Seeking New Gods

Seeking New Gods
A snow-capped volcano surrounded by pink wavy clouds
Studio album by
Gruff Rhys
Released21 May 2021 (2021-05-21)
Length42:14
LabelRough Trade
ProducerGruff Rhys
Gruff Rhys chronology
Pang!
(2019) 		Seeking New Gods
(2021) 		Sadness Sets Me Free
(2024)

Seeking New Gods is the seventh studio album by Welsh musician Gruff Rhys, released on 21 May 2021 under Rough Trade Records. The album was inspired by Paektu Mountain, a volcano on the border of China and North Korea.[1] It received acclaim from critics, and reached number 10 on the UK Albums Chart.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic85/100[1]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[2]
Clash7/10[3]
Mojo[4]
MusicOMH[5]
Pitchfork7.6/10[6]
Uncut9/10[7]

Seeking New Gods received a score of 85 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on 11 critics' reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".[1] Uncut wrote, "here are nine songs that confidently mix Station to Station piano, Beach Boys harmonies, Kosmische guitar and even free jazz".[7] Mojo stated that "Rhys excels at holding anxiety and unease up to the light without becoming harsh; Seeking New Gods keeps that balance beautifully".[4]

Track listing

Seeking New Gods track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Mausoleum of My Former Self"4:53
2."Can't Carry On"3:37
3."Loan Your Loneliness"5:21
4."Seeking New Gods"5:10
5."Hiking in Lightning"3:24
6."Holiest of the Holy Men"4:42
7."The Keep"4:23
8."Everlasting Joy"5:10
9."Distant Snowy Peaks"5:34
Total length:42:14

Charts

Chart performance for Seeking New Gods
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC)[8] 8
UK Albums (OCC)[9] 10
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[10] 3

References

  1. ^ a b c "Seeking New Gods by Gruff Rhys Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  2. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Gruff Rhys – Seeking New Gods Album Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  3. ^ Murray, Robin (20 May 2021). "Gruff Rhys – Seeking New Gods". Clash. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Gruff Rhys: Seeking New Gods". Mojo. June 2021. p. 83.
  5. ^ Hogwood, Ben (22 May 2021). "Gruff Rhys – Seeking New Gods | Album Reviews". MusicOMH. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  6. ^ Schonfeld, Zach (25 May 2021). "Gruff Rhys: Seeking New Gods Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Gruff Rhys: Seeking New Gods". Uncut. June 2021. p. 31.
  8. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  9. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 January 2024.