The Bells of Rhymney

Released in 1984 as a 12-inch EP, 'The Bells of Rhymney' serves as a crucial connective tissue in Robyn Hitchcock's early solo career. Coming between the eccentric pop of 'Groovy Decay' and the masterpiece 'I Often Dream of Trains,' this release finds Hitchcock stripping back his sound to its folk-rock foundations. The title track is a cover of the Idris Davies poem set to music by Pete Seeger, famously popularized by The Byrds; Hitchcock's version pays homage to the 12-string jangle while infusing it with his own idiosyncratic vocal character. The original compositions on the record, particularly 'The Bones in the Ground' and 'Falling Leaves,' lean heavily into themes of mortality and nature, utilizing biological imagery that would become a hallmark of his writing. The production is notably dry and intimate, eschewing the glossy 80s trends of its era in favor of a timeless, analog warmth that highlights the intricate guitar work. Critically, it is viewed as a successful experiment in 'pastoral psychedelia,' cementing Hitchcock's reputation as the heir to Syd Barrett and Nick Drake.