Breichiau Hir Release Stirring ‘Sesiwn Byw (Live Session) Y Dwylo Uwchben’

Cardiff-based Welsh language alternative rock six-piece, Breichiau Hir, have released a stirring 5 song live session, recorded at One Louder Studios in Newport, engineered, produced, and mixed by Phil Smith.

Out now on all good streaming services, the band have also revealed a 3 track live video playlist from the ‘Sesiwn Byw Y Dwylo Uwchben’ which is available to watch on YouTube now.

The band’s critically-acclaimed second album, Y Dwylo Uwchben (The Hands Above), is out now via Halen Records, and was nominated for the recent Welsh Music Prize 2025.

Commenting on the news, front man Steffan Dafydd says: “We’re very proud that Y Dwylo Uwchben was shortlisted for the Welsh Music Prize. A lot of hard work went into making this album, and we’re already proud of what we’ve created. We self-released this album completely DIY with help from just a handful of close collaborators, so it means a huge amount to us to have that effort acknowledged alongside such brilliant Welsh talent and heroes."

Revealing the nominations on air earlier this year, BBC Radio Wales presenter Adam Walton said of the band: "Sonically speaking, they’re sort of outsiders in Welsh music in a really good way. They don’t fit in any obvious scene which makes them fascinating. A band who collide shoegaze with dreamscapes from the likes of Ride and Slowdive, with post-rock muscularity like Mogwai and Explosions In The Sky, and the punkish songwriting of Fontaines DC."

The album’s lead single ‘Cuddio Tu Ôl Y Llen’ was released earlier this year, with the music video for follow up single ‘Paid Trio’ (Don’t Try) premiering with S4C’s new Welsh music and contemporary culture show Lŵp.

Combining the visceral and the vulnerable, Breichiau Hir have distinguished themselves within Cardiff’s vibrant music scene with their distinctive take on Welsh-language rock music. Their intense live shows invite catharsis through introspection and unbridled energy. Their ability to switch from explosive walls of sound to gossamer ostinato allow the band to resonate from the most intimate of venues to the festival stage.

The release of their sophomore album in 2025 this time seeks to look to the future by contemplating predestination and individual agency—a series of orchestrations that question the script that has been written for you. Y Dwylo Uwchben promises to build upon Breichiau Hir’s reputation for authentic and personal songwriting, whilst delivering gritty hooks and expansive soundscapes.

After an appearance at Sŵn Festival last month, the group will finish up their support tour with fellow Welsh crew Goldie Lookin Chain on their Autumn 2025 UK tour dates this week, with tickets on sale now (see below for listings).

New album Y Dwylo Uwchben is out now via Halen Records

Live dates:

• 07.11.25 - Reading - Sub89 *
• 08.11.25 - Southampton - Engine Rooms *

* w/ Goldie Lookin Chain

[Watch the session video playlist here]