Gruff Rhys :: Dim Probs

As breezily inviting as the flying carpet ride that the cover’s marker sketch would convey, the ninth record from Gruff Rhys breathes easily between acoustic strummers and orchestral, electro-acoustic rhythms. The fourth long player sung in the musician’s native Welsh and joined by veteran collaborators Cate Le Bon and H. Hawkline on backing vocals, Dim Probs utilizes the Rhys playbook in crafting shambolic pop songs that serve as an antidote for inherently grim overtones.

The Lagniappe Sessions :: Gruff Rhys

A swirling amalgamation of Syd Barrett psychedelia, contemporary UK indie and the pop instincts of Brian Wilson, I recall having to inquire as to the definition of “sui generis” when reading a feature on the Welsh group Super Furry Animals in the mid-90s. A descriptor which holds true today.

Beginning in 2005, with the all-Welsh language Yr Atal Genhedlaeth, SFA’s Gruff Rhys has been releasing a steady stream of solo output since. Spanning myriad means of modality, language and approach, Friday sees the release of the artist’s seventh lp, Pang!. For this installment of the Lagniappe Sessions, Rhys tucks into Jenny Sorrenti, the ever-potent Kevin Ayers and the incredibly underrated Boston group, Cardinal.