Lee’s Listening Stack – Gruff Rhys – ‘Hotel Shampoo’
Gruff Rhys
Hotel Shampoo
Wichita Recordings
Best known as the leader of the oft-times eccentric Welsh outfit Super Furry Animals, Gruff Rhys makes the case that he’s equally ambitious on his own. Three albums into a prolific solo career, Rhys offers up his most effusive and expressive effort yet, one that owes much to his day job’s over- the-top invention, as well as to his own ingenuity. With a generous fifteen tracks on tap, Rhys never falters, keeping the energy and exhilaration at a peak throughout. Exotic intent is at the top of his priorities, be it 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),” or the kinetic mariachi style melody that grips ”Sensations in the Dark.” Granted, Rhys tends to venture towards overt extravagance on more than one occasion and the exceedingly meticulous arrangements occasionally threaten to overwhelm the melodies and with them, an unsuspecting listener as well. Regardless, the material reflects a penchant for cheery Brit pop and the sort of sweet ear candy that maintains ongoing inducement, as evidenced from the first songs on. That’s all the more reason to linger, pay extra attention and give subsequent listens in order to absorb it all. Rhys has earned notice as a genuine auteur, an emboldened artist who’s always capable of holding his own whether in the company of others or on his own. Consequently, Hotel Shampoo is one to relish, an effervescent effort that’s well worth the time it takes to soak in all in. – Lee Zimmerman
Lee Zimmerman is a contributor to a variety of publications, including Blurt, M Music & Musicians, New Times, Goldmine and Amplifier
This review appears courtesy of Amplifier, 50,000 Watts of Non-Stop Indie Rock http://amplifiermagazine.blogspot.com/