Gruff Rhys is no newcomer to the Welsh music scene. At 42 years old, he's had more than a few hits with the Super Furries, Ffa Coffi Pawb and numerous solo numbers. 'Hotel Shampoo' is no different, his third solo album that was released on February 14th.
'Hotel Shampoo' opens with the catchy single 'Shark Ridden Waters'. Released as a free download via his own The Gruffington Post, it sets a mysterious and somewhat exotic tone for the rest of the album.
'Honey All Over' follows and after a few listens this quickly became a personal favourite of mine. Beginning with a drumming march it then grows into a perfect head-bobbing track, with Gruff's beauty of an accent shining through.
'Sensations in the Dark' continues with the catchy/smiley/typical Gruff Rhys themes and is the song you can dance around to whilst probably not understanding quite what's going on. The perfect song to get lost to, despite being only 2 minutes 40 seconds long.
The next track, 'Vitamin K', definitely transfers us into the world of Gruff Rhys where music and obscure lyrics go hand in hand. The futuristic yet somehow classic music here, paired with adorable lyrics makes this one of the strongest tracks on the record. 'Take a Sentence' stood out as another favourite. This laid back number may not build up much momentum but it works somehow with Rhys' voice on stunning form throughout.
The sixth track is 'Conservation Conversation', possibly the least Gruff Rhys-like song in terms of music here, until maybe the last stretch. Lyrically, it ticks all the right boxes for a Gruff Rhys classic and stands out as a strong song. 'Sophie Softly' is the shortest song on 'Hotel Shampoo', clocking in at 2 minutes 9 seconds. In that short space of time, Rhys manages to include all the ingredients for a perfect feel-good summery song that shines above others.
'Christopher Columbus' is a lively techno/ska hybrid that tells the tale of a relationship breakdown while reverting to some Mayan civilisation. Strangely, it works.
'Space Dust 2' is a duet with El Perro del Mar's sole member Sarah Assbring that tells of a pair meeting a science seminar. The romance, however is short lived: She says "You upped and left without warning" to which he replies innocently "I had to work in the morning." Wonderfully written and one of the most beautiful on the album.
I wouldn't put Gruff Rhys down for much of a love-song writer but with 'At the Heart of Love' you can't help feel that's what he's going for. With a strings sections present throughout the verses and a drum roll on the chorus, this could be a grower. 'Patterns of Power' sounds similar to the previous song but carries a much stronger message. This is one of the stronger songs, with help from a saxophone and powerful lyrics. 'If We Were Words (We Would Rhyme)' is another favourite of mine (can you see a pattern forming yet?). Definitely a toss up between this and 'Rubble Rubble' for the final song. 'IWWW(WWR)' is a cutesy song that left a lasting impression.
The closing track on 'Hotel Shampoo' is 'Rubble Rubble'. This song has a distant, honest sound and is a perfect ending. Think of it as the send-off as you check out of 'Hotel Shampoo'; No doubt you'll be back soon for some more!
Overall, 'Hotel Shampoo' is a success and indeed manages to put a smile on your face after each listen. Certainly one for the collection.
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'Honey All Over' follows and after a few listens this quickly became a personal favourite of mine. Beginning with a drumming march it then grows into a perfect head-bobbing track, with Gruff's beauty of an accent shining through.
