SOLASTA
Glais Rugby Club, Clydach, Sun 17 Feb; The Rolling Mill, Cwmafan, Mon 18; Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club, Wed 20
If you count yourself a folk enthusiast with an ear for idiosyncrasies, then you may want to pay attention to up-and-coming London-based folk trio Solasta. They craft an imaginative world of traditional instrumental folk coloured with jazz, classical, pop and countless other genres. Each member has a wealth of experience playing contrasting musical styles, producing a sound that is expressly unique and exciting.
Last year proved a rewarding one for Solasta: following their first commercial release, 2016’s self-titled EP, they delivered their debut album A Cure For The Curious to widespread critical acclaim. It attracted the attention of the Guardian, who awarded it ‘folk album of the month’ in September, while Iggy Pop also sang its praises on his 6 Music radio show.
A catalogue of impressive performances in venues and festivals across the UK (Cambridge Folk Festival, Green Note, English Folk Expo, Horizons/Gorwelion at St Fagans) continues this year with a mini-tour in Wales; whose musical heritage has had a prominent influence on their work. It also happens to be the homeland of cellist Hannah Thomas. Their southern dates take them to three folk clubs: Valley Folk on Sun 17, Cwmafan on Mon 18 and Llantrisant on Wed 20.
Admission: £5-£8. Info: solastaband.com
words Charlie Piercey