk in an echoing mountain landscape. The harmonies take in what is seen in the distance.

Gollwng Gafael (Letting Go) - Gives the feeling of space and a traveling sound. The banjo plucks the beats. Beautiful harmonies.

Calon Wen (White Heart) - A single female voice singing with a guitar in the background. Another voice is heard as if trickling through her voice. Then a melody of blowing wind. Piano notes are picked along. So beautifully put together.

Arthur - Simple guitar notes in different chord variations but it's the soft yet clear voice that gives this song its strength. A lap harp and harmonies are added to give extra richness.

Simsan (Unsteady) - A sad tune that wonders if your manner is about to collapse or come crashing down. Maybe you are too close to danger. Singing, guitar playing and a tap of drum. Bells and harmonies bring out the luxurious edges.

Hedfan (Flight) - Flying easily through the sky as her voice drifts with the wind. Voices join in harmony as you fly, fly, fly.

To find out more about this band go to:

http://www.pluband.com/

Denise L. @DL7855