Le Kov
Gwenno Saunders · 2018
44 min · 10 tracks · electropop
A vibrant tapestry of Cornish language infused with lush electropop soundscapes and hypnotic rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hi a Skoellyas Liv a Dhagrow — Opening the album with ethereal vocals and a captivating melody, this track sets the tone for the entire project, showcasing Gwenno's ability to blend traditional Cornish themes with modern pop sensibilities.
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Tir Ha Mor — This track features an infectious rhythm that beautifully intertwines electronic textures with lyrical imagery about land and sea, reinforcing the album's thematic connection to Cornish identity.
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Aremorika — With its pulsating beats and reflective lyrics, this song encapsulates the essence of Le Kov; it serves as both a celebration of heritage and a nod to contemporary musical trends.
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Koweth Ker — As one of the more introspective tracks, it features layered harmonies that evoke a sense of longing, emphasizing Gwenno’s lyrical depth and emotional range throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Gwenno's blend of Cornish language and lush electropop creates a distinctive and cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered synths and rhythmic percussion, establishing a vibrant electropop sound immediately.
- Each song incorporates the Cornish language, creating a unique lyrical texture that is consistent throughout the record.
- Several tracks utilize repetitive melodic hooks that build gradually, enhancing the hypnotic quality of the music.
- The final track concludes with an extended instrumental section, allowing the album to exhale and leave a lingering atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- hypnotic rhythms for deep focus
- vibrant soundscapes for exploration
- uplifting energy for creative tasks
- immersive listening in solitude
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seeking instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Le Kov is Gwenno Saunders' second solo album, released after her critically acclaimed debut, Y Dydd Olaf, in 2014. By this point in her career, Gwenno was solidifying her unique voice within the electropop genre, blending traditional Cornish culture with modern sounds. This album marked a deeper exploration of her roots and linguistic heritage.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Grimes· Chvrches· Bat for Lashes
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Herdhya
In this track, there is a moment where the focus shifts from individual experience to collective memory through vivid descriptions of landscapes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hi a Skoellyas Liv a Dhagrow 5:34
- 2 Tir Ha Mor 4:10
- 3 Herdhya 2:48
- 4 Eus Keus? 4:59
- 5 Jynn‐amontya 5:50
- 6 Den Heb Taves 6:21
- 7 Daromres y’n Howl 3:16
- 8 Aremorika 3:10
- 9 Hunros 2:32
- 10 Koweth Ker 5:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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