The Liverpool-based band Secret Garden Gathering are new to us, but I think we can be forgiven for not sharing their music before. The twelve-year hiatus since their last release is about as long as we’ve been going.

By Graeme Smith

Between 2010 and 2013 the band supported a number of established acts including Low Anthem, Jane Weaver, Wave Pictures, and Big Deal, as well as touring the UK. Then, it all stopped. That’s until now thanks to the release of their five-track live-recorded EP, Is-Y-Deri. The title translates from Welsh to English as “beneath the oak,” the setting of the live recording in North Wales.

The EP opens with the pacy indie rock of Talking Numb3rs. It’s a track that takes its time getting started, finding a hypnotic, percussive groove over which layers of echoing guitar are poured. It then spills out into a psychedelic dreamscape before delicate vocals float in. They’re are understated, but beautifully emotive in the verse and strikingly wistful in the chorus. It’s a strong start.

Things become a little more stirring in Fallen Leaves thanks to its lively arrangement and vocal harmonies. From The Shire With Love then slows things down for a moody ballad. It’s darkness adds some depth to its romanticism, making it a memorable highlight.

Hiding Out strips things right back for a startling moment of intimacy before You Are the Darkness After My Dawn closes the collection in brooding fashion with a captivating bassline and ghostly vocals. Its lyrics are heart-wrenching.

Is-Y-Deri is a succinct and accomplished EP, enhanced by the rawness of its live renditions. It’s a great introduction to Secret Garden Gathering for those like us, and a reintroduction for those who loved the band twelve years ago. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait so long for another new release from them. They have plans to release a full album within the year.

The EP is set for release 4 July 2025.