The next album from Super Furry Animals is more or less ready to go after the band spent 20 days in Rio De Janeiro completing the project with Brazilian producer Mario Caldato.
On the trip to Rio to finish mixing the album (the actual recording took place in Cataluna, Spain), the band's Gruff Rhys told NME:
"We loved the idea of returning to Rio. Last time we went there [to play with The Rapture and The White Stripes], our schedule was too tight, and we didn't have time to see the city".
This time, guided by Caldato, they saw some local gigs and also a football game at Maracana stadium.
On the album, Rhys says the new material has an "orchestral"
flavour". As yet untitled, it is due for release in May.
Meanwhile,
Rhys is about to start promotion on his debut solo album, 'Yr
Atal Genhedlaeth', which he is releasing through the band's own label Placid Casual. That includes a tour of Wales (with a stop off in Dublin) dates for which go like this:
8
Feb: Bethesda Ogwen Hall
9 Feb: Dublin Whelans
10 Feb: Colwyn Bay Theatr Colwyn
11 Feb: Harlech Theatr Ardudwy
12 Feb: Penarth Paget Rooms
13 Feb: Cardiff Sherman Theatre
14 Feb: Aberystwyth Theatr Y Weri