Gruff Rhys- Candylion

Gruff Rhys is a man of many flavours. If he isn't out rocking in a yeti costume with Super Furry Animals he's nurturing Welsh music, so it comes to no surprise that when it was announced Super Furry Animals were taking a break before their second album Rhys chose the time to create 'Candylion'. His second solo venture, it seems no album has lived up to its title like 'Candylion'. Complete with sugar coated artwork theres no doubt this album is all sugar and spice.

Strangely though it opens with the spaced out 'This is the Beginning' which sounds similar to something you are more likely to find on an 80s computer game than an indie rock record as Rhys half sings, half mumbles "this is the beginning, this is not a song" which effortlessly falls into the title track as you follow the cutesy xylophone melodies through the lion's fairytale story.
Yet it is the acoustic guitar which features heavily during this album. 'Lonsome Words' and 'Cycle of Violence' are fused together with a weave of guitar fragmented chords, where 'Con Carino' sounds almost folk influenced as Rhys' soft voice provides soothing listening. Though this blends perfectly with the upbeat passing of 'Gyrru Gyrru Gyrru' (Drive Drive Drive) which is the highlight of the album followed by more stirring tracks where for the first time we hear electric guitars, but ultimately this album is an easy listen.

Rambling along Rhys shows his age, but that doesn't mean this album is a disappointment, far from it. Its a joy to listen to and the combination of Rhys and Lisa Jen's vocals makes beautiful blends and melodies, while the whole album breezes by with its creation appearing effortless making 'Candylion' another string to Gruff Rhys' bow.