The Sweetest Ache
Appropriately titled The Sweetest Ache it is the culmination of over two years worth of work that has seen Rees take back control of his own destiny by setting up his own recording studio and establishing a film music production company/record label with fellow composer, pianist and band member Dave Stapleton.
After being hailed by the NME as, " Seriously amazing stuff" , releasing the much touted 'Kiss Me Kill Me' EP via FFvinyl , receiving a Welsh Music Award nomination for 'Best Male Solo Act' two years running, and making history by becoming the first act in over a decade to support former Velvet Underground legend John Cale , he retreated into the studio to hone his technical skills, refine his vision and self-produce the album he always wanted to make.
The Sweetest Ache is a sophisticated, emotionally charged, musically accomplished and uncompromising record that captures the passionate sensitivity and dynamic power of his songwriting together with his compelling seven piece band . Utilising the rich orchestral textures of instruments like cello, violin, double bass and a beautiful one hundred year old Steinway grand piano in the same arena as crashing drums, electrifying slide guitar, acoustics and wailing blues harmonica he has created an arresting and idiosyncratic sound that is distinctly his own.
Likened to such greats as Tim Buckley, Nina Simone, Kristin Hersh and John Cale as well as the sonic intensity of Godspeed You Black Emperor, and 16Horsepower, words and music often collide in an explosive and deeply rewarding manner.
As well as being endorsed by John Cale , he has won over fans in high places via support slots with former Jeff Buckley guitarist Michael Tighe and his new band The AM , Carina Round and Hopewell (Mercury Rev) . He has performed 2 live sessions for Janice Long on Radio 2 and a couple for Radio 1 's Evening Session.
He has toured extensively throughout the USA and recently returned from a mind blowing trip to Haiti where he researched and recorded the intense rhythms of Voodoo drumming.
This is not the work of a naive newcomer, but a mature artist of true substance, a firm direction and honest, heartfelt conviction. His words are well lived and profoundly affecting, venturing places many fear to tread and touching something inside all who really listen.
Tracklisting
Rut
Kiss Me Kill Me
Curtain Call
The Sweetest Ache
Swandive
Getaway Blues
The Things You Do
Fire Eye Land
Inevitable Truth
Lobotomy
