Here is a timeless song that truly conveys the hazy feel of long summer days. ‘To Be in Summer’ explores the fantasy of an ever-lasting summer and the enticing idea of spending those endless days in an idyllic rural location like the Elan Valley, which captivated and inspired the romantic poet Percy Shelley. Backing vocals from Ivan Moult help to make singer and guitarist Gareth Bonello’s voice float like dust motes illuminated in the sun’s rays. We’re swept along by Seb Goldfinch’s atmospheric string arrangements, performed by the Mavron Quartet, transporting us to that sunlit valley.
The Gentle Good is the musical moniker of Cardiff-based singer-songwriter Gareth Bonello. The new album from The Gentle Good, out now via Bubblewrap Collective, is a musical portrait of the Elan Valley in Powys, Wales. The songs on “Elan” capture the gorgeous landscapes and create a real sense of place. More importantly, Bonello delves into the history and politics of the valley, which was flooded to create reservoirs for drinking water in the Victorian period. The album was written during a year-long residency in an off-grid cottage in the Cambrian Mountains, and that sense of isolation amongst the beauty of the landscape can be felt in the mood of the songs. This is beautiful stuff – get lost in this forever summer.
