Adwaith - “ETO”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Alvvays, Frankie Cosmos, Florist

Last year saw the release of Adwaith’s sophomore record Bato Mato, a mix of catchy indie rock and shoegaze thickness that highlights the strength of the Welsh band’s tight, in-sync performance. Sung in their native Welsh language, Adwaith’s music can connect with English ears through their consistent songwriting on Bato Mato; every guitar line, dreamy vocal melody, and alt-rock bursts count for something. It helps that Bato Mato sounds so crisp, a cleanly produced record that lets the waves of layered guitar crunch never overtake the core hooks that make songs like “Wedi Blino” and the Talking-Heads groove of “Suud” succeed. Peel back those sonic sheets and Adwaith morphs into a pure power-pop trio. Lookout for closer “ETO”, Adwaith’s most anthemic track on the record and a hopeful message that comes through in the building chorus that ends Bato Mato on a show-closing high. 2022 also found Adwaith premiering at Glastonbury, winning the Welsh Music Prize for the second time, and finding support at BBC, ramps that should justifiably give Adwaith the experience of indie rock vets by the time they come to Austin this year for SXSW. (Kevin McStravick)