Ceffylau Lliwgar - Fukushima

Review by Josh Cooper

Ceffylau Lliwgar's latest album, Fukushima, is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the victims of the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan. The album's ambient soundscapes and ethereal melodies transport listeners to the desolate landscapes and abandoned towns around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

The Welsh duo's use of traditional Japanese instruments, such as the shakuhachi and koto, adds an authentic touch to the album's mournful atmosphere. The track "Sakura" is a standout, with its delicate piano melody and haunting vocals that evoke the image of cherry blossom petals falling in a radioactive wasteland.

Despite the album's somber theme, there are moments of hope and resilience. "Recovery" is a triumphant track that builds from a sparse, melancholic soundscape to a soaring crescendo of strings and percussion.

Summary by Josh Cooper

Fukushima is a stunningly crafted album that pays tribute to the human and environmental cost of nuclear disasters. Ceffylau Lliwgar's ability to convey emotion through their music is a testament to their skill as musicians and their empathy for those affected by the tragedy.