Gwenno releases debut album 'Y Dydd Olaf' on Heavenly Recordings, 24th July

In a period of governmental and cultural transition, former Pipettes front-woman, Gwenno Saunders, releases a political concept album inspired by an obscure 1970s Welsh language sci-fi novel, subtly disguised as a blissful kraut-pop record. Written by Gwenno and produced by Rhys Edwards, Y DYDD OLAF (The Last Day) will be released 24th July on Heavenly Recordings. Click HERE to listen to 'Patriachaeth', one of the album's many stand-out tracks. here.

Taking its cue, and title, from Owain Owain’s 1976 novel about a dystopian future where the robots have taken over and are busily turning the human race into clones through the use of medication, Y DYDD OLAF blends big themes, great tunes, and a real sense of revolution to produce a powerful, politically-charged concept album. The album, which is sung entirely in Welsh, apart from one song in Cornish, is a political and feminist record, and a cultural document and celebration of what is unique about life in modern day Britain.

First with Peski Records, where a limited edition pressing of the album sold out in weeks, and now signed to Heavenly, she has found the perfect home for her brand of left-field electropop. And with the parallel world of 1980s underground Welsh-medium music by artists including Malcolm Neon, Llwybr Llaethog, Datblygu and Ectogram, not forgetting the German Krautrock movement of the 1970s, and early electronic music pioneers Daphne Oram and Delia Derbyshire inspiring her music, outlook and aspirations, Y DYDD OLAF feels at once retro, contemporary and futuristic.

Having recently supported Gruff Rhys on his much-celebrated 'American Interior' tour, Gwenno is about to embark on a busy summer of live appearances, beginning tomorrow with a support slot with labelmates Stealing Sheep and taking in headline shows and festival performances at Latitude, Port Eliot and Festival No. 6. Scroll down for the full list of dates.

Y DYDD OLAF will be released 24th July on Heavenly Recordings.

Gwenno UK live performances below:

• Saturday 4 July - CARDIFF - Tafwyl
• Sunday 5 July - LIVERPOOL - Heavenly 25
• Sunday 19 July - SOUTHWOLD - Latitude
• Friday 31 July - CORNWALL - Port Eliot Festival
• Friday 14 August - CARDIGAN - Caught By The River
• Sunday 6 September - PORTMEIRION - Festival No. 6

Y DYDD OLAF tracklisting:

1. Chwyldro
2. Patriachaeth
3. Calon Peiriant
4. Sisial Y M
5. Dawns Y Blaned Dirion
6. Golau Arall
7. Stwff
8. Y Dydd Olaf
9. Fratolish Hiang Perpheshki
10. Amser