Welsh singer-songwriter Tom Emlyn has officially released his brand-new album, Passing Craze, today via Dirty Carrot Records. The project marks Emlyn’s sixth solo album in just four years and is now available digitally, on CD, and vinyl LP.
Based in Cardiff, Wales, Tom Emlyn has continued building a reputation for his prolific songwriting and genre-blending sound, drawing inspiration from psychedelic pop, Americana, folk, indie rock, and lo-fi production. Often compared to artists such as Elliott Smith, George Harrison, and Bob Dylan, Emlyn’s latest album explores themes of dreams, struggle, failure, and rebuilding through deeply personal storytelling.
The origins of Passing Craze began unexpectedly as a university project for producer Evan Collett, who studied music production at DBS in Bristol. Collett, who also plays alongside Emlyn in psychedelic garage rock band Rainyday Rainbow, approached the musician about revisiting old unreleased material for the project. Together, they uncovered forgotten demos, fragments, and songs dating back to Emlyn’s teenage years, eventually shaping them into a cohesive album.
Initial recording sessions took place in DBS studios using an analog desk, where the songs began with stripped-back acoustic guitar arrangements inspired by Elliott Smith’s layered style. Over time, the recordings evolved into a richer bedroom-pop sound featuring drums, harmonica, piano, trumpet, melodica, layered vocals, and experimental production techniques.
One of the album’s most distinctive elements came from a rediscovered Roland analog synthesizer from the 1970s that once belonged to Emlyn’s grandfather. The synth became central to the project’s sound and was used across nearly every track. Experimental production choices, including guitar sounds processed through synth circuits and VHS-style tape degradation effects, added a lo-fi psychedelic atmosphere to songs such as “Miss Understood,” “Your Dishes,” and “Burning the Candle.”
Over the years, Tom Emlyn has become a respected figure within the Welsh independent music scene. BBC Radio Wales presenter Adam Walton previously described him as a “peripatetic musical genius,” while Clash Magazine praised his charm and relentless touring schedule.
Alongside his solo work, Emlyn performs with Cardiff-based bands Rainyday Rainbow and Papa Jupe’s TC. He has also shared stages with major Welsh artists including Gruff Rhys, Charlotte Church, Gwenno, and The Levellers.
To support the release of Passing Craze, Tom Emlyn is also scheduled to perform across several festivals and venues throughout the UK in 2026, including dates in London, Bristol, Glasgow, and Wales.
Upcoming Live Dates 2026
May 23rd – Devauden festival
May 30th – Phyllis Maud, Newport
June 2nd – New Cross Inn, London
June 12th – The Foundry, Brecon
June 13th – Cafe Kino, Bristol
June 20th – Wynnstay, Machynlleth
June 26th – Stori Beers, Bala
June 27th – Kinning Park Complex, Glasgow
July 11th Gwyl Tyisha Festival, Llanelli
July 12th The Glad, London
August 1st – CWRW, Carmarthen
August 28th – Aberjazz, Fishguard
Listen to ‘Passing Craze’ Here
You can connect with Tom Emlyn through Bandcamp tomemlyn.bandcamp.com, Instagram @tomemlyn, and Facebook @TomEmlynmusic
