Big sentiments, when expressed simply, often have an astonishing effect. Osian Rhys [Facebook] should know all about this – the Welshman’s plaintive debut single is an exercise in restraint, its lyrics purposefully ambiguous, able to be interpreted a number of ways as he layers his tremulous voice over some stripped-back instrumentation: guitar, organ and harmonica. Long Time Gone builds to a crescendo that is surprisingly powerful, displaying the talent that Rhys has for understanding dynamics; when gentle drums enter toward the three-minute mark (‘I haven’t seen anything / Haven’t done anything / Haven’t been anywhere for days / But I don’t care’), the bleak undertones are contrasted with a soaring melody that brings the song to a haunting finish. This is the sort of song that is tender and heartfelt, and will appeal to a wide number of people. It’s released as a single on August 24th via Backwater Records, backed with the Welsh-language tale of forbidden love, A oes ‘na le (i oeri gwres fy nghalon). Both songs can be streamed below – get on them before you’re left behind.