The Gentle Good new 'Elan' Album out now via Bubblewrap Collective

Artist: 'The Gentle Good' (aka Gareth Bonello)
Album Title: 'Elan'
Release Date: 16.05.2025
Label: Bubblewrap Collective
Location: Cardiff, Wales 
Format: Digital / CD / Vinyl LP
Photo Credit: Jennifer Gallichan
Socials: @ghbonello @ghbonello_ffoto @Beastpruk 
Genre: Folk / Psych Folk
 
  

Stream 'To Be In Summer' Video 

https://youtu.be/ASFWuyVFrOs?si=IpZw_V7oDl_vpEAU

Written in an off-grid cottage during a year- long residency in the Cambrian 
Mountains, The Gentle Good’s new album ‘Elan’ is a psychedelic portrait of Cwm Elan (the Elan Valley) in Powys, Wales. Featuring songs in both Welsh and English, Elan explores issues of culture, politics and identity through the history and folklore of the valley, which was flooded in the Victorian era to provide drinking water to the city of Birmingham.

Recorded at Tŷ Drwg Studios, Cardiff with sound engineer Frank Naughton and musician Andy Fung, Elan is the sixth studio album from The Gentle Good. This latest offering sees the award- winning songwriter embrace a wider sound pallet, that does justice to the vast and dramatic landscapes of the Elan Valley. In contrast to the stripped-back acoustic intimacy of its predecessor Galargan, the new record Elan incorporates a full band, complete with layered vocals, electric guitars, vintage synths, flute and French Horn. Adventurous string arrangements by composer Seb Goldfinch sit beside distorted guitars, sparse piano and eerie synthesisers.

A sparkling variety of musical ideas illuminate the album, which includes brand new collaborations with Rajasthani folk pioneers SAZ, indie-folk-pop daredevil Laura J Martin and Radnorshire guitar virtuoso Toby Hay. A unique record that flows like a river through the ever-changing landscape, Elan is a bright new addition to the rich heritage of Welsh psychedelic music.

The new album ‘Elan’ will be released on the May 16th 2025. You can pre-order the album on vinyl and CD now at bit.ly/ElanPreOrder.

The Gentle Good will also be launching the album at Cultvr Lab on May 17th. Join us for a special live performance with a full band, The Mavron Quartet, support from Laura J Martin and 360° visuals. This unique audiovisual experience will bring the sounds and themes of Elan to life, immersing you in its rich storytelling and atmospheric soundscapes. More information and tickets at bit.ly/ElanLive.

Recorded, Engineered and Mixed at Tŷ Drwg Studios, Grangetown by Frank Naughton Mastered by Sion Orgon, Digitalflesh Audio Mastering 
Artwork and Design by Richard Chitty, Ctrl Alt Design

Pronounciation guide

Elan: EL as in ELf and AN as in Ant

Written by Gareth Bonello
Vocals and Guitars by Gareth Bonello
Bass by Frank Naughton
Drums and Backing Vocals by Andy Fung
Additional Backing Vocals by Ivan Moult
String Arrangements by Seb Goldfinch performed by the Mavron Quartet
Recorded, Engineered and Mixed at Tŷ Drwg Studios, Grangetown by Frank Naughton Mastered by Sion Orgon, Digitalflesh Audio Mastering
Artwork and Design by Richard Chitty, Ctrl Alt Design 

 Discover
https://bubblewrapcollective.co.uk
 https://thegentlegood.com
https://www.facebook.com/ghbonello/?locale=en_GB 
 https://www.instagram.com/ghbonello_ffoto