Welsh musician Gruff ab Arwel, who performs under the name Bitw, has released his new single “Gaddo Glaw”, the first track from his upcoming album of the same name.
Released digitally on August 28, 2026, “Gaddo Glaw” offers an early glimpse into Bitw’s latest musical project. The full album, also titled Gaddo Glaw, is scheduled for release on October 30 via Klep Dim Trep.
Based in Caernarfon, North Wales, Bitw is the solo project of Gruff ab Arwel, a committed DIY musician who has built his work largely on his own terms. His music sits somewhere in the world of lo-fi art pop, combining thoughtful themes with a sense of humour and self-awareness.
Gaddo Glaw is described as Bitw’s most homemade and cost-effective album so far. Much of the record was created by Gruff himself using a borrowed Portastudio, with the project shaped by both creative independence and a steady stream of bad news.
The album is also Bitw’s first release entirely in the Welsh language. Its songs explore some of the biggest concerns facing the world today, including geopolitical conflict, the climate crisis and the growing feeling that everything may be slowly falling apart.
However, despite its serious and often bleak themes, Gaddo Glaw is not without warmth. Rather than searching for simple answers or an obvious sense of hope, the album appears to find some peace in accepting uncertainty. At its heart, love remains one of the few things worth holding onto.
The title track, “Gaddo Glaw”, introduces these ideas in just over three minutes. While the song has an upbeat energy, its message carries a darker undertone. Stuttering rhythms create a feeling of instability, while an eerie, almost lifeless choir accompanies Gruff’s calm and resigned vocal delivery.
The contrast between accessible pop sounds and unsettling subject matter gives the single its distinctive character. It is an introduction to an album that appears ready to confront difficult realities without losing its sense of personality.
The single is also accompanied by “Dan Ddylanwad”, an hour-long track that takes Bitw in a very different direction and, according to the artist’s own description, may test the patience of even his most dedicated listeners.
With Gaddo Glaw, Bitw continues to follow his own creative path. The upcoming album promises a collection of songs that may look at a troubled world, but still find room for warmth, humour and human connection.
“Gaddo Glaw” is out now on digital platforms, while the full album arrives on October 30, 2026, via Klep Dim Trep.
You can connect with Bitw through Instagram @bitwbitwbitw, YouTube @bitwbitwbitw, and Spotify
