Sister Wives have confirmed details of their debut album Y Gawres – which translates as The Giantess – set for a release date of 28th October via Libertino Records. The four-piece have also released ‘Greater Place’, the lead single for the album which buzzes along with the psychedelic intent of 60s’ pop like Shocking Blue, but with an underlying, altogether mysterious currant.
The album is equally as inspired by Welsh mythology as it is by the multiple touches of folk, glam and post punk that infuse the songs and ‘Greater Place’ adds a glimmer of light and a danceable respite amongst the darkness of the rest of the record. See the video below.
Y Gawres is inspired by the ancient burial site on Anglesey, Barclodiad y Gawres, which translates to “The Giantess’ Apronful”. While giants are central to the nation’s folklore, it’s rare to hear of female giants. The idea led the Sheffield-based band — consisting of Donna Lee (vocals/keys/synths), Rose Love (vocals/bass), Liv Willars (vocals/guitar), Lisa O’Hara (vocals/drums) – to visualise their own feminine force of nature.
The chorus to the single was written by O’Hara as a reflection on the hope and safety that the band provides. Meanwhile, Willars provided the verses as a tribute to her infant son. “My son was born a few weeks before the first lockdown and we spent the first year of his life almost in isolation. Even being alone at home during such a dark time, joy still managed to tear through,” she shares. The band add, “We wanted the lyrics to be a tribute to a lot of different emotions and discoveries in life, where there’s a giant, positive shift and suddenly our world feels renewed.”
Sister Wives have several live shows pencilled in for the next few months, dates are:
AUGUST
13th: Mono, Glasgow
SEPTEMBER
10th: Delicious Clam, Sheffield (with Adwaith)
24th: Float Along Festival, Sheffield
OCTOBER
28th: Cwtch Festival, Pembrokeshire
Photo: Laura Merrill
