Attention was drawn to the topic of musicians’ touring methods during the summer, with Beyoncé supposedly opting for a private jet to reach her concert in Cardiff, while Coldplay’s Chris Martin chose a more environmentally friendly approach by taking the train to the same city a few weeks later.

Chris Roberts, from Cardiff, said, “We’re not at all suggesting that everyone should give up driving and walk to all their gigs because it has completely taken over our lives, but things like choosing more sustainable routes (should be considered).”

The guitar player said the 27-year-olds had discovered “how little stuff” they need to gig, each carrying a 15kg (33lb) bag. Seth, from Gloucestershire, said, “I’ve got kind of a medium-sized backpack and using an elaborate system of carabiners, my fiddle is strapped to the back of a bag, and I’ve also got the mic. Chris has got his sort of massive guitar, which has got various bag straps on the outside of it and clothes stuffed in with the guitar.”

In the diverse city of Birmingham, Seth and Chris convene to create harmonious melodies inspired by the rich folklore of their respective origins, Wales and Gloucestershire. Operating under the name Filkin’s Drift, this musical duo seamlessly merges traditional and modern elements, skillfully intertwining the sounds of the fiddle and guitar with their captivating vocal harmonies.

Their intricate interplay on the fretted instruments evokes a sense of ornate beauty reminiscent of the Baroque era, while their lively fiddle and guitar tunes ignite the passion of audiences throughout the United Kingdom.

In addition to performing alongside Filkin’s Drift, Chris Roberts embarks on tours alongside pop singer Tanita Tikaram, collaborates on composing lullabies with new parents, and conducts workshops in SEND schools.

Seth Bye, an accomplished violinist, composer, and educator, has graced the stages of prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Cecil Sharpe House. He has also been a part of renowned festivals like Boomtown, Greenman, and Shambala. In addition to his solo performances, Seth is a member of the highly acclaimed Balkan band, The Destroyers, who were recently featured on BBC 1 for their performance at the Commonwealth Games. He has also toured with Giffords Circus, showcasing his skills on the fiddle, banjo, and accordion.

Our new single How To Swim Down is out now, alongside an incredibly moving music video directed and animated by Boy Tillekens.

Watch here: https://t.co/L3xl29kMWJ” pic.twitter.com/HKciGko1rR

— Svalbard (@Svalbardband) August 15, 2023

“How To Swim Down” is the third single Svalbard have shared in anticipation of the album’s release, after previous sharing “Following Eternal Spirits” (a song written in tribute of ex-Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison) and “Faking It.” The song presents frontwoman Serena Cherry opting for a complete clean vocal performance and, for the first time, guitarist Liam Phelan featured on violin. The song represents a departure in sound for what the band are usually known for and offers a perfect glimpse into what The Weight Of The Mask has to offer.

Svalbard have also released a beautifully animated video created by Boy Tillkens to accompany the new single. Cherry has stated that the animation captures the emotions of the song delicately and is a moving creative piece to watch.

Speaking of the song, Cherry said, “this song is about the exquisite pain and sorrowful beauty of unrequited love. I think it’s the saddest, most heartbreaking song we’ve ever written. Lyrically, the starting point of the verse is about concealment of adoration, before the chorus gives way to realising and accepting a fate of loving someone quietly from afar.”

Never a band to shy away from challenging the parameters of their genre, Svalbard have nonetheless ventured into parts unknown with “How To Swim Down,” with Phelan taking a starring turn on violin for the first time in the band’s 12 year history. Cherry’s is also a notable performance on the song, as the singer decided to abandon the harsh screams for a more straight forward clean approach.

Cherry explains, “musically, ‘How To Swim Down’ saw us dive into uncharted waters with Liam adding many layers of mournful violin parts onto the track. Finally, violins-for the first time in Svalbard history! It feels so exciting to have new instruments on a song. Another first is that ‘How To Swim Down’ features only clean vocals, no screams….It’s a private, selfless love song, where only the listener knows of my heartache.”

Svalbard were formed in Bristol in 2011 and quickly made a name for themselves, blending the ferocity of hardcore and metal with existential reflections of black metal and shoe-gaze. The band will release The Weight Of The Mask on 6 October via Nuclear Blast Records and will feature on October’s Cult Of Luna’s Beyond The Redshift Festival. Tickets can be purchased here. Pre-orders of the new album can be found here.

Svalbard Tour:

13/10/2023 – Soulcrusher – Nijmegen, Netherlands
15/10 – Helios 37 – Cologne, Germany
16/10 – Urban Spree – Berlin, Germany
17/10 – Chemiefabrik – Dresden, Germany
18/10 – Stummsche Reithalle – Neunkirchen, Germany
19/10 – O’Sullivan’s Backstage by the Mill – Paris, France
21/10 – The Key Club – Leeds