Event Description
Hanterhir is a unique Cornish band known for blending folk-rock with psychedelic and progressive elements, creating an evocative soundscape deeply rooted in the culture and history of Cornwall. The band’s name, “Hanterhir,” translates from Cornish as “long summer” or “longest day,” an apt name reflecting both their music’s warm intensity and their ties to the land and culture of Cornwall. Formed in Redruth, a historic mining town, Hanterhir brings Cornwall’s folklore, landscapes, and heritage to life through songs filled with lyrical mysticism and vibrant, immersive instrumentation.
The band combines a variety of genres—folk, punk, post-rock, and even Celtic and jazz influences—to forge a sound that’s entirely their own. This fusion is showcased most vividly in their ambitious 2018 double album, *The Saving of Cadan*, a narrative journey that combines English and Cornish lyrics, telling a haunting tale of love, loss, and redemption that unfolds across rugged landscapes. The album’s expansive, almost cinematic approach underscores Hanterhir’s talent for creating mood and atmosphere, using an eclectic blend of instruments like flute, violin, and saxophone, alongside the more typical guitar, bass, and drums.
The band’s sound is often described as atmospheric and haunting, with a particular knack for storytelling. Through melodies that reflect both Cornwall’s beauty and its harsh realities, Hanterhir connects with listeners on both an emotional and cultural level. Their live performances, known for their energy and intensity, bring audiences into the band’s immersive soundworld, where one can feel the elemental forces of the Cornish landscape: the mist, the ocean, and the ancient stones.
Hanterhir continues to stand out in the UK music scene for their passionate commitment to Cornwall’s heritage and a progressive approach to folk rock, providing a fresh take on what it means to be both modern and traditional. Their music resonates strongly with audiences not only for its originality but also for its deeply authentic sense of place and identity.