Welsh quartet Slate announce new EP with music video shot in remote cottage

Cardiff-based post-punk ensemble Slate is set to release their sophomore EP, The Grandfather Clock, on 22 January 2027 through Brace Yourself Records. This four-track project follows their 2024 debut Deathless, marking a continued evolution in the band's sound and thematic exploration.

The Grandfather Clock EP was crafted during live sessions at London's RAK Studios and Perryvale Studios, with producer Richie Kennedy overseeing the recording process. The collaborative effort also features founding guitarist Elis Penri, contributing additional guitar work that deepens the record's textured soundscape.

Distinctively, the EP centers on a concept narrative that journeys through the memories linked to an elder family member’s home. The storyline is structured around four symbolic objects—"Lantern," "Tapestri," "The Pond," and the titular "The Grandfather Clock"—each serving as a vessel for recollection and emotional resonance.

The title track has already been introduced alongside a music video filmed in the village of Trellech, at Bryn Eglur cottage, directed by Aled Victor and Sam Stevens. The choice of a remote, atmospheric setting underscores the EP’s introspective and nostalgic themes.

Slate’s lineup includes vocalist Jack Shephard, bassist and vocalist Lauren Edwards, drummer Raychi Bryant, and guitarist Louie Lane. For this release, the band intentionally wove elements of their Welsh identity into the music, incorporating choral harmonies, poetic lyricism, and folk-inspired melodies. These influences blend with their signature droning, gothic pop style, creating a distinctive sonic fusion that reflects both personal and cultural narratives.

Visually, the EP’s cover art features a vintage photograph of Edwards’ grandfather and great-aunt standing outside their home in the Rhondda Valley, an area historically linked to coal mining—a profession Edwards’ father also pursued. This image anchors the project in a tangible family history, enriching the music’s themes of memory and heritage.

The Grandfather Clock will be available not only on digital platforms but also as a 12-inch vinyl release, distributed via Dinked’s Early Doors series. This format choice aligns with the band’s dedication to analog warmth and tactile music experiences.

With The Grandfather Clock, Slate expands their artistic scope, intertwining personal reminiscence with broader cultural motifs. The EP’s narrative approach and incorporation of Welsh musical traditions signal a deepening maturity and confidence in their creative identity.

While further details on live performances or additional promotional activities have yet to be disclosed, The Grandfather Clock positions Slate as a band attuned to storytelling through both sound and imagery, poised to make a distinctive mark on the post-punk and goth-pop scenes as 2027 unfolds.