Gruff Rhys

Whilst this aural spectacle is far grander in scale & sonic opulence than recent outings, that same “Gruff-y” knack for populating his songs with inextricable, latching hooks still glows white-hot in every sumptuous string & heavenly piano key on this majestic wonderland of a record. In a career that has taken him from the slate-mining towns of north-west Wales, down to the expat communities of Patagonia, up to the Mandan tribe of the Great Plains of North America and across to the Tuareg rock groups of the Saharan Desert, Gruff Rhys has always been willing to follow an opportunity, wherever it may lead him. “As I'm around 25 albums in I’m always looking for ways to make a different-sounding record”.

This collection of heady wonders, classic pop sounds & sweet melodies is anchored by just enough necessary melancholy to add emotional ballast. With backing vocals added by This Is The Kit’s Kate Stables, this feels like our beloved Super Furry Animal’s most accomplished & beautiful record to date.

FFO: The Beach Boys / B.C. Camplight / C. Duncan / Hamish Hawk / Steve Mason / Teenage Fanclub