PERERIN, meaning "Piligrim" in Welsh, is to Wales what RUNRIG has been to Scotland, only more so. They perform traditional and traditionally inspired original material that combines spiritual and romantic themes with a strong helping of Nationalistic pride and a desire to preserve their own unique culture. They sang only in Welsh, and even English sleeve notes are even hard to find. Their original LPs command a high price, but recent CD reissues have guaranteed their accessibility and their legacy.
Pererin evolved from a more overtly progressive rock group named BRAN that released three albums between 1975 and 1978, to release three of their own from 1980 to 1982. While PERERIN emphasized the folk element, they were no less progressive, thanks to thoughtful arrangements that featured plenty of mellotron and mildly acidic electric guitar, imaginative percussion, ambitious song structures, and various mood shifts. The variety of styles explored was impressive, from very traditional to symphonic to country flavoured to just plain eclectic, so unless you have a real aversion to folk or non-English songs, you will find something to like among Pererin's rich if abbreviated legacy.
Their first 2 discs seem to be equally revered, and are also of most interest to progressive fans. Supposedly, a 4th album was released on cassette only but is nearly impossible to find information about, let alone obtain a copy.
