Gindrinker
Name: Gorsedd
Artist: Gindrinker
Length: 4:49
Preview:
» Download the full track [7mb, MP3]
Biography
Although in theoretical existence since February 2004, the lazy swine of Gindrinker didn't do anything until the winter of that year.
The band constitutes Gareth Middleton on guitar and programming, a drum machine on percussion, and DC Gates on vocals and cornet. They play a minimal, almost industrial take on garage rock that tends to divide the opinions of the audience.
Gindrinker have performed with a variety of groups, including The Fall, Super Furry Animals, Whitehouse, and DJ Scotch Egg.
The band:
“Our track is called 'Gorsedd', and was initially inspired by a visit to the National History Museum at St Fagans.
It is a fictionalised portrayal of Iolo Morgannwg and his 'discovery' of ancient Welsh rites. It covers two great interests of the band, namely social history and weird stories.
How much of what we are brought up to believe as historical fact is wishful thinking or fabrication?”
Inspiration
This song was inspired by the Gorsedd Regalia which are displayed in Oriel 1 at St Fagans: National History Museum.
The Gorsedd of the Bards of the Isle of Britain (to give its full correct name) is a society of poets, writers, musicians, artists and individuals who have made a notable contribution to the nation, language and culture of Wales. It operates solely through the medium of the Welsh language.
It was created by Edward Williams, or Iolo Morganwg (1747-1826). Iolo was a genius, but also a dreamer and a forger. He was addicted to the drug laudanum and this probably affected his perception of the world. He believed that Welsh poets had inherited the mantle of the Celtic druids.
The first ever Gorsedd was held on midsummer's day, 21 June, 1792, on Primrose Hill, London. Today, the Gorsedd of the Bards is responsible for the pageantry of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, including the Chairing (for strict metre poetry), Crowning (for free verse poetry) and Prose Medal ceremonies on the main festival stage.
All the participants wear robes of white, green or blue, depending on their stature, and proceedings are conducted by the Archdruid.
The objects at St Fagans include the Grand Sword, the Horn of Plenty and the Archdruid’s crown and breastplate. Each June and August, they are taken out of the case, and used in official Gorsedd ceremonies.
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