In 2017, Welsh trio ALAW followed up their 2013 debut album with Dead Man’s Dance (Dawns y Gŵr Marw), described by Neil McFadyen in his Folk Radio UK review as an inspired and unique album on which they surpassed the brilliance of Melody (their debut) with an even more invigorating, wider-ranging exploration of Welsh poetic and musical traditions. On 2 February 2022, ALAW return with a new album and lineup. The newest member, Nia Lyn (voice/harmonium) will join Oli Wilson-Dickson on fiddle/voice, and Dylan Fowler on guitar/voice on what promises to be another exceptional offering.
Drawn to the Light, was recorded during lockdown – when local restrictions allowed the band were able to meet – where all three experienced instant excitement around ideas they were debating and the music they were creating – Nia’s aptitude not just for the song – but tunes as well inspired Oli to write new tunes for the “new” line-up, which, along with the entire ALAW back catalogue, Nia set about learning – (her neighbours banging on the walls on the while) – it was the songs though where things really took off.
Drawn to the Light – is a re-emergence from lockdown; it’s about playing to an audience. The album and the audience represent the light at the end of the tunnel.
Ahead of the album’s release, they have revealed a double a-side single (out on 3rd December) featuring two tracks from the album. Watch the accompanying lyric videos below.
On Hiraeth, the narrator is trying to understand the feeling of hiraeth – a kind of intense and cruel longing that wakes them from their sleep at night. ALAW put their unique stamp on this well-loved song and carry the listener along on an emotional journey.
Fill the House is a cosy winter song on which ALAW evoke the story of a couple reunited for one night. Tomorrow they will part, so tonight “lets dance and fill the house with joy”. In the second half of the track, the singing gives way to dancing as ALAW let their fingers fly around a lively melody.
The double A-side single is on sale from 3rd December heralding the release of the album Drawn to the Light – released 02/02/2022 with pre-orders from 7/01/22.
In August 2018 ALAW collaborated with the BBC Concert Orchestra for a televised Prom at The Royal Albert Hall, alongside Julie Fowlis, Jarlath Henderson, Sam Lee and The Unthanks. ALAW’s performance was described on BBC Radio 2 as “Show-Stopping” and in the Times as “a sparkling collision of Celtic traditions”. In 2019 they won a Wales Folk Award after be nominated in 3 categories.
Oli and Dylan have a long history of working together, sharing projects including The Devil’s Violin and The Ian McMillan Orchestra. Oli plays fiddle in Jamie Smith’s MABON. Nia has an international reputation and has sung at the Barbican and The Albert Hall. From stirring songs to driving jigs – they communicate their music with relaxed humour and genuine affection that is truly infectious.
Live dates February 2022 – http://www.alaw-band.com/