A CWMBRAN-BORN MP has released an album inspired by his upbringing in Gwent, teaming up with a member of the Sex Pistols.
Kevin Brennan, MP for Cardiff West, has released the album, The Clown & The Cigarette Girl, featuring punk icon Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols, Rich Kids) on bass guitar and production by the Gerry Diver (Tom Robinson, David Holmes).
It also features one track, Believe, inspired by the Chartist Rising in Newport, which took place on November 4, 1839, and saw 22 protestors killed at the Westgate Hotel.
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Speaking about his inspiration behind the album, Mr Brennan said: “My music is strongly influenced by my background and upbringing in Gwent.
“My mother, Beryl, was a miner’s daughter from Nantyglo in the South Wales valleys and my Irish father, Michael, was born in West Cork.
“Growing up in Cwmbran my family household was full of music from both the Welsh and Irish traditions of my parents.
“The songs on this album focus strongly on story-telling, exploring themes of lost and innocence and lingering guilt through the eyes of the sibling, the lover, the friend, the poet, the fighter, the killer.
Here it is - my solo album - give it a listen - retweet it - let me know what you think and if you like it you can buy from Revolver Records https://t.co/k6YL0irPeQ
— Kevin Brennan MP (@KevinBrennanMP) October 28, 2021
“Several of the songs are based on real events such as the chartists marching to Newport in 1839 to the tragic last fight of Merthyr boxer Johnny Owen in 1980.
“The title track is inspired by the album’s cover image which shows a photo of me as child in Cwmbran with my sister and friends in a local fancy-dress competition.”
The album was recorded at Palestine Grove Studios in London and mastered by Hafod in Wales. It is available to buy and stream now.
Mr Brennan is also a member of parliamentary rock band MP4, who have helped to raise more than £1 million for charitable causes.
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