Gruff Rhys Dim Probs
Gruff Rhys's Dim Probs opens with the sort of intimacies that define the record: his voice serves as a steady guide through songs like “Pan Ddaw’r Haul I Fore” and the standout “Chwyn Chwyldroadol!”. Across its deliberately sketchy, lo-fi impressionism the collection privileges repetition and texture over polish, and critics note that the voice anchors moments of mortality and cultural continuity amid images of death and decay.
Professional reviews earn Dim Probs an 80/100 consensus score from one review, reflecting praise for its human warmth and independent, punk spirit. Reviewers consistently point to quieter, melodic moments as the best songs on Dim Probs - especially “Chwyn Chwyldroadol!”, “Pan Ddaw’r Haul I Fore” and the cyclical “Taro #1 + #2” - which reward patient listening rather than instant hooks. Critics highlight how Welsh language and cultural continuity thread through the lo-fi arrangements, making the album feel both intimate and rooted.
While some may find the impressionistic approach deliberately sketchy, the critical consensus suggests Dim Probs stands as a relaxed, human record that reaffirms Gruff Rhys's singular voice and independent instincts, positioned as a thoughtful continuation of his work.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
Chwyn Chwyldroadol!
1 mention
"one of the album’s standout songs, ‘Chwyn Chwyldroadol’"— Clash Music
Pan Ddaw’r Haul I Fore
1 mention
"the first thirty seconds of ‘Pan Ddaw’r Haul I Fore’"— Clash Music
Taro #1 + #2
1 mention
"brighter moments like this and ‘Taro #1 and #2’"— Clash Music
one of the album’s standout songs, ‘Chwyn Chwyldroadol’
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Pan Ddaw’r Haul I Fore
Cân I’r Cymylau
Saf Ar Dy Sedd
Taro #1 + #2
Dos Amdani
Chwyn Chwyldroadol!
Cyflafan
Dim Probs
Adar Gwyn
Gadael Fi Fynd
Slaw
Acw
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 3 critics who reviewed this album
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Critic's Take
From the opening thirty seconds of Dim Probs you are reminded of why Gruff Rhys remains reliably brilliant: his voice is the north star that binds songs like “Pan Ddaw’r Haul I Fore” and the standout “Chwyn Chwyldroadol” together. The album is deliberately sketchy and impressionistic, favouring lo-fi textures and repetition over bombast, so the best tracks - notably “Chwyn Chwyldroadol” and “Taro #1 and #2” - reward attentive, patient listening. This is a relaxed, human record that trades immediate accessibility for durable warmth, and those seeking the best songs on Dim Probs will find them in its quieter, more melodic moments.
Key Points
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The best song is the vivid, standout “Chwyn Chwyldroadol” because of its guests and melodic lift.
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The album’s core strength is Rhys’ singular, soothing voice anchoring lo-fi, impressionistic arrangements and Welsh cultural continuity.