As she breathes new life into Cornish through her entrancing music, and lyrics based around Cornish legends, Gwenno is truly a rarity. Le Kov is so mesmerizing yet unfamiliar in fact that it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest it will appreciate over time with just about anyone.
That Le Kov is so loaded with meaning and significance adds to its appeal, but ultimately it’s the emotion and sound of the songs that make it such a wonderful and unusual record.
Gwenno effortlessly glides between styles on ‘Le Kov’ – the seamless transitions between forlorn piano and frosted beats (Aphex Twin was an inspiration) to pristine drums and discordant brass evoke a Cornwall that’s as easily accessible as it is steeped in tradition and folklore.
Le Kov is a cinematic and atmospheric collection, crisply produced while also maintaining a sense of mystery. Its cosmic blend of psychedelia and strong synth-pop sensibilities once again bring the listener firmly into Gwenno’s psychological territory.
Through Le Kov, Gwenno doesn't redefine her retro style. But with both a warmer palette and a wider lens, she does revel in the subtle graces of the Cornish tongue—and with plenty of care and imagination, the accomplished linguist has blessed the old language with a proper new abode in the 21st century.
The music, words, and voice come together on Le Kov like fragments of the past put back together and made into a satisfying new whole that works as a lovely tribute to Cornish culture, while also solidifying Gwenno's place as an important artist.
As with Y Dydd Olaf, there will probably be limited interest in Le Kov – as laudable as an entire album sung in Cornish is, there’s sadly not much of an audience for it. Yet Gwenno is doing important work here, and for those willing to open their minds and step into the mythical land of Le Kov will find that they may not want to leave.
Le Kov ... is A. S. Byatt’s Possession in album form — a postmodern rumination on authenticity, desire, and landscape intertwined with the myths and reality of Brittany.
With Le Kov, Gwenno is making undeniably addictive music for folks who love to chill, but it’s threaded with ornate sociocultural minutiae and is lovingly orchestrated to be received as something grander than itself. It’s fascinating to hear pop music have its cake and eat it, too—to be at once passively consumable and utterly aching to be pored over.
I have no idea what she's singing but I adore this record. It's entrancing.
Best tracks: Tir Ha Mor, Jynn-amontya, Koweth Ker
Cornish-Welsh songstress Gwenno crafts a lovingly-made homage to the nation of Cornwall and its history and language. It includes musical influences from all across the art form, and is a very unique album. I enjoy it immensely, but it does have a habit of extending songs much longer than they need to go and overstaying its welcome.
1 | Hi A Skoellyas Liv A Dhagrow 5:35 | |
2 | Tir Ha Mor 4:10 | |
3 | Herdhya 2:49 | |
4 | Eus Keus? 5:00 | |
5 | Jynn-amontya 5:50 | |
6 | Den Heb Taves 6:22 | |
7 | Daromres Y'n Howl 3:17 | |
8 | Aremorika 3:11 | |
9 | Hunros 2:32 | |
10 | Koweth Ker 5:42 |
#13 | / | Drift |
#15 | / | Loud and Quiet |
#28 | / | No Ripcord |
#29 | / | MOJO |
#32 | / | Uncut |
#34 | / | Rough Trade |
#37 | / | Under the Radar |
#39 | / | The Guardian |
#42 | / | God Is In The TV |
#53 | / | Fopp |