The ever-prolific, iconic Gruff Rhys has been at it again, using his precious downtime between Super Furry Animals tours to record a charming solo album with as many vocal surprises as there are instrumental variations and genre-crossings. With songs ranging from retro to futuristic, three-minute pop gems to expansive soundscapes, it seems Rhys’ imagination suffers no limitations. Mid-century Welsh pop, acid-folk and prog influences weave their way into many tracks, especially on the sweet and windswept, Morricone-esque “Lonesome Words”.  Another favorite is the loopy, chant-like “Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru” in Welsh (which I remember from one of Gruff’s rare NYC solo shows). As a finale, the 13-minute bomb tale ballad “Skylon”, hypnotic and quietly harrowing, is something only Gruff Rhys could pull off so confidently. –Madeline Virbasius-Walsh

Related Posts