Detholiad O Ganeuon Traddodiadd Cymreig, the recent EP by Welsh band Los Blancos is very much a creature of the pandemic. A band that usually writes together in their practice space found themselves separated by COVID. While waiting for release they assembled all of their old demos and chose five songs -- one written by each of the band's members -- to include on this record.
Los Blancos' music is raw and passionate. But it also suggests a sense of purpose and an instinctive feel for creating appealing music. That the songs here were separately composed provides for a variety of styles. For example, compare the thumping rock storm of record opener "100 AD" with the relaxed country-influenced "Diogi" which follows(love that tune, by the way). But to appreciate the growth of the band, you must listen to all five songs. Overall less grungy than previous work, these songs have a pop-rock swing and sharp hooks. Good stuff, and we eagerly await their next album.
The EP is out now as a digital release via Libertino Records.
