Four members of Super Furry Animals have emerged as Das Koolies. Whether the project is a one-off, a laugh, or a signal of less Furries material in the near-future, one should still be advised this stuff is just as interesting and special as nearly anything the band proper has put out in the last 15 years or so. The players here -- clockwise from the top: Dafydd Ieuan, Cian Ciarán, Guto Pryce, amd Huw 'Bunf' Bunford -- are using this Strangetown Records release to blow minds, pop eardrums, and tickle the senses. On those terms, they've succeeded.
The single "It's All About The Dolphins" sounds, for lack of a better comparison, a bit like "Smokin'", that old SFA gem. The song sees the guitarist Bunford, keyboardist Ciaran, and drummer Ieuan sharing vocal duties and the overall effect is one that won't feel too dissimilar to long-time fans of these players. It's funky too, and there's the faintest vibe here that has a whiff of old dance-y Primal Scream about it too. I don't know if these Welsh fellas would cotton to that comparison but I think they might.
The flip-side here is 100% which, in its epic 11-minute form, is absolutely beautiful. I *think* Guto might be on lead vocals but I really can't tell, as the cut sounds a bit like material that Cian's released on his own as well. Still, with each player here pursuing extracurricular projects outside the Furries -- Guto with Gulp, Huw with Pale Blue Dots, Cian on his own and with Zefur Wolves, and Daf with The Earth -- it makes this fan happy to see the majority of the band back together again to offer up selections like this that manage to be both beautiful and progressive at the same time.
While Gruff Rhys is off crafting a new solo record, maybe Das Koolies will be working on a full-length album. I think it's something to hope for. In the meantime, check out the Strangetown Records Facebook page.
And for more details on Das Koolies check out their official Facebook page.
[Photo: Strangetown Records]