Single Sleeve
Anyone can mention at least one Welsh act from the Cool Cymru movement (Manics, Catatonia, Super Furry Animals) but when was the last time you heard a Welsh song on the radio? Even though Welsh music is in its renaissance (Adwaith, Trampolene, Skunkadelic, Baby Queens- we are naming just a few!) The Welsh language still seems to be treated with neglect. Radio stations in the UK may play “International Velvet” on St David Day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant – usually on 1st March) and that will be it. If you want to hear more, you must tune in to BBC Wales.
And it`s just such a shame. Wales is home to some incredible music clubs and cultural hubs (legendary Womanby Street in Cardiff), festivals (Horizons/Gorwelion, Focus Wales, Hay on Wye) and artists. Since 2013 the country has had a dedicated day for promotion of local language in music known as Dydd Miwsig Cymru or Welsh Language Music Day. Celebrated on the second Tuesday in February (around 10th of the month) it is a splendid opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of the best talent in the land.
This year our good friends CELAVI joined the celebrations by releasing their first song entirely in Welsh titled “Dyma Fi” (Here I am). This gothic/industrial metal duo have been making regular appearances on Indieterria and we truly can`t get enough.
Great talent and quality music is just a part of why we keep featuring CELAVI on our blog. They also shatter expectations of what Welsh music should be. Tom Jones mournfully singing about love life is OK, Cerys Matthews is all right because she`s been on the scene for the last thirty years and people got used to the outspoken woman in charge. But kick ass, modern, industrial metal of the highest quality coming from Bangor, North Wales? Call the ambulance, there`s a Glytsh in the Matrix and how dare you say they are Welsh. They surely must be British or Swedish or even Norwegian. There is nothing in North Wales, maybe except The Zip World and rocks, definitely not a metal band. I`m exaggerating a bit but once in a while, we will receive some really sad Cymrophobia. Apparently, it blows people’s minds that metal music can be created outside of Birmingham (with big apologies to Black Sabbath). Who knew that Indiererria could moonlight as a public awareness service?
CELAVI photographed by Carwyn Owen
“Dyma Fi” is such a powerful track. It feels almost symphonic, with keyboard parts being prominently featured throughout the song. But it is the breakneck speed and heavy riffs that really bring it to life. Full frontal sonic attack with no apologies. On top of that, you get Sarah`s vocal range – going from angelic whisper to a battle cry like Buddug or Gwenllian incarnated. I have mentioned that Sarah is pretty much the Welsh answer to Liv Kristine (Theatre of Tragedy) and I still stand by it. If anything can take this band to the stratosphere is Sarah herself. Saying this, please note that I am not putting the rest of the band down. Far from it.
CELAVI consists of Gwion Griffiths (guitars) and Sarah Wynn (vocals) but when they come out on stage, they are supported by a drummer and a bassist. You can find many videos of the band performing online – from sold out clubs to delivering acoustic sets to small audiences. No assignment or room is too small for them. The band does not seem to think that coming from a secluded spot on a map is a deterrent. They have always treated it as an opportunity to craft their own, unique sound and to show the culture of their people. And this is the second reason that will solify their status as bona fide metal stars.
Having great songs, strong working ethics and standing your ground is a proven recipe for success. CELAVI proves it single after single. I truly can`t wait for their debut album.
You can follow CELAVI on socials:
https://www.wearecelavi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WEARECELAVI/
https://www.instagram.com/wearecelavi/
https://twitter.com/wearecelavi
https://soundcloud.com/wearecelavi
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OEzNJIkgsH8PTw0y86ATx?si=bo7MdX3-Q1O_nfbhpgAziw&nd=1
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVqtR652vnb9pwo89ek2Y2g
https://www.tiktok.com/@wearecelavi
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 
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