Winners of Best Album at Wales Folk Awards 2023
Jordan Price Williams (cello, voice), Aneirin Jones (violin, voice) and Patrick Rimes (viola, violin, voice) are three young men from deepest chapel-going Wales, who have mined the cultural upheaval of past centuries and drawn inspiration from the incredible story of a time when Wales’ traditional music and dance was suppressed by Methodist chapels, and, earlier, its language by the Act of Union.
Three-part harmonies, stunning fiddle and the unusual addition of cello forge VRï’s totally unique sound. Since forming in 2016, the trio have been pumping out their native foot-stomping dance tunes whilst maintaining the poise and elegance of a string ensemble. Seizing the remaining strands of subsumed tradition and music, VRï blends them into a joyous celebration of Welsh identity and a contemporary rediscovery of lost traditions.
The trio's 2019 debut album Ty Ein Tadau (House Of Our Fathers) received a 5* review in Songlines magazine and numerous awards nominations. VRï’s second album Islais a genir (a sung whisper) saw them crowned Winners of Best Album at Wales Folk Awards 2023.
Running time: 90mins + interval
"A primal roar of Welshness"
Songlines