Lau

Lau is a pivotal trio in the 21st-century British folk revival, specifically within the 'progressive folk' movement. Formed in 2005, the group consists of Kris Drever, Martin Green, and Aidan O'Rourke, each a master of their respective instrument.

Their sound identity is defined by a rejection of standard 4/4 folk structures in favor of complex time signatures, polyrhythms, and the integration of electronic textures. This approach has earned them unprecedented critical acclaim, including multiple 'Best Group' wins at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Their career arc shows a steady progression from the high-energy acoustic interplay of 'Lightweights and Gentlemen' toward the more experimental, John Parish-produced 'Midnight and Closedown'. Culturally, they occupy a space between the traditional folk scene and the broader indie-experimental world, influencing a generation of musicians to look beyond genre boundaries. Their work is characterized by a high degree of technical proficiency that never sacrifices emotional resonance, making them a staple for both folk purists and avant-garde enthusiasts.