Hello Reader,
Welcome back.
English native Bill Ryder-Jones has released a new album titled Iechyd Da on Friday January 12th via the amazing Domino Records. Unfamiliar with Domino’s releases? Check them out. Ryder-Jones is solo artist I wasn’t familiar with before this album, but thanks to a great friend, I do have found memories of listening The Coral, a band that he was a co-founding member of and lead guitarist in for over a decade beginning in 1996. The Coral have released a dozen albums over the years, several of which are excellent. A good place to start is Skeleton Key EP (2002) and their self-titled studio debut, The Coral (2002) which builds off of Skeleton Key EP.
After departing The Coral in 2008, Ryder-Jones has pursued a solo career receiving positive critical regard and composing film scores. If.. (2011) was his first solo album and inspired by his love of classical music. If… features the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and was a musical adaptation of Italian writer and journalist, Italo Calvino’s 1979 novel If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler, with chapters in the book being represented by different compositions. Ryder-Jones followed that album up with rock genre albums, A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart (2012), and West Kirby Country Primary (2015). Next came Yawn (2018) and its companion featuring only vocals and piano, Yawny Yawn (2019). And now nearly five years later, with much anticipation from his longtime fans comes, Iechyd Da. Translated from Welsh: A toast to good health.
Now some hype for the album,
Building a triumphant and resolute attitude in “We Don’t Need Them”:
(All credits and rights to Bill Ryder-Jones and Domino)
A beautiful balance of piano and vocals, “This Can’t Go On”:
(All credits and rights to Bill Ryder-Jones and Domino)
“Thankfully For Anthony”:
(All credits and rights to Bill Ryder-Jones and Domino)
Overall, Iechyd Da has a fantastic balance of voice and instrumentation. Ryder-Jones called it his “most produced record,” and I’d agree that in Iechyd Da, Ryder-Jones assembles fantastic production from opening song to the closing moment of the last song. The album features a reliable narrator that keeps you engrossed in the stories he tells. The instrumentation sounds are piano and percussion first and foremost but with that minimal amount of instrumentation, Ryder-Jones creates just what he needs to succeed. The vibe and atmosphere are not too grandiose, it is intimate and warmer especially when Ryder-Jones vocals are delivered right “on the mic.” Throughout the album, he alternates the distance of his vocal delivery; between using more projection when he sings and the aforementioned mentioned more hushed but still distinct on the mic delivery. Regardless of vocal delivery choice, at all times he uses his vocals in just the right way. The variation creates an even more encompassing sound when the choruses and piano melodies are present. There are a good number of hooks as well usually in the refrains created by Ryder-Jones’ lyrics. There are themes of romance, examination, loss, pain, depression, longing and also hope and optimism at times. Sometimes a handful of themes are combined within songs succinctly. All is not bleak.
“I Know That It’s Like This (Baby)” opens with shadowy sounding female vocals, followed quickly by guitar and percussion and solo vocals by Ryder-Jones. And then vocals that pair well with Ryder-Jones. The lyrics are contemplating about a specific relationship with some sense of longing.
“A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart Pt. 3” is a piano driven song about a past relationship. A continuation of parts one and two in a previous album of his, A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart (2012). The final nail in the coffin to this story? Or will there be more? Sounds like everything “left” was poured into this song. “A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart Pt. 3” is a lovely pairing of melody and vocals.
“If Tomorrow Starts Without Me” kicks off strongly with stringed instrumentation. Adds some guitar and drum beat before Ryder-Jones sings his vocals. The narrator’s lyrics are from a depressed state, seeking a connection. Seemingly one he lost.
“We Don’t Need Them” starts with Ryder-Jones close to the mic in a hushed sounding tone, then gradually as guitars, then piano is added, the song becomes triumphant.
“I Hold Something in My Hand” is another song about exploring a relationship, and our narrator examining his feelings, assured that he’s right. Yet also vulnerable as admits he’s lost and unsure and seeking help from a trusted friend, Jase, which becomes a memorable refrain. The song features a great pairing of instrumentation as well.
The next song, “This Can’t Go On” is sonically beautiful. It pairs piano, guitar and ethereal-like vocals with Ryder-Jones’ vocals. Nice references to other musical artists in this one including, The Stooges. The lyrics are about being determined to improve things for the narrator.
“…And the Sea…” builds melody that continues to increase until its crescendo near the end of the song. All this over spoken word lyrics.
“Nothing to Be Done” features Ryder-Jones close to the mic for the entire song, creating that intimate and at times heart-breaking atmosphere. Our narrator is confident that he and his former love will end up together again. The instrumentation is more upbeat that the vocal delivery which creates a slightly positive vibe upon listening.
The ninth song on Iechyd Da “It’s Today Again” is a song that has a celestial atmosphere created by the instrumentation and chorus. Ryder-Jones stays close to the mic again, until his very last line, pouring his heart out, and balancing the past and present. After that last line, there is a magnificent children’s choir singing the refrain to close the song.
“Christinha” opens with a nice guitar and drum beat, and Ryder-Jones a step back from the mic, singing strongly. Creating a different ambiance in this song. The melody is more exultant relative to the previous song. The lyrics are longing, is this the narrator’s former love? He definitely wants to be with said Christinha even if she’s moved on.
“How Beautiful I Am” kicks off with piano. The piano is used perfectly to alter the mood throughout the song. The lyrics tell of the narrator reliving a moment, then several moments in time repeatedly. Again, Ryder-Jones uses his vocal delivery in singing form for the second song in a row.
“Thankfully for Anthony” is a song that has the narrator in it again. Examining several relationships. Feeling truly loved and understanding true love despite not feeling confident in other aspects of his love. Another song with an outstanding crescendo and instrumentation overall.
“Nos Da” a fitting translating in Welsh, good night. An instrumental song with some flourish in its melody and completion.
Iechyd Da gets 4.5 out of 5 Scum Drops from me. It’s an excellent album. Not the best of the year, but damn good and could be among the better albums at the end of 2024. Well crafted. Some say Ryder-Jones’ best work so far. You be the judge of that. The album does a great job combining lyrics and instrumentation to create vibes and atmosphere. Ryder-Jones alternates between impeccable vocal delivery distances to further that atmosphere, truly creating spectacular songs. Excellent sonic quality to my ears. Worth adding to your collection on any format.
Iechyd Da Tracklist [song length]
- I Know That It’s Like This (Baby) [4:32]
- A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart Pt. 3 [3:57]
- If Tomorrow Starts Without Me [3:06]
- We Don’t Need Them [4:55]
- I Hold Something in My Hand [3:04]
- This Can’t Go On [4:30]
- …And the Sea… [2:10]
- Nothing to Be Done [4:02]
- It’s Today Again [3:33]
- Christinha [4:04]
- How Beautiful I Am [4:18]
- Thankfully for Anthony [4:54]
- Nos Da [1:37]
Total runtime: 48:12
I’ll always advocate that you take the time to listen to every album in its entirety. This process is usually an hour or less from start to finish. Along the way, you’ll discover your own favorite songs without influence or bias of others. After a few listens on my own, the songs that are highlighted in green font above are my favorite songs on the album.
To see more about Bill on his comprehensive and visually delightful website: please click here.
Thanks for reading and supporting good music.
Until next time,
Alex
Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com
