Four years of resynthesizing their sparkling magic, Sŵnami are set to ride their second wave of sleek, synth-pop deluxe with their pathologically idiosyncratic melodies and panoramic choruses. The stunning double a-side of the Dolgellau-born quartet is a universally lusted-for oasis which fuses both electro-pop and neo soul in two dazzling complexions.
Augmenting the glittering, crystal shimmerings of all that was previously constructed, ‘Theatr’ is glossy and lustrous, gleaming and luminous – which morphs into a suspenseful climax in the drowned-out aesthetics of its pre-chorus – “Un bach arall – cyn i hyn ddiflannu, ‘run hen stori – nei di ond dyfaru”. Leaning on its luxurious elegance, faint chorus shadowing and the unmistakable, pulsating bass line, the first of Sŵnami’s second chapter is a glowing synth-pop ode that bleeds futuristic dynamism – an absorbing paradox to the single’s narrative of a dysfunctional, broken relationship.
Radiating its blissful beauty, ‘Theatr’ is accompanied by its striking music video directed by Sam Kinsella (Black Honey/Temples), starring actor, Tom Rhys Harries (White Lines). Set in the halcyon village of Portmeirion, Ifan Ywain (guitar) explains:
“The story behind the video involves a man stuck between different realities. One where he lives in a perfect, glossy but fake world, and his endeavour to escape that world, even though the other reality is chaotic”. Eclipsing their illustrious pre-break live performances, Sŵnami have braided sonic brilliance with visual dramatics in their flagship release.
Returning from their hiatus with a rejuvenated verve for creating beyond any limits, ‘Uno, Cydio, Tanio’ is a frictionless composition to match its catharsis. Brimming with vigour, part II of Sŵnami’s release is a fusion of orchestral undertones and smooth, cinematic beats which is exaggerated through the twinkling crystalline of its harmonizing vocoders. Rich in texture and heavy in groove, the lucid autotune of the fragmented “Buan daw y golau” is a stark statement of Sŵnami’s second manifesto.
Produced by Rich Roberts and released via Recordiau Cosh Records, comeback tracks ‘Theater / Uno, Cydio, Tanio’ are the zeitgeists to the lavish new wave of Sŵnami. Listen here!