LISTEN: “Penseiri” by Breichiau Hir

Breichiau Hir had me at the bass in their latest single “Penseiri.” Every succulent guitar note, drumming, and vocals were the proverbial icing on the musical cake.

The Cardiff group wrote “Penseiri” after their debut album in 2021 and says this about the song,

“‘Penseiri’ was the first song we wrote after our debut album. The song felt like a new direction, where we opted for a big riff as the hook for the song. We’ve played it live a few times and it’s one of the most fun to perform due to its explosive nature.

The band further adds,

“The song explores the theme of unwittingly constructing your own prison. Initially the lyrics were tied closely to Shirley Jackson’s short story ‘The Lottery’, which narrates a sinister tale of a town with a brutal and horrific annual tradition to guarantee a good harvest and purge it of bad omens. The more I wrote and redrafted the lyrics, the focus shifted towards personal rituals and habits of individuals. These habits provide a deceptive sense of freedom and control, and ultimately contribute to the creation of their own prison. The song is written about the stage of finding comfort in your own prison.”

While I could endlessly praise the lush bassline in “Penseiri,” the track transcends mere instrumental allure. It’s an epic and powerful composition that seamlessly weaves together musical might with formidable vocals. Within this song lies a remarkable balance of musical strength and serene ease. “Penseiri” is not only a harmonious melodic ode but also emphasises Breichiau Hir’s lyrical talent and musical finesse.