Melin Melyn

primary-coloured, fizzing with melody and clearly part of the Welsh psychedelic tradition that has given us Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci and Super Furry Animals.”

Financial Times

“idiosyncratic surf-poppers reimagining Welsh history” -NME

“a playful delight” -The i

“one to watch” - John Grant

“explosive and exhilarating” - DIY

“Welsh psychedelics channelling ancient folklore” - Guitar

“tongue-in-cheek lyricism &‘70s infused jangle melodies” - The Line Of Best Fit

“The band seem to walk their own path, blending giddy psychedelic elements with a raucous sense of post-punk.”- CLASH

“Melin Melyn could be the best Welsh band you've never heard of” - GIGWISE
 

Today, Welsh six-piece Melin Melyn announce their second EP “Happy Gathering”, and share its first taste “Nefoedd yr Adar”. The band will play a headline show to support the single tomorrow (June 29th), at the Sebright Arms, London. 

Once again blurring the lines between alternative, psychedelic and folk-rock, “Nefoedd yr Adar”, which translates as “Heaven Of The Birds”, is steeped in soaring pedal steel lines, and atmospheric guitar moments backed by a driving percussion and bass section. Produced by Llŷr Pari and recorded and engineered by Tom Rees (Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard), “Nefoedd yr Adar” marks yet another elevation for Melin Melyn both sonically and visually, with the accompanying video for the track (created by long time creative collaborator Edie Morris & George Morris in partnership with Orchard) being their most cinematic and surreal work to date.

Speaking on the track lead singer Gruff Glyn adds:

“Nefoedd yr Adar is inspired by a tale from the 12th century about Idwal, a young Welsh prince who was drowned in a lake in Snowdonia by King Nefydd Hardd, who was jealous of Idwal’s beauty and intelligence.

Nefydd was banished from the land, and legend has it that the birds that inhabited the lake flew away in sorrow. It is said to this day, that no birds fly over Llyn Idwal and that a wailing voice can be heard whenever there is a storm in the valley….”

This isn’t the first time the band has looked back to ancient Welsh folklore for inspiration, with breakout single “Rebecca” also inspired by the “Rebecca Riots” in the 1800s. 

The release of their debut EP “Blomonj” last summer saw Melin Melyn quickly become one of the most talked about artists’ to emerge from this new generation of Cymru music. Praised both critically and by their peers, the band have already developed a cult-like following of both Welsh & English speakers. 

Since its release, the band have gone from strength to strength, from their sold out London & Cardiff headline shows, being selected as ones to watch by NME & The Independent and having supported fellow countrymen Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard on their first UK tour. 

A highlight of last year’s festival season with stints at EOTR & Green Man, they were praised by  The Financial Times, NME, The i, The Line Of Best Fit & more for their effervescent and explosive live performances, with more dates scheduled for the summer, including a return to Green Man. 

“Nefoedd yr Adar” marks the start of a new era for a band truly coming to their own musically & visually, embracing their Welsh heritage whilst simultaneously pushing it forward culturally yet again. 

"Happy Gathering" will be released later this summer. "Nefoedd yr Adar" is out now.