Review originally published on Welsh Connections on 15th Feb 2021.
Setting a lilting melody against sombre musical and lyrical themes, Sian Richards showcases her attuned song-writing and lyrical abilities in her new single “Lluniau”.
It is clear that Sian Richards has a natural feel for musical movement, an ear for melody and an ability to compose with purpose – apt for an artist interested in writing for film and TV. Lluniau (Welsh for “Pictures”) certainly has some pleasing musical details – nuanced 7th chords and minor key modal mixing nicely set the scene without distracting. The lyrics are a moving reflection on the incrementation of time, mortality and the people who will one day survive only in memory and photographs. Without seeking resolution, the words are somehow restless yet accepting. The affinity of the Welsh language for alliteration and internal rhyming is put to good use in controlling rhythmic drive while retaining an accessible simplicity (not always an easy thing to balance). While I would trade one of the choruses for a middle-eight (things do drag a little by the closing reprise), Lluniau comes across as an organically written ballad with everything in its right place.
This however brings me on to an issue I am unable to overlook: delivery. Whilst the production is certainly slick, it is unfortunately cold and backing track-like, which ultimately detracts from the song’s emotional content. For all the polish, it is hard to hear the same level of heart-felt sentiment in the performance as is found in the lyrics. A little more warmth and some natural instrumentation would have gone a long way without sacrificing any intent or pop appeal.
In brief, a solid, well-written pop song with a moving and relatable lyrical theme from a clearly talented singer/songwriter however the execution may limit the breadth of appeal and leave some listeners a little cold.
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