heddlu Release New Single “Wish You Were Her”
Out Now via Zawn Records
Back in April of this year, we were delighted to share new material from heddlu. After the release of the phenomenal heddlu debut back in 2022, the spring saw new work from heddlu and offered a tease of a sophomore album release. Now, Rhodri Daniel, the face behind heddlu has released the second single “Wish You Were Her” and further details of that highly anticipated album.
Rhodri is the Ceredigion native was a founding member of renowned Welsh band Estrons who had a major impact on the industry having gained rave reviews from the likes of NME, Vice, DIY and Clash to BBC Radio, Radio X, Ultimate Guitar, The Guardian and Independent.
After finishing the band in 2019, Rhodri became aware that his hearing was severely damaged. Years of touring the live circuit had taken their toll, Rhodri ultimately being diagnosed with hearing loss, tinnitus and severe sensitivity to noise. The effects were so acute, Rhodri was unable to play live music, leading to him composing his critically acclaimed debut album (Cantref, 2022) in his head whilst completing the entirety of the Wales Coastal Path (900 miles). His family and namely his sister, were great sources of comfort and hope during this difficult period. Serendipity led Rhodri back to music, and heddlu was born. Meaning ‘Police’ in Welsh, from the words ‘peace-force’, heddlu‘s music has been true to its’ name, offering a force of peace to the songwriter.
Rhodri spent the next few years writing and experimenting with new sounds and instruments as his hearing slowly recovered. Whilst writing and recording his forthcoming second album, life found a way of both disrupting and influencing the creative process, leading to multiple re-writes and an entire album being erased. Eventually, despite the interruptions, heddlu’s second album, ‘Tramor’ – was completed.
Meaning ‘Overseas’ in Welsh, ‘Tramor’ is series of intimate and volatile songs, detailing years of loss, estrangement, trauma and hope. The forthcoming 11-track album will be released August 14th.
“Wish You Were Her”, is described as a raw emotionally charged track that pleads for someone close to grow into a better version of themselves—driven by equal parts frustration and love. Both confrontational and compassionate, it’s a self-aware lament that blurs the line between calling someone out and looking inward.
The raw infliction from this release hits you immediately as it resonates from the jagged tonality that pierces through the complex soundscape. A track that showcases the experimental efforts of heddlu as this immense ambiance is sculpted from electronic passages, sonically alluring rhythms and an abundance of tweaks and textures.
The track commences with this early 90’s nod to electronica and the sweeping synth sounds that wash across the speakers. Then that powerful guitar tone elevates the arrangement later joined by Rhodri’s vocal harmonies and gripping vocal effects that burst into the voyage- bringing a layer of intimacy and this infectious melody.
This track creates this world with a searing intensity, whilst it also captures a fearless approach from an artist who continues to expand their vision and their musical talents. The new single conveys this almighty energy and evokes excitement for the forthcoming album release.
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