"Sŵn is pronounced soon and is welsh for sound" read the T-shirts of those working at the well known local multi-venue Cardiff festival. Dim Sŵn is the smaller one-day cousin of the bigger Sŵn Festival that takes place in the Autumn of every year and this year it will do for the 10th time.
DIm Sŵn, while being smaller, still has the same excellent quality of up and coming acts as Sŵn. Ispent my day finding some exciting and interesting but lesser know acts around the festival.
Bryony Sier // Undertone
Being the first act on at the festival Bryony was treated to a packed venue who all listened keenly to her refreshing country/folk style. A style and song-writing that wouldn't go out of place in Nashville, Tennessee.
HVNTER // Undertone
More than slightly different to the first act, HVNTER echoes the stye of music from the likes of Jack Garratt. With a series of original songs and a mash up of Justin Beiber and Drake, their act was very warmly received.
Grace Petrie 10 Feet Tall
Political and acoustic are the two words you need to describe Grace Petrie. With rant like songs about the politics of today and the future she was a refreshing listen not only musically but in her message. Much of the time her style reminded me to that of The Homeless Gospel Choir and Beans On Toast not only in the song content but the way she conducted herself on stage.
Orla Gartland // 10 Feet Tall
Quiet, acoustic and thoughtful, Orla Gartland pulled a large crowd to the cosy upstairs of 10 Feet Tall. With a brilliant voice and lyrically beautiful songs, she's a must listen for fans of Gabrielle Aplin and Lucy Rose.
LUK // Undertone
LUK are something a bit different, they incorporate deep house sounds with a distinctive singing style to create a dark, unpolished but interesting sound.
Benedict Benjamin // 10 Feet Tall
Having recently released his debut album Benedict Benjamin took to the stage at Dim Sŵn to perform his newest material. Melancholy and depressing in the extreme, his lyrics and sound is like a miserable lullaby but a brilliant and beautiful one at that.
Island // Four Bars at Dempsey's
Some more chilled out indie awaited upstairs in Four Bars. Island's chilled out guitar twangs and echoey sound filled the room brining bliss and relaxation to everyone in the room. The band from London have a lovely sound and style and may be one to look for in the future.
Ofelia // Undertone
Ofelia - a sex piece alt-folk band from South Wales - were a great edition to the Young Promoters stage in Undertone. Great fun and with an enjoyable folk style that makes you want to jig in the middle of the dance floor.
CaStLeS // Four Bars at Dempsey's
Welsh psychedelic indie rock band CaStLeS took to the upstairs stage to an almost packed venue. They say their songs are inspired by the wilderness of their studio but there sound is nothing but empty, interesting and full it sounds similar to that of Black Honey.
Upbeat Sneakers // Undertone
Undertone closed the night with 8-piece ska band Upbeat Sneakers, a band seriously not be missed. The group, from Merthyr, Wales, are going on to support the one and only Madness in July alongside hotly tipped Pretty Vicious. You can really see why though, exciting and energetic with catchy songs and many layers of sound in their music, they are an excellent live experience and a handful for any soundman!
The Big Moon // Clwb Ifor Bach
The Big Moon are an all female alternative four piece from London. Tipped for big things they headlined the stage upstairs in Clwb Ifor Bach and they had an almost full room bouncing to every note.
Dim Sŵn has a very special feel about it with nothing but smiles and excitement from punters and workers alike, it is a wonderful festival. For those of you who missed it, make it to the main event this Autumn - Sŵn Festival!
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