American Interior [Remastered & Expanded, Incl. 5 Bonus Tracks] (2014)

"The fourth solo album by former Super Furry Animal Gruff Rhys is inspired by the 18th-century explorer John Evans, who mapped the Missouri river in a vain search for a lost, Welsh-speaking American tribe. As well as this Evans-themed concept album, Rhys has made a film documenting his 2012 tour (gigs featured a PowerPoint presentation on the theme of Evans); a book – sorry, a 'psychedelic historical travelogue'; and for those who crave further 'immersion', an app. But all Rhys's extra-curricular multimedia has not distracted him from making an album full of wit, originality and indelible tunes, from the rumbling rockabilly of "100 Unread Messages", the Bette Davis Eyes-referencing "Lost Tribes" and the mournfully mesmerising title track. "American Interior" explores myth and adventure, the meaning of failure, nationhood and Rhys's own identity (he believes Evans was a distant ancestor). But its songs are not weighed down by the Evans concept, and are hugely enjoyable on their own merits." (The Guardian)