Gwenno Saunders’ old band The Pipettes was posh and stylish, a throwback to Phil Spector-ish ’60s girl groups. Catchy hits like “Pull Shapes” and “Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me” were built to top the pop charts and rule the dance floor.
Gwenno the solo artist is a comparatively tougher sell. Where The Pipettes were bombastic and steamy, she keeps things blissful and subtle — an electro-indie sound not suited to choreographed dance moves. And it’s difficult to sing along unless you speak Welsh.
For her, singing in Welsh is a matter of personal pride (her activist mum brought her up that way) and a vote of confidence for the language, the use of which has been in decline for years. She tweets in Welsh too.
Regardless of your lineage and linguistic skills, there’s lots to love about Gwenno in 2016. Her smooth, sultry voice carries the day, even if her lyrics are wasted on you.
Gwenno
With Blood Sound
Tuesday, May 17
7:30 p.m. door/8:30 p.m. show, $10
Boot & Saddle
1131 S. Broad St.