I have grown incredibly fond of many bands in my life. And goth metal duo CELAVI are very much on my favourites list. You may have noticed that Sarah Wynn and Gwion Rhys Griffiths are frequently covered on Indieterria but not just because I have a particular soft spot for Welsh acts. I have been following their musical journey for almost two years now and CELAVI haven’t recorded a song I didn’t like.
Single cover
I regularly look out for their new material and if I have the opportunity to see CELAVI live, I will be moshing in the pit. In a way the band stole my heart and made a loyal fan out of me. That’s already an accomplishment considering the amount of new music I listen to in a single week!
So, what exactly makes a music writer want to stick around beyond that one article? If you put personal preferences aside, there`s always more to the story than a good release. Many journalists like artists that represent certain values or are drawn to band`s ethos. And Sarah and Gwion have plenty of both: they keep tabs on their career though their own label (MERAKI), they sing in their native language (metal in Welsh is super cool!) and help the local scene either by promoting other artists or assisting with their musical endeavours. There are relatively few people in the music business that understand what CELAVI puts at the heart of what they are doing: art is not a competition but a collaborative effort. It takes a village to promote any act and any successful artist will have people from all walks of life in their corner.
Sarah and Gwion are musicians from an ever-decreasing working class background who still pursue a career, not a hobby. They are not nepo babies or mega rich and the fact that in today`s climate a project set up by regular folks can prosper is rather heartwarming.
CELAVI may be known for their aptitude for goth and nu metal compositions but as “Bite My Tongue” proves, they are also quite a decent technical symphonic metal outfit. I just love to discover new sides to artists so please excuse if this reviewer feels like a kid in a candy store on Thanksgiving Day.
The single offers whispery intro, angelic vocals and instrumental parts that showcase mastery of the band members. While Sarah keeps impeccable flow, Gwion, Aled, Dylan and Huw churn out massive riffs that could easily shatter continents. Close your eyes and imagine Within Temptation merging with Divine Heresy for a secret project – that`s how awesome CELAVI sounds on this release. I know at the core this band is a duet but it would be amazing if this backing line up stayed for longer. This is the best incarnation of CELAVI to date and it has got this killer chemistry among the members. They respond to each other without even looking, it’s almost like a telepathic bond!
CELAVI by Acey Media
Lyrically, “Bite My Tongue” fuses frustration at being stuck in an abusive relationship with yearning to find self worth. It is sadly a timeless concept of finding one self at the mercy of others while being painfully aware of your own achievements and value. If anything this anthemic single will provide reassurance to those who suffer in their relationship and maybe will help them to feel a little better.
You know, I think I like CELAVI even more than before since this song came out.
“Bite My Tongue” came out on October 27th. As usual, the song was mixed and produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Nova Twins, Motörhead, Holding Absence, Sylosis) who to date worked with CELAVI on several singles and an album. The band decided to release a promotional video for the song on Halloween. It was shot at the famous Coal Exchange in Cardiff and directed by Shaun Hudson (Slipknot, Sleep Token, Lorna Shore, Architects). The single will be a part of band`s new EP (to be out in early 2024) with proceeds going to Help Musicians.
Our coverage so far:
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2022/11/05/indieterria-meets-celavi/
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2022/09/13/celavi-me-delecta-single-review/
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2023/08/24/celavi-dolorem-album-review/
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2023/02/16/celavi-dyma-fi-single-review/
https://vanadianavenue.co.uk/2022/12/23/celavi-lullaby-single-review/
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://www.tiktok.com/@wearecelavi
https://celavimusic.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@WEARECELAVI
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OEzNJIkgsH8PTw0y86ATx
Sarah Wynn is also available online:
http://www.sarah-wynn.com
https://www.facebook.com/SarahWynnOfficial
https://soundcloud.com/sarah-wynn
https://twitter.com/SarahWynn1
Label:
https://twitter.com/musicbymeraki
https://www.facebook.com/MERAKIRECORDLABEL
Contact: celavimusic@gmail.com or musicbymeraki@gmail.com
“Bite My Tongue” is out on Meraki Records since 27th of October 2023.
Malicia Dabrowicz
Indieterria 