Dutch pagan folkies Laguz celebrate the life, work and mythology of Welsh bard Taliesin with three exhilarating songs, on their new EP, Songs For Taliesin.

PRIDE, PASSION AND PRECISION

Assembled in the southern Netherlands in 2021, Laguz describe themselves as a ‘Dutch pagan folk band.’  That’s a description that works.  The band – Timon Groenendijk (Irish bouzouki and guitar), Kasper de Vries (violin, Celtic harp and whistles), Simon de Vries (vocals and percussion) and Cathinca Porsius (flutes and recorders) play their instruments with pride, passion and precision and their sound is both authentically ancient and convincingly contemporary.

Laguz released their first single, Minne, back in 2023 and their debut album, A View From Down Below, followed in 2024.  The new EP, Songs For Taliesin, continues the musical direction established by those early releases, whilst drawing on Welsh myth and bardic tradition, loosely based upon the writings of and the myths surrounding the 6^th century bard, Taliesin.

WARMING, REASSURING, DELIGHTFUL & MELLOW

Songs for Taliesin is a short collection – just three songs, and it clocks up around ten minutes of playing time – but it’s an exhilarating and varied group of songs.  Those exotic traditional instruments can knock out quite a sound when they’re played with the intent and fluency of Laguz.  And that impressive sound is evident, right from the first bars of I Taliesin, the EP’s opening track.  Simon’s vocal has a mystical quality that matches the tune and subject matter perfectly.  I guess that there’ll be relatively few Gaelic speakers amongst those that get to hear this song but, no matter, the lyrics are sung with such expression that listeners will get the message, regardless.

Birdsong sets the pastoral scene and harp and guitar provide the musical mood for the lovely Marwnad yr Ehedydd.  Simon’s voice this time is clear and sincere and the feel is warming and reassuring, especially during Cathinca’s delightful, mellow flute solo.

LIKE BOLTS FROM A CROSSBOW

Each of the three tracks on Songs for Taliesin has been previously released as a single and closing track, Dawns Olaf is the most recent such release.  A rapid-fire percussive beat sets the pace for a lightning-fast reel, with Kasper leading the way on whistle and fiddle.  The lyrics are shot out by the band members, like bolts from a crossbow, whilst bouzouki, guitar and more are added to the layers of sound.  It’s breathless it’s thoroughly engaging.

Songs for Taliesin doesn’t last long, but there’s so much variety to enjoy within the record’s grooves.  And, as a taster for Laguz have got to offer, it’s a glorious proposition.  Laguz is a name to watch – mark my words.

Listen to Dawns Olaf – the EP’s closing track – below:

Laguz: Website

At The Barrier: Facebook / X / Instagram