“I’m too much,” Bill Ryder-Jones admits on “I Know That It’s Like This (Baby)” before adding, “but I’ll never be enough for you I know,” all while still finding the beauty in a doomed relationship. That’s “Iechyd Da”, the former Coral member’s first solo album in five years, in a nutshell, where joy and deep sadness are processed as one emotion. Ryder-Jones has the kind of gentle, warmly melancholic voice that is perfect for material and melodies like these—some of his best-ever songs—and it’s all made more vibrant via orchestral arrangements and even a children’s choir. In less talented hands, this could all be too much, but “Iechyd Da” is just enough.
Beautifully produced and rich in scope – “Iechyd Da” is Bill Ryder-Jones’ most ambitious record to date. At times joyous and grand, at others intimate and heartbreaking, the past few years spent producing other artists have provided that gentle nudge to expand into new territory, from kids choirs and tender strings to dramatically re-contextualised disco samples.
“It’s been incredible making this,” he says. “Despite all the life stuff that’s happened, it has brought me immense happiness. I’ve always railed against it when people ask if making a record is cathartic but I’d have to admit that this one really was.”
released January 12th, 2024 Domino Recording Co Ltd
The Fat Angel Sings 