Neon Neon - I Told Her On Alderaan
[Lex Records]

Though Gruff Rhys’ numerous side projects are not renowned for their conventional qualities, Neon Neon is a notable departure from guitars and patriotic Welsh numbers.

However, this is no bad thing, and no doubt the intention of genre chameleon Rhys, teeming up with LA producer, Boom Bip, to make a ‘bonkers disco record’.

Drawing on the American dream lifestyle of millionaire carmaker and womaniser, John DeLorean, for inspiration, Neon Neon have come up with a track drenched with rambling guitar grinds and eighties synths which wouldn’t sound out of place opening a dodgy eighties sitcom.

B Side-‘Trick For Treat’ is yet more attention-grabbing, cranking up the dance vibe with a heady mixture of rap, buzzy electronica, high-pitched vocals and striding beats.

Rhys constant thirst for experimentation makes him an admirable candidate for demolishing boundaries, stepping from Wales into LA and from minimalist indie into dance and electro.

Even if the satisfyingly bizarre splices of ‘I Told Her on Alderaan’, does not sate their usual audience, Rhys and Mr. Bip have certainly earned their badges for effort and ostentation.