Super Furry Animals - 'Rings Around The World' (Epic)
4/5
By: Toby L
Following the band's last all-in-Welsh LP, 'Mwng'... Well, how can you follow it?
The Super Furries have had a rich and varied recording career. The most prolific of their contemporaries by far - they've released one album every year since their debut in 1996 - their work is still able to display a quality and knack for melody and experimentation unmatched by anyone that's currently knocking about the scene. However, it was with 2000's last release - the pre-mentioned 'Mwng' - which really captivated an audience and critics alike, allowing the band to notch up a top-20 chart position. The only way to top its low recording budget was to get overblown and big; luckily, what with their release from Creation Records following its demise, SFA were snapped up by Sony Music, thus enabling the larger than life cashflow they needed to create this, 'Rings Around The World'.
Being the first album to come out on DVD, it has thirteen tracks that feature accompanying video-movies made by different directors. However, what rockfeedback is looking to uncover here, is how the record stands up just by itself...
And - damn - they've done it again. Of course, it's brilliant. It has to be. They haven't made one rubbish record yet. Although the playful pop aspect of their earlier material is not as forthcoming in its presence - apart from the title track and Paul McCartney's celery-munching provided within 'Receptacle For The Respectacle' - this is made up for in their dosage of high pedigree electronica and country-tinged rock.
Their finest instrumental yet - '(A) Touch Sensitive' - is also included on the track-listing of 'Rings...', combining their freakiest fusion of synths and percussion yet, whilst some tracks just descend into techno madness - recalling 'Mountain People' on 1997's 'Radiator'. However, a large chunk of material is more downbeat than the norm for a long-player, with the plush arrangements and wiry production of 'Juxtapozed With U' and the blasphemous 'Run! Christian! Run!' reigning perhaps the highlights of the album.
Diverse and as weird as ever, perhaps the best way to listen to this is with as open a mind as your ears are open - and enjoy the aural splendours that the SFA have once again come up with... At least until they next recreate the sonic supremacy of this fine outlet of their work.
Artists in this article: Super Furry Animals
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