Y Dydd Olaf cover

Y Dydd Olaf

Gwenno Saunders · 2015

82 min · 19 tracks · electropop

A vibrant blend of synth-driven melodies and Welsh language lyrics creating an immersive sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chwyldro — Opening with a driving rhythm and rich synthesizers, this track encapsulates the album's themes of revolution and cultural identity while showcasing Gwenno's distinctive vocal style.
  • →
    Patriarchaeth — This song critiques patriarchal structures through its catchy melody and clever lyrics, making it both a standout track and an insightful commentary on gender roles.
  • →
    Y Dydd Olaf — The title track serves as a poignant reflection on mortality and societal change, combining haunting melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that resonate throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Gwenno's debut blends innovative songwriting with vibrant production, making it a notable entry in contemporary electropop.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks feature a consistent use of layered synths and rhythmic beats, establishing an upbeat tempo that characterizes the album's opening.
  • The lyrics are delivered in Welsh, creating a unique cultural context that is woven into the melodic lines, enhancing the album's distinctiveness.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • immersive sonic landscape exploration
  • playful remixes for varied listening
  • patient melodies that unfold gradually
  • vibrant energy for evening gatherings
  • engaging lyrical themes in welsh

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Y Dydd Olaf is Gwenno Saunders' debut solo album, released after her time as a member of the popular band The Pipettes. This record marked her transition into a solo artist, showcasing her unique sound and vision while establishing her presence in the electropop genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Grimes· Chvrches· Bat for Lashes

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Chwyldro 5:19
  • 2 Patriarchaeth 3:30
  • 3 Calon Peiriant 5:09
  • 4 Sisial y Môr 5:42
  • 5 Dawns y Blaned Dirion 1:31
  • 6 Golau Arall 3:31
  • 7 Stwff 5:00
  • 8 Y Dydd Olaf 4:16
  • 9 Fratolish Hiang Perpeshki 4:38
  • 10 Amser 4:45

Disc 2

  • 1 Nefolaidd 3:51
  • 2 Anthem y Weriniaeth Newydd 2:42
  • 3 A B C Ch D 3:55
  • 4 Glanyrafon 1:30
  • 5 Chwyldro (R. Seiliog remix) 4:39
  • 6 Golau Arall (Islet remix) 4:29
  • 7 Fratolish Hiang Perpeshki (TOY remix) 4:50
  • 8 Patriarchaeth (Plyci remix) 7:05
  • 9 Chwyldro (Andrew Weatherall remix) 6:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata