AOTW -- Wych Elm

Posted on Monday 21st February 2022 at 16:00

Grungy gang Wych Elm are the Bristol based band currently occupying cult status, thanks to their wonderfully strange songs inspired by the grim and the goth.

Following the release of their second EP Rabbit Wench, they announce a Spring 2022 tour, tickets on sale with Gigantic HERE.

“I really like folklore. I just feel connected to these disgusting, horrible stories. I can’t ignore them.” – Caitlin Elliman

Formed in 2017 to play a Halloween show, Wytch Elm draw influence from PIXIES, PJ Harvey, Nirvana and 90’s alt rock/grunge – taking a scuzzed up sound and combining it with lyrics inspired by the dark myths and the macabre.

“Death is something I think about a lot, so it comes up in the lyrics. I know it sounds so weird, but I think I was eight years old when I found dead birds in my grandmother’s garden and being like “why are they dead?” Then my mum said that the weak ones get pushed out of the nest. It’s stories like that, or stories about how parents can kill their children; how the human mind works, in a way – I find it all really awesome and inspiring. Lots of people find it disrespectful, but there are people who can appreciate it as an art form and see it as that.” – Caitlin Elliman

Entering the studio, the band created acclaimed debut EP Rat Blanket whose seven songs ranged from idiosyncratic indie pop to twisted folk rock tracks and bursts of rage. It secured them prominent support slots with the likes of Lice, Black Honey, Hotel Lux plus Snail Mail, and saw them make appearances at such esteemed festivals as 2000trees, Green Man and Truck Festival.

In 2021, Wych Elm released second EP Rabbit Wench, which has once again revealed their dark allure. Last year also saw them hit the festival circuit once again, impressing new fans at Dot To Dot, held at both their hometown and Nottingham plus the inaugural Wide Eyed in Leicester before playing support for non-other than fellow Bristolian positive punks IDLES – their biggest show to date!

Now, Wych Elm announce their very own headline tour (see dates below) and are expected to be featuring at the best festivals again this summer.