Gruff Rhys Performs At The Speakers’ Corner Stage – WOMADelaide Review

Speakers’ Corner Stage, WOMADelaide, Sat Mar 7 Gruff Rhys, hidden under his hat, hunched over his acoustic guitar, bathed in purple light, is something to behold. As day turns to night, his blend of musical boundary-pushing, story-telling and incredible talent is proving eminently agreeable for those lucky enough to be in attendance. Rhys is playing songs from his latest album (and film), American Interior, a concept album based on the life of 18th century Welsh explorer John Evans. Between songs, he tells rambling tales of Evans’ adventures in North America, searching for the lost Welsh Tribe, the link between “Don Juan Evans” and Easy Rider – it’s hard to separate fact from fiction, but who cares? Rhys uses a range of aural accoutrements to augment his sound: guitar effects, metronome, Casio-style drum machines, various keyboard effects and more. This creates an unorthodox soundscape that transcends the sum of the parts; it’s a feast. The songs are beautiful; melodic, rhythmic, layered, always interesting. Rhys’ voice soars while his guitar playing moves from style to style to suit the mood of the music. He sets the record for the most key changes in a song. Ever. Or so he tells the audience members. His props, including “Applause” cards and a Jurassic Park-style re-creation of Evans, only add to the understated, good-natured irreverence. All too soon, though, Rhys says goodbye and vacates the stage while the loops of his last song fade into the ether. David Robinson Image courtesy of David Robinson