Cerys Hafana doesn't just play the Welsh triple harp; she coaxes entirely new worlds from its strings. Her highly anticipated second album, Angel, is a testament to this rare talent, positioning her as a singular voice revitalising the UK's folk scene.
Following her acclaimed debut, Hafana returns not to rest on tradition, but to rigorously reinvent it. Angel is a deep, immersive dive into archival tunes that she meticulously arranges, layers, and processes, creating a sound that is both ancient and startlingly new.
A Harp Transformed
The album's genius lies in its textural complexity. Hafana builds intricate soundscapes using a blend of techniques:
- Layering: Multiple harp tracks are woven together to create a rich, orchestral feel.
- Electronics: Subtle use of effects and processing expands the harp's natural sound into something ethereal and otherworldly.
- Vocal Integration: Her clear, haunting voice appears not as a separate lead, but as another texture seamlessly integrated into the overall composition.
Tracks are meticulously crafted, with melodies emerging, evolving, and receding like tides. The effect is less that of a performance and more of an environment to be absorbed.
Standout Moments
The album is a cohesive journey, but certain moments shimmer with particular intensity. The treatment of traditional tunes like Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn (Watching the White Wheat) demonstrates her method: respect for the original melody underpins a bold, experimental arrangement that feels both familiar and groundbreaking.
The production is pristine, allowing every pluck, breath, and harmonic to be heard, making the listening experience intensely intimate.
More Than a Folk Record
To categorise Angel simply as 'folk' or 'Welsh music' would be to undersell its ambition. Cerys Hafana operates in a realm similar to contemporary composers or avant-garde electronic artists, using her deep knowledge of tradition as a launchpad for innovation.
The result is an album that feels both timeless and urgently modern. It is a profound meditation on heritage, a masterclass in musicianship, and one of the most uniquely captivating releases of the year. Angel confirms Cerys Hafana not just as a custodian of tradition, but as a pioneering artist forging its future.
