WELSH folk music is seeing a 21st century revival as youth band Avanc weld the traditional and the electronic in their latest single.

Five-minute track ‘Fitz’ sees the Youth Folk Ensemble of Wales play a folk-funk blend of woodwind and strings intersected by a medley of electronic drumbeats.

The clog-dancing ensemble was launched by Trac Cymru, the folk development organisation for Wales in a bid to bring together musicians aged 16-25 from across the country.

Avanc is named after the ferocious lake monster who is said to reside in Llyn Tegid, Bala where the ensemble has spent hours honing its craft. However due to coronavirus restrictions its latest track was recorded via Zoom, before being released on its own record label on Monday, November 23.

“Fitz is a frenzy of clog dancing and fiery traditional dance tunes”, said bagpiper and whistle player Sam Petersen. “We’re really getting back to our roots with this one - banging tunes over a groove.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have loads of brilliant clog dancers in the band, so we wanted an opportunity to showcase them properly.

“In the live show, when all of them get down the front of the stage in a row, it’s very impactful. The crowd goes bonkers!”

The band would usually meet up for workshops, rehearsals, mentoring and gigs at events and festivals such as the Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau, National Eisteddfod and the inter-celtic festival in Brittany, France. During the caoronavirus pandemic they have instead met on Zoom calls while studying in recording, mixing and mastering and graphic design.

While it is unclear when Avanc will return to live performances, it is clear that Welsh folk music is here to stay for future generations.