Name: Hen Ogledd
Brand: Hen Ogledd

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

ST1040CD

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-01-27

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0781484104025

Total Cap

1 / CD

Artist

Hen Ogledd

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

Streamline

Hen Ogledd is a collaborative project consisting of Dawn Bothwell, Rhodri Davies, Richard Dawson, and Sally Pilkington. Together, they create unique and captivating music that defies genre boundaries.
Their sound can be described as a fusion of experimental folk, electronic elements, and mesmerizing vocals. Drawing inspiration from various musical traditions and incorporating innovative techniques, Hen Ogledd's music takes listeners on a sonic journey like no other.
With each member bringing their own distinct style and expertise to the table, Hen Ogledd has gained recognition for their thought-provoking lyrics and intricate compositions. Their live performances are known for their energy and raw emotion - an experience not to be missed.

The story of Hen Ogledd (Welsh for Old North), one of Britain’s more colourful and unusually unpredictable contemporary bands, begins with this duo recording of Richard Dawson and Rhodri Davies, first released in 2013 on an LP in an edition of 250 copies by the Alt.vinyl imprint. This Streamline edition is its first-ever CD release. 

Hailing from Newcastle, Richard Dawson should not need any introduction, as he has made his name with numerous solo and collaborative outings, while Welshman Rhodri Davies, known for his involvement with the British school of reductionist free improvisation, has collaborated with and performed for a great number of improvisers and composers.  Guitar playing singer / songwriter Dawson met with Davies (who is featured here on pedal harp, amplified lap harp, electric harp, percussion and electronics) to produce these five pieces of heavily distorted improvisation that veer refreshingly away from any academic background one might expect at such an encounter. 

Instead, we find a highly energetic blend of lo-fi rock, improvisation and imaginary folklore that suggests jam sessions between Captain Beefheart’s legendary Magic Band and Northern English noise champions The New Blockaders. While this analogy does not seem fully satisfactory and one struggles for words for an appropriate reference, the uniqueness of ‘Hen Ogledd’ becomes apparent once again. The fact that ‘Hen Ogledd’ has already become its own best reference here should speak for itself. 

Hen Ogledd has been remastered for CD from the original source recordings by Jim O’Rourke and is presented in mini-LP sleeves replicating the original LP artwork.

 Hen Ogledd

Music GB