More about: Gruff Rhys

In his newest project Seeking New Gods, Gruff Rhys tackles one of his most difficult subject matters yet: all of human existence. Mount Paektu takes centre stage for this new project and Gruff uses it - all of the stories, cultures and mythology that surround it - as well as personal experiences drawn from the mountain, to create a slow-moving, atmospheric and awe-inspiring LP. 

Seeking New Gods is an anomaly from start to finish. In a recent interview with Gigwise, Rhys discussed how he liked the idea of making a much more constant album than he usually does. Commenting on his eclectic recording style, he mentioned how he relished the fact this album has a much more consistent feel to it, and whilst that’s the case, it’s also, at times, not.

This LP does remain very similar in tone throughout, which makes it a treat to listen to. Gruff’s use of harmony and melody, paired with sweet sounding chord progressions played on pianos, guitars and synths makes the whole thing joyous. And whilst there is an element of repetition there, one that sets a tone for the album, it doesn’t come across in a boring way. 

A lot of artists, when they set out with the intention to achieve a consistent tone in an album, wind up making the same song eight times and sticking it on a vinyl. Seeking New Gods doesn’t do that. It wears its Beach Boys, Miles Davies and Prince influences on its sleeve as its consistent tone is undercut with face-melting solos, gorgeous lyrics and even free jazz. 

Listen to ‘The Holiest of Holymen’ and compare that with ‘The Keep’, if no context was given, you’d still absolutely be able to tell that these two tracks were part of the same LP and yet, they couldn’t be more different. 

The album is lovely throughout. Plain and simple. ‘Can’t Carry On’ sounds like it could be the closing song for Ken Loach’s Sorry We Missed You - if it had a happy ending. ‘Loan Your Lonliness’, with its structured improvisation lends the track the same bounce you get in dated jazz cassettes. The LP is so separate and yet stitched together with an overriding consistency. It all runs parallel to how despite how much the world changes and humans evolve, mountains hardly alter. A great album.

Seeking New Gods arrives 21 May via Rough Trade Records.

More about: Gruff Rhys