Catchy Welsh Lo-fi.

The ninth solo album, and third album entirely in Welsh, for Gruff Rhys, Dim Probs brings a chill lo-fi vibe. This album is the perfect backdrop for a late brunch or a lazy evening. The blend of bright lo-fi influence with Rhys’s rougher, acoustic guitar makes this album a compelling listen.

The first song, “Pan ddaw’r Haul i Fore,” opens the album with a cheery whimsical tune, followed by Gruff Rhys’s gentle voice singing in Welsh. This song, the title of which translates to: “when the sun comes to morning,” has a guitar that follows a sprightly melody, which certainly evokes that feeling of a bright morning, the day just beginning to break open. The backing vocals, performed by Cate Le Bon and H. Hawkline, meld gently with Rhys’s as they echo his phrases.

The second song begins to pick up the tempo, rhythmically repeating the title, “Cân i’r Cymylau,” before it jumps into the next song, “Saf ar Dy Sedd.” This song begins to really drive the album forward. It jumps between Rhys and a synthesizer, almost like a call-and-response. This rising action continues as  “Taro #1 +#2” brings out the saxophone. Rhys also includes a recitative section, his deep voice sharply contrasting the high phrases from the sax as he digs through the music. His clear diction of the Welsh is notably present throughout the entire number.

The eighth track of the album is the title song, which translates to “No Prob” in English. This song does feel like some sort of apologetic admittance as it follows “Cyflafan,” or “Massacare.” “Cyflafan” is much darker, almost funk, with its catchy mix of Rhys’s staccato chanting, intense guitar and bright synth notes. In contrast, “Dim Probs” begins with a slower beat and sweet woodwind phrases, before Gruff Rhys starts singing gently, in a way far more reminiscent of the opening number than the one this song follows.

The final two songs build up a sorrowful yet anticipatory ending for Dim Probs that leaves the listener ready to hit repeat. The short instrumental of “Slaw,” full of quick guitar finger picking, adds some jazzy synth as it ends, leading into the deep aching vocals of “Acw.” “Acw,” one of the longer songs in this album, is full of lifting phrases, inviting the listener along as drums build. The saxophone again jumps out, adding jazzier influences to the tune, particularly as the song goes on. The later half of this number is a long instrumental break, the only vocals coming from the saxophone’s reed.

This album builds a rich story through both contrast and repetition in its musical refrains. Rhys’s rich vocals display range, from the soft sweetness of “Pan ddaw’r Haul i Fore” to the peppy “Chwyn Chwyldroadol!”  The mix of instruments on this album make it fun, while the vocals provide depth and meaning.