I must admit, Tree Of Wolves have so far passed me by. After a little bit of research I can tell you they’ve been together for two years and released debut EP, Sleepwalking, earlier this year. Why am I only telling you about this now? Well, as the festive season approaches, the Welsh quintet have gifted fans with a free download of the titular track via their Soundcloud page. I’m a sucker for free music so gave it an obligatory listen and I’m pleased I did. It was worth the five minutes of my time.
Started by school friends Aled Thomas (vocal/guitar), Gruffydd Wyn Owen (guitar) and Mark Howells (bass), the three quickly roped in Carmarthen music scene regulars Charli Bicknell (vocal/keys) and Ray Thomas (drums) to complete the line-up. In 2013, debut single “Icy Water” received plenty of national radio play and was chosen by Western Mail as one of their Top Welsh singles of that year. Fast forward to the start of this year and louderthanwar had them tipped as ‘ones to watch’ so come the summer release of their debut five-track EP they were positively gushing. Noted for their warm blend of classic indie rock and folk, the titular “Sleepwalking” has uplifting harmonies, soaring melodies and racing percussion book-ended by melancholic, almost ethereal sections to intro and outro. The track is a solid indication of what’s at the heart of this raw, rough-and-ready band. Unlikely to set the world alight but highly likely to make you smile and nod your head along, you can download “Sleepwalking” for free above. For a more pop-y offering, check out “Sebastian” on the same EP.