Gruff Rhys
(Wichita Recordings)
Despite a day job that finds him helming the supremely eccentric Super Furry Animals, Gruff Rhys shows that in his off time, he's equally ambitious on his own. With three solo albums under his belt, Hotel Shampoo finds Rhys offering up his most effusive effort yet, one that liberally borrows the Furrys' penchant for invention and ingenuity.
Throughout each of its fifteen tracks, this Welshman never falters, keeping the energy at a high mark throughout. Exotic intent predominates, in the tropical haze of "Shark Ridden Waters," the sumptuous strings and breezy sway of "Vitamin K," the distinctly Eastern accent of "Follow the Sunflower Trail (Theme Tune for a National Strike)," and the merry mariachi melody accentuating "Sensations in the Dark." Notably then, Rhys often leans towards extravagance and sometimes the exceedingly meticulous arrangements actually threaten to undermine the melodies. Fortunately, the material finds favor in its cheery Britpop and the inducement of ear candy that's as entertaining as it is extravagant. That offers ample reason to pay extra attention and succumb to repeated listens in order to reap the full benefit of his ingenuity. An accomplished genuine auteur, this emboldened artist proves he's capable of holding his own, even in comparison to other oddballs and mad caps, Syd Barrett and Brian Wilson included. Suffice it to say, Hotel Shampoo deserves all the time it takes to soak it all in.
DOWNLOAD: "Shark Ridden Waters," "Vitamin K," "Sensations in the Dark" LEE ZIMMERMAN
