Damon Albarn has revealed that he sees Wales in a “different light” after recently recording a track for his new album ‘Merrie Land’ at Pentrhyn Castle, Bangor.
Albarn forms part of the super-group ‘The Good, The Bad and The Queen’ along with Simon Tong of The Verve, The Clash bass player Paul Simonon, and afrobeat legend Tony Allen, having previously released just one album to date, their self-titled debut in 2007.
The song recorded at Penrhyn Castle is called ‘Lady Boston’ after Albarn noticed her in a painting in the main hall of Penrhyn Castle, he then wrote the lyrics of the song based on the feelings he experienced during his visit.
The group also enlisted the help of local male voice choir ‘Côr y Penrhyn‘ from Bethesda, who provided backing vocals for the song, thanks to Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys, also from Bethesda, who advised Albarn on finding a choir for his latest record.
Having spent a time in the area Albarn said “he was left captivated by the area, the people who live here and its rich industrial history – not to mention the breathtaking Penrhyn Castle.”
On Penrhyn Castle, Albarn told the Daily Post Wales: “It’s such a magnificent building but when you strip away at its history, you see it is built from the (proceeds of the) Jamacian plantations and the quarrymen.
“But it’s almost like they were oblivious in many ways to the suffering that enabled them to live in such grandeur.
“At first, I thought ‘fantastic, we’re recording in a castle’ but then it was explained that it wasn’t this fairy tale medieval building, but a much more modern recreation.
He added: “I’ve fallen in love with the Welsh but there was a feeling in the pit of my stomach that there’s terrible imbalance in the world between those that have and those that haven’t. A place like that really hammers that nail home.”
During their time in North Wales the band enjoyed a drink in the George pub in Bethesda, after their first day of recording.
Albarn added: “It was a really magical experience working with the choir and it fitted beautifully. The song ended up being inspired by the castle.”
The album Merrie Land was written in the shadow of a looming Brexit. According to a press release, the album functions as “a reluctant goodbye letter, a series of observations and reflections at the end of a relationship, wondering what might be salvaged.”
Damon Albarn is also adamant he wants to return to North Wales, telling The Daily Post: “We’re performing in Blackpool, and Glasgow, and we’ll be warming up in some working clubs on the East coast on the Tyne and then next year I want to do a proper tour of the British Isles, everywhere. I’ve definitely got to come to North Wales though.”
A spokesperson from Penrhyn Castle said of the recording: “Phew, that’s one secret we don’t have to keep any more.
“Thanks Damon. We loved having you all record at the Castle. We’re so proud to have played a part in the process and to have helped share the amazing history of this part of North Wales.”
Lady Boston will feature on the album ‘Merrie Land’ which is released on November 16.
Côr y Penrhyn from Bethesda, provided backing vocals for the song at Penrhyn Castle
Main Photo (Top): Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images
