Tristwch Y Fenywod

Hailing from Leeds but deeply immersed in Welsh lore, Tristwch y Fenywod are a power trio conjuring incantations and charming mortals with their witchy take on folk. Their gloomy Welsh-language offerings are tantalising and ever so slightly sinister – an irresistible combination. We’re honoured to be welcoming them to Roadburn for 2025.

The translation of their name is The Sadness of Women, which as lead vocalist and zither player, Gwretsien Ferch Lisbeth explains is apt as “there always been a type of sadness and melancholy which is very much woven into my experience of femininity—a cosmic woe that I find really inspires me to make music and to write.”

Also woven into the tapestry of Tristwch y Fenywod’s sound is an absolute dedication to musical exploration – from field recordings of bats, to their appreciation of the aforementioned zither. The zither’s distinctive twang becomes a familiar calling card throughout the trio’s catalogue, lending an ancient, mystical vibe to proceedings. 

Expect to be transported somewhere moss-covered and otherworldly as Tristwch y Fenywod demand our presence at their ritual.

– Becky Laverty