Seeking New Gods
| Seeking New Gods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 21 May 2021 | |||
| Recorded |
| |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Length | 42:14 | |||
| Label | Rough Trade | |||
| Producer | Gruff Rhys | |||
| Gruff Rhys chronology | ||||
| ||||
Seeking New Gods is the seventh studio album by Welsh musician Gruff Rhys, released on 21 May 2021 under Rough Trade Records. The album was inspired by Paektu Mountain, a volcano on the border of China and North Korea.[2] It received acclaim from critics, and reached number 10 on the UK Albums Chart.
Critical reception
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 85/100[2] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [3] |
| Clash | 7/10[4] |
| Mojo | [5] |
| MusicOMH |  [6] |
| Pitchfork | 7.6/10[7] |
| Uncut | 9/10[8] |
Seeking New Gods received a score of 85 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on 11 critics' reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[2] Uncut wrote, "here are nine songs that confidently mix Station to Station piano, Beach Boys harmonies, Kosmische guitar and even free jazz".[8] Mojo stated that "Rhys excels at holding anxiety and unease up to the light without becoming harsh; Seeking New Gods keeps that balance beautifully".[5]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Gruff Rhys.[1]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Mausoleum of My Former Self" | 4:53 |
| 2. | "Can't Carry On" | 3:37 |
| 3. | "Loan Your Loneliness" | 5:21 |
| 4. | "Seeking New Gods" | 5:10 |
| 5. | "Hiking in Lightning" | 3:24 |
| 6. | "Holiest of the Holy Men" | 4:42 |
| 7. | "The Keep" | 4:23 |
| 8. | "Everlasting Joy" | 5:10 |
| 9. | "Distant Snowy Peaks" | 5:34 |
| Total length: | 42:14 | |
Personnel
Credits are adapted from the CD liner notes.[1]
Musicians
- Gruff Rhys – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, synthesisers, Multibau, arrangement
- Kliph Scurlock – drums, arrangement
- Steve Black – bass, arrangement
- Osian Gwynedd – piano, synthesisers, arrangement
- Lisa Jên, Mirain Hâf – additional vocal harmonies and arrangements
- Gavin Fitzjohn – brass and arrangements
Technical and design
- Gruff Rhys – production
- Mario Caldato Jr. – mixing at Amor, Los Angeles
- Robert Carranza – mastering (except track 3)
- Jason Mitchell – mastering at Loud (3)
- Kliph Scurlock – file management, compiling, and final mastering at Stiwdio Leckwith, Cardiff
- Ali Chant – recording at Playpen, Bristol (1–2, 9)
- Jon Russo – recording at Rancho de la Luna, Joshua Tree, California (3–8)
- Llion Robertson – recording of additional vocal overdubs in Cardiff
- Mark James – art direction, design
Charts
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[9] | 8 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[10] | 10 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC)[11] | 3 |
References
- ^ a b c d Rhys, Gruff (2021). Seeking New Gods (CD liner notes). Rough Trade Records. RT0127CD.
- ^ a b c "Seeking New Gods by Gruff Rhys Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Gruff Rhys – Seeking New Gods Album Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Murray, Robin (20 May 2021). "Gruff Rhys – Seeking New Gods". Clash. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Gruff Rhys: Seeking New Gods". Mojo. June 2021. p. 83.
- ^ Hogwood, Ben (22 May 2021). "Gruff Rhys – Seeking New Gods | Album Reviews". MusicOMH. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Schonfeld, Zach (25 May 2021). "Gruff Rhys: Seeking New Gods Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Gruff Rhys: Seeking New Gods". Uncut. June 2021. p. 31.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 28/5/2021 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart on 28/5/2021 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart on 28/5/2021 – Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 January 2024.