You might think that because Das Koolies is basically Super Furry Animals without Gruff Rhys that the band's music would be quite similar to what the Furries routinely offer up. It is similar in terms of sonic bravery, but it's stylistically in another lane altogether. The Condemned, the new EP from this four-piece, drops on Friday and it's a mind-blower.
Huw Bunford, Cian Ciarán, Dafydd Ieuan, and Guto Pryce convened Das Koolies as a side project in years past, but this 2023 version is lean and mean. The tunes here are bracing, frequently rooted in electronica, and bold in their aural design. "The Condemned" is a set of harsh keyboard chords, loops, and beats, while "Dim Byd Mawr" is similar to "Smokin'" and other numbers from the Furries in terms of sound and vibe. It's the brightest thing here, and the one that may feel most familiar to long-time SFA fans. Elsewhere, "You Killed My Robot" is another chunky techno-inspired ramble, heavy in tone, while closer "Grab a Slice" is only slightly more airy. The way vocals are almost an afterthought on these compositions is an interesting concept, and with each of these four selections, you can hear four of your favorite musicians thinking, and plotting a new escape from the confines of this earth.
Things here shine a bit brighter too thanks to work from Chris Shaw (Public Enemy mixes, etc.) on this EP's mix. And while The Condemnded is a bit jarring in spots, it's fairly cohesive. Furry fans should appreciate the risks being taken here, and the lane-jumping. I mean, the Super Furry Animals never stuck to one genre either, so why should we expect a spin-off band to?
The Condemned by Das Koolies is out this Friday.
[Photo: Das Koolies]