London-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Re Teu shares the intimate, gentle new single ‘St. Brendan’. Taken from the upcoming EP Voyages, the track captures the blend of Bon Iver and The National-esque instrumentation which their unique, instantly recognisable, deep and heartfelt vocal.
Arriving on May 22nd, ‘St. Brendan’ marks the second glimpse into the project, and finds Re Teu leaning further into his signature blend of folk-rooted songwriting and expansive, immersive production. Built around gently plucked acoustic guitar and his unmistakably deep, resonant vocal tone, the track gradually opens into something far more cinematic. Airy keys drift in and out of focus, restrained percussion subtly pushes the momentum forward, and by its final stretch, layered harmonies and shimmering synthesisers bloom into an ethereal, enveloping soundscape.
It is a patient build, but one that rewards close listening, with each new layer feeling less like an addition and more like an unfolding horizon.
In his own words, Emric John-Sawyer describes the song’s long emotional gestation:
“I wrote this song in 2017 about leaving someone you love because of time and place. It was then brought back to life in 2024 after feeling comfortable enough to share the story. A story of letting go of something you want for the good of all involved, St. Brendan is titled after the saint of the seas to watch over people making a voyage across unsure waters, trusting the tide to take them through. This is a single for an upcoming EP titled Voyages and a headline show in London to accompany.”
Originally launched as a solo project while studying in Nottingham, Re Teu’s work has steadily expanded through collaboration, though it remains anchored in an intimate, introspective core. That balance between solitude and shared sound is increasingly central to his identity as an artist.
Over the years, he has built a strong live reputation, including sold-out shows at The Grace, alongside appearances at venues such as Rescue Rooms and Rough Trade Nottingham. Festival slots at Splendour, Dot To Dot, Hockley Hustle, and Beat the Streets have further cemented his growing presence on the UK circuit.
With Voyages, Re Teu appears to be entering a new phase, defined not by departure alone, but by the emotional mapping of what it means to move forward.
Listen below:
