Wenallt Star return with “A STRANGE GOODBYE”, their third single ahead of a new vinyl album expected in December 2026. The Welsh/Anglo collective, made up of David Lambert, Sean South, Lucy Leland and Mackenzie Lambert, takes listeners back to 1950s South Wales for a story of forbidden love, blending an unusual literary influence with a musical direction inspired by the period’s sounds. The song starts with Kenneth Martin’s 1957 novel “Aubade”, written when the author was just 16. David Lambert takes passages from the book and reshapes them using his trademark cut-up technique, turning the original text into a new narrative. It is an interesting way to approach songwriting, particularly when working with a piece of literature that carries its own history and character. Lambert describes reading the novel and rearranging its words as a joy, and that enthusiasm comes through in the single’s creative idea.
Sean South handles the composition, drawing inspiration from 1950s England and nodding to Benjamin Britten. The dueling pianos are a particularly interesting part of the arrangement, introducing tension that suits the story. This musical choice gives the release a strong connection to its period setting while allowing Wenallt Star to explore another direction in their work. What I enjoy most about this release is the unusual connection between an old novel and a new musical interpretation. It’s refreshing to see a band draw inspiration from literature and give an existing story new life. I also appreciate the dueling pianos, which add character to the arrangement and make the concept even more interesting.
Wenallt Star have always shown an interest in exploring different creative possibilities, and “A STRANGE GOODBYE” gives listeners another reason to pay attention to their work. As the third single leading up to their December vinyl album, it also offers a glimpse of what the collective has been working towards. If you haven’t discovered Wenallt Star yet, take time to explore their music, follow them on social media, and visit their official website to stay up to date on future releases. Give “A STRANGE GOODBYE” a listen, share it with someone who enjoys discovering independent artists, and make sure to add it to your playlist. Keep an eye on their upcoming album, especially since another single is still expected before it arrives.
