GRUFF RHYS – CANDYLION (2007)Ever the non-conformist, Gruff Rhys plans on releasing two albums during 2007. First off, his own flight of fancy and sophomore solo release “Candylion” arrives, and later this year an as yet un-titled Super Furry Animals collection. Rhys’ creative juices are obviously flowing vigourously, further encouraged by a new deal with Rough Trade and a promise that the new SFA album will be a wild, speaker exploding experience. If that is the case, then “Candylion” is the polar opposite, a Psychedelic Pop experience that benefits from sweet melodies, charmed Celtic whimsy, clashing genre changes and overall a wholly better experience than his all Welsh sung half baked debut, “Yr Atal Genhedlaeth”.Kicking off with the childlike title track “Candylion”, one instantly gets the impression that Rhys is in his usual frivolous mood. It’s sparse yet still fully realized by textured instrumentation highlighting the simplicity of the tune. Bizarre kids stuff it may be, and maybe Rhys is looking to grab the fans early as this is followed by the mythological “The Court Of King Arthur”, which sticks with you like the sword in the stone. The album was recorded in Wales and mixed in Brazil, which would explain the deliberate South American feel on the Spanish sung “Con Carino”. Welsh Pop music has never been so insistent and you’ll soon be singing along to “Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru”. If there is a reservation it’s that the styles shift too frequently, and the “Candylion” misses a couple of really memorable songs. That said it’s breathy, fun and genuine Gruff Rhys, and for many that’s just perfect.Although not the technicolour eccentric pomp of Super Furry Animals at their best, it’s an improvement on Rhys’ debut, and fills the gap whilst we await the next release.7/10"Candylion""Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru"
dragonhead says
I love Candylion. It's actually much better than the last SFA album. And that was excellent.
My 4 year old also loves the cover art. :)
Jammy Jeff says
Dragonhead,
Thanks for the comment. Yeah the album's a zillion times better than SFA's last, but IMHO it's not as strong as early SFA albums like "Fuzzy Logic" or "Radiator".
You and your little one should do your own version of "candylion". I'm sure it would be fun.
GRUFF RHYS – CANDYLION (2007)Ever the non-conformist, Gruff Rhys plans on releasing two albums during 2007. First off, his own flight of fancy and sophomore solo release “Candylion” arrives, and later this year an as yet un-titled Super Furry Animals collection. Rhys’ creative juices are obviously flowing vigourously, further encouraged by a new deal with Rough Trade and a promise that the new SFA album will be a wild, speaker exploding experience. If that is the case, then “Candylion” is the polar opposite, a Psychedelic Pop experience that benefits from sweet melodies, charmed Celtic whimsy, clashing genre changes and overall a wholly better experience than his all Welsh sung half baked debut, “Yr Atal Genhedlaeth”.Kicking off with the childlike title track “Candylion”, one instantly gets the impression that Rhys is in his usual frivolous mood. It’s sparse yet still fully realized by textured instrumentation highlighting the simplicity of the tune. Bizarre kids stuff it may be, and maybe Rhys is looking to grab the fans early as this is followed by the mythological “The Court Of King Arthur”, which sticks with you like the sword in the stone. The album was recorded in Wales and mixed in Brazil, which would explain the deliberate South American feel on the Spanish sung “Con Carino”. Welsh Pop music has never been so insistent and you’ll soon be singing along to “Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru”. If there is a reservation it’s that the styles shift too frequently, and the “Candylion” misses a couple of really memorable songs. That said it’s breathy, fun and genuine Gruff Rhys, and for many that’s just perfect.Although not the technicolour eccentric pomp of Super Furry Animals at their best, it’s an improvement on Rhys’ debut, and fills the gap whilst we await the next release.7/10"Candylion""Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru"
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