Hen Ogledd's 'Discombobulated' Album Review: A Folk-Rock Manifesto for Collective Action
In a world that often feels like it's falling apart, the British folk-rock quartet Hen Ogledd offers a compelling alternative on their latest album, Discombobulated. Released on the Domino label, this record blends fantasy and realism into a ragged yet rich musical tapestry that serves as a powerful call for collective action and social change.
A Blend of Fantasy and Political Realism
The album opens with a question that resonates deeply in today's turbulent times: what do you do when the world is crumbling? Instead of retreating or protesting alone, Hen Ogledd suggests embracing a mix of imaginative storytelling and grounded activism. Their music, featuring taunts in Welsh, 'bard rap,' and spirited jigs, underpins a vision where idealism and principle are intertwined with the natural world.
On Dead in a Post-Truth World, the group's best-known member, Richard Dawson, addresses Facebook-dwelling flag-fiends with grave intensity, declaring, 'the mythical country you claim allegiance of is gone / It was never here.' His solemn tone is offset by Rhodri Davies's Welsh taunts, delivered in a nursery-rhyme melody that adds a haunting contrast.
Musical Collectivism and Grassroots Resistance
The track Scales Will Fall showcases euphoric singalong choruses, while Dawn Bothwell delivers what she terms 'bard rap'—a steady vocal flow blending spoken word and hip-hop—to decry capitalism and celebrate grassroots resistance. This isn't just music for listening; it's a rallying cry for community action.
At the heart of the album lies End of the Rhythm, a spirited jig led by Sally Pilkington's stunning, whirling chorus. This song lays out a clear manifesto for collective action, emphasizing that change comes through unity. The collectivism extends to the music itself, with ragged yet richly populated arrangements featuring guitars, saxophone, trumpet, and guest contributions, including children on flute and vocals.
Fantastical Storytelling with a Purpose
Beyond the placard slogans, Discombobulated delves into fantastical bucolic storytelling. Tracks like the awe-inspiring 20-minute song Clear Pools describe a meeting of spirits at a millpond, while others tell tales of a steadfast horse named Clara. The psychedelic doom-vision of Land of the Dead is delivered in Davies's gorgeous Welsh poetry, adding a layer of cultural depth.
Crucially, these elements don't feel escapist. Instead, they are integral to the album's political vision, which shouldn't be radical but is: a world where idealism, principle, and the natural world are seamlessly connected. Hen Ogledd's music challenges listeners to imagine a better way of living, one that embraces both fantasy and the hard truths of reality.
In summary, Discombobulated is more than just an album; it's a manifesto for our times. Through its unique blend of folk-rock sounds, Welsh influences, and collaborative spirit, Hen Ogledd inspires collective action and offers a hopeful, albeit realistic, path forward in a discombobulated world.
