Secret Garden Gathering’s 'Is-Y-Deri' Is A Masterful EP That Will Captivate You With Its Heartfelt, Hypnotic Soundscapes
- STAFF
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
By: Staff
Feel the raw, emotional depth of Secret Garden Gathering’s Is-Y-Deri, an unforgettable live EP brimming with passion.
We found the exciting artist Secret Garden Gathering and their latest release, the EP Is-Y-Deri, and the story behind it immediately sparked our curiosity, so we dove right in.
Returning after a 12-year hiatus, the group reunited in North Wales beneath a canopy of oak trees to capture a special live session. The EP title, Is-Y-Deri, translates to “beneath the oaks” in Welsh, perfectly setting the tone for what feels like a deeply analog and heartfelt reconnection with nature, music, and each other. The choice of location wasn’t just symbolic; it’s baked into the sound, texture, and spirit of this beautifully executed project.
We started off with the track "Talking Numb3rs (Live)", and the vibrant energy was immediate. Jay’s high-energy drumming kicks things off with a rhythmic jolt, while Dave and Adam layered in soft chiming guitars that swiftly built into a full, immersive sonic wave.
Darren locked it all down with a bassline that’s both grounding and flowing, while Matthew’s twinkling keys floated across the top like a breeze through the trees. The band’s cohesion is clear from the very first notes, and it only deepens as the track evolves.
Then came the moment Lorna stepped in on vocals, and the entire performance elevated into something truly intimate. Her voice is delicate and warm, yet filled with sustained emotional pull that wraps around you. Lorna sings like she’s right there next to you, under the canopy, effortlessly mixing control with rawness. It’s both soothing and stirring, perfectly balanced against the group’s dynamic instrumental push. What also stood out was how her vocal delivery shifted throughout the song, at times prominent, at other moments fading gently into the backdrop. The production here leaned into that natural ebb and flow, and the result was hypnotic, emotional, and completely transporting.
Next up was "[From] The Shire [with Love] (Live)", and again we were struck by the band’s ability to shift tone while holding onto their signature cohesiveness. The chiming and resonant guitar tones from Adam and Dave glistened across the soundscape, while Jay took a slightly softer percussive route, allowing Lorna's vocals to rise to the forefront. There’s a jazzy undertone here, freeform, flowing, like the band is conversing rather than reciting. You can really feel the chemistry as layered background vocals wash through the song, creating a lush and full atmosphere.
Midway through, the band lets the instruments take the spotlight in an unexpected interlude, highlighting their jazz influences before the rock elements surge forward with momentum. Each band member seemed to have their own moment, a kind of subtle solo, that together formed a collective crescendo. That kind of interplay only comes from a group deeply in sync, and it was on full display here.
"You are the Darkness after my Dawn (Live)" closed out our preview of Is-Y-Deri, and by this point, it became impossible to pick a favorite. This track moved like ocean tides, a steady rhythmic pulse that rose and fell with an almost meditative power. The song envelops you in warmth, and Lorna’s vocal work is nothing short of captivating. Her tone sweeps wide, one moment a soft lullaby, the next a powerful, soaring cry, and when the guitars come roaring in with a gritty edge, it creates this euphoric rush. There’s a slight grunge flavor blended with orchestral intensity here that felt cinematic and emotional all at once.
After experiencing Is-Y-Deri, we’re completely convinced that Secret Garden Gathering is a band with an unmistakable voice and vision. Every member, Lorna, Dave, Adam, Matthew, Jay, and Darren, has clearly come back stronger than ever, either sharpening their craft during the break or simply letting their chemistry mature naturally over time. What they’ve captured here is more than a return; it’s a reawakening. Their sound fuses jazz, grunge, indie, and folk-rock into something beautifully distinct, and the result is a performance that’s as tight as it is freeing.
We strongly recommend Secret Garden Gathering and this stunning new release.
Is-Y-Deri by Secret Garden Gathering takes you on an exhilarating, soul-stirring journey you won’t forget.
Liverpool’s own Secret Garden Gathering have always carved out a sound that sits comfortably outside the lines, and their return in 2025 shows they’ve only deepened that identity. Their music leans into organic connection—between nature, sound, and spirit—and their choice to record live beneath oak trees speaks volumes about their approach. This is a band that favors real-time interaction over perfection, emotional authenticity over polish, and it shows in every layered harmony and heartfelt lyric they share.
We're so excited to have found and can’t wait to hear more from the endlessly compelling Secret Garden Gathering!
Don’t miss out—stream, share, and playlist Is-Y-Deri by Secret Garden Gathering now!
