Bryony Dunn and the Forest are a band worth attention, making music that continues the rich tradition of British folk songs while also tapping in to harmony-rich, country sounds of the unassailable Laurel Canyon scene of the 60s and 70s.
Fronted by sisters Bryony and Gina Dunn, alongside childhood friend Jake Andrews (guitar), Emma Taylor (drums) and Cat Lawler (bass), Bryony Dunn and the Forest have built a powerful live presence over the past few years, playing festivals most weekends this summer and recently selling out The Lexington in London.
Inspired by the natural world and mythology, their music provides them an escape from the cityscape of their everyday lives. Taking the listener on something of a journey, the band liken their songs to a river that “flows over rocky friendships and cascades into pools of love before eddying at the anxieties of modern life.”
In line for a stellar 2026, they’ve signed to Dalliance Recordings (lilo, Francis of Delirium, Gia Margaret, Rowena Wise) for their debut EP, Soft As Ash. In the main, the EP was produced by the band and recorded in a converted Welsh chapel on analogue equipment to help them capture the closest version of their live show. A follow-up session with rising producer Joey Walker (whose recent credits include Lia Marie Johnson, Liang Lawrence and Isaac Levi), added the widescreen singles ‘Forevergreen’ and ‘She Is All Around’.
The resultant EP is a triumph, endlessly pulling at heartstrings and raising a smile. Ash being in its title feels apt too, with the tree’s contrasting soft summer and hard winter bark a perfect metaphor.
