Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Tradition can be a fruitful reminder of what binds us as a family, as a nation, or if we are fortunate, as a species, the practise of the art forms, of singing with one beautiful voice, of keeping a belief and hope in the struggle of linguistic oppression.

Tradition has its critics, those who suggest nothing short of a bonfire of the vain and institutionalised will wipe the slate clean, give a new reason in which to overthrow the settled and comfortable; however, without tradition, the world is poorer, less fuelled by a common sense of purpose, it doesn’t have to be the tradition which keeps society at each other’s throats, just the custom of declaring a love, of keeping the habit alive so that others can dream.

It is in tradition that Allan Yn Y Fan seek and explore, and ultimately benefit from; and in their first single for Steam Pie Records, the Welsh Band go back a couple of years for their own source of illuminating convention and bring two songs very much up to date and remastered for the new approach. It is not neglecting tradition to play with the past and find that it can be taken in a different direction, it is more seeking to care with great heart about what has already been. You don’t despair over your children’s first broken heart, but you can lead them to the place where new love could be purer, stronger and more willing to make them appreciate the times they live in.

The songs Ym Mhontypridd Mae’n Nghariad and Gorthrwm y Gweithiwr were both originally featured on the 2016 album NEWiD, and yet the fluidity of the music gives the listener a sense of inauguration for a new dawn, tradition is upheld but there is the inkling of revolution in the air; it is a holding on to the past whilst embracing the new age to come, a feat to which few can contemplate even attempting, let alone relishing in.

With a European tour on the horizon, this short delve into memory is a welcome and beautiful sound, tradition is upheld, tradition is satisfied, but change is always welcome.

Allan Yn Y Fan release the single via Steam Pie Records on September 7th.

Ian D. Hall