Hen Ogledd’s Psychedelic Soundscapes: 'DISCOMBOBULATED'

**Genetic Map (Origins and Sound DNA):** Hen Ogledd is a contemporary music collective that finds its roots in the historically rich regions of the Old North of Britain, specifically Newcastle and Wales. The group consists of Richard Dawson and Dorn Boutwell from Newcastle, Sally Pilkington from Northumbria, and harpist Rhodri Davies from Wales. While these areas are known for their folklore and traditional music, Hen Ogledd veers off the conventional path, subverting expectations and creating a vibrant tapestry of sound. The track "DISCOMBOBULATED" exemplifies this ethos. Rather than soothing folk melodies, listeners are greeted with a sonic collage filled with electronic beats, distorted guitar riffs, and spoken-word elements that echo the fervor of rap. This distinctive soundscape resonates with the chaotic hum of modern life, incorporating sharp rhythmic stabs and ambient textures, creating a disorienting yet captivating effect that pulls the listener in.

**Evolution Tree (Style Development & Fusion):** The evolution of Hen Ogledd's sound can be traced through their earlier works, where they began as a more traditional folk ensemble, deftly weaving storytelling and acoustic instrumentation. However, with the release of their latest album "DISCOMBOBULATED" in 2023, they have fully embraced an experimental ethos. Key milestones in their development include the albums "The Curse of the Haunted House" (2018) and "Møuse" (2020), where they began to incorporate elements of mixed media into their compositions (the cover of "Møuse" features an abstract painting that complements their avant-garde approach). Today, they're at the vanguard of genre fusion, melding aspects of electronic music with jazz improvisation, thus aligning themselves with trends contemporary to the global music scene where genres often collide. For instance, collaborative explorations, like those seen in the thriving K-Pop scene that integrates unexpected influences like Trap, underscore this trend of seamless genre blending.

**Starter Pack (Listening Essentials):** For those looking to dive into Hen Ogledd's work, here are three essential tracks that highlight their evolving sound: 1. "Katy's Rascal" - This earlier piece melds traditional folk instrumentation with contemporary lyricism, showcasing their roots. 2. "Sorry" - From "Møuse," this track exemplifies their transitional phase into more experimental sounds, with layered harmonies and rich textures. 3. "DISCOMBOBULATED" - The title track from their latest album serves as a nexus of their unique sound, featuring striking electronic elements intertwined with spoken lyrics. Additionally, it is worth noting the contribution of Richard Dawson, an underrated artist in his own right, who has been pivotal in shaping Hen Ogledd's sonic direction and is known for his deeply introspective solo work.