HAUL AR YR EIRA

Except for the last song, the music on this album is not very proggy. The Welsh tongue is interesting, the troubadour-like instrument choice enchanting, but it is the voice, that amazing voice of Nest Llwelyn that keeps me pushing repeat on the likes of "Titwrm Tietwrm" (9/10) and "Gloyn Byw" (8/10), and, to a lesser extent, "Royal Charter" (7/10)--though giving her the lead vocal, as on "Ni Welaf Yr Haf" (7/10) did not please as much as when she's the accompanist. And "Pan Ddaw Y Brenin Yn Ol" (10/10) the album's afore-mentioned finale, is IMHO a little prog masterpiece.

I like the flange effect on the strummed 12-string during the powerful centre of "Dechrau Y Gan" (7/10).

I love the electric guitar solo with pipes and channel-bouncing synth during the middle and end instrumental sections of "Can Y Melinydd" (7/10).

By the time "Royal Charter" rolls around I'm kind of getting tired of the style and format (just as I get tired of The Decemberists after a few songs). (Though I really like the Mike Oldfield-like electric guitar solo in Royal Charter.)

"Gloyn Byw" has a kind of Pink Floyd "Wish You Were Here" feel to it with Nest's awesome b-vox and plenty of Mike Oldfield electric guitar.

"Liongau Caernarfon" (8/10) has a very strong Moody Blues feel to it. Upbeat with a great acoustic-electric mix.

"Hiraeth Y Mor" (8/10) is a beautiful little Alan Stivell-like Celtic steel-stringed harp piece.

"Pan Ddaw Y Brenin Yn Ol" (10/10) is my favorite song overall for its 12-string acoustic guitar, whimsical piano, beautiful flute melodies and breathier vocal harmonies--as well as for the proggy synth and electric guitar and bombastic rhythm section in the second half of the song. Definitely the proggiest of all songs on the album.

Though this is a collection good music and fine performances, it is nothing extraordinary and, therefore, I cannot find myself awarding it anything more than three stars. Prog Folk lovers, however, will undoubtedly love this one.

2015 update: Over time and many more listens I have come to appreciate the Welch Folk traditions trying to be advanced here. I have gotten used to the recording, language and instrumental work to the point that I spin this album fairly often. I've decided that this warrants a promotion to the four star echelon.