Gruff Rhys, Southbank Centre

Under-rated Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys will showcase his characteristically eccentric American Interior at Southbank Centre this September

This time, Rhys has truly gone all out. His most recent solo album American Interior is a concept album is based on the life of 18th Century Welsh explorer John Evans, on whom he is now the world expert. His investigations have produced not only an album, but a film (currently screening on the festival circuit), a book and a mobile app (thoroughly recommended – it’s great fun!).

Rhys’ previous solo offerings have been equally out-there. 2010’s Hotel Shampoo was titled in reference to his habit of hoarding miniature shampoo bottles collected from the hotels he visited, which he then used to build a miniature hotel. Standout track 'Honey All Over' is a cheery and infinitely listenable tune, complete with a video that seems to feature a beekeeping, honey-consuming cult headed by Rhys clad in an outfit that can only be described only as a beekeeping wizard (it has to be seen to be believed)…

But the American Interior project goes further. The freewheeling Rhys decided to embark on an ‘almost tour’ following the route of John Evans from Philadelphia to New Orleans in search of a Welsh-speaking tribe of Native Americans (The Mandan), performing with little more than a rickety power point presentation and a guitar. Listen to 'Allweddellau Allweddol' and his influences will become clear – his Welsh lyrics gently undulating underneath a beat featuring a Native American chant.

Esoteric concepts aside, at the heart of the album is Rhys’ hugely accomplished and versatile songwriting – an ability occasionally overlooked; obscured by big ideas and grand designs. The record’s agility is remarkable: Rhys touches base, comfortably and naturally with both 1970s soft-rock and 1950s rockabilly. He gives us rousing, folksy harmony-pop in tracks like 'Iolo', a '100 Unread Messages' is a barnstorming bluegrass number by way of Pembrokeshire.

Gruff Rhys has a great ear for melody: one of the best in the business. More than his sprawling concept, it is the tunes that define American Interior. 'Allweddellau Allweddol' will stick relentlessly in your head, even if you can’t pronounce the lyrics or title (Allweddellau Allweddol roughly translating as ‘Keyboard Key’).

Over the course of the ‘multiplatform’ evening, Rhys will craft this intriguing story before your very eyes. Surely the ultimate way to share his vision – as well as all his beautiful melodies. Book now.