Released 12th January 2024

SK says: ''Iechyd Da' is the excellent new album from Wirral singer-songwriter/producer Bill Ryder-Jones. It marries the slowcore feel of his more recent albums with the aching balladry of sophomore record 'A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart' and the compositional depth and invention of his debut, the Italo Calvino-inspired 'If...' recorded with the Liverpool Phil. It's the former Coral guitarist's widest in scope yet, with a playfulness redolent of the Super Furries, Mercury Rev, or the Flaming Lips at their most song-focused- there's disco string samples, a primary school choir from Bidston, and Mick Head reading from 'Ulysses'. Lyrically, it deals with breakups and mental health episodes but with beams of pure musical sunshine piercing the coastal gloom. Skilful, cathartic, generous.'

Beautifully produced and rich in scope – ‘Iechyd Da’ is Bill Ryder-Jones’ most ambitious record to date. At times joyous and grand, at others intimate and heartbreaking, the past few years spent producing other artists have provided that gentle nudge to expand into new territory, from kids choirs and tender strings to dramatically re-contextualised disco samples.

Making this album has been a process that has been endlessly rewarding for Ryder-Jones, both creatively and personally, as he finally accepts that he’s made an album that has bettered one he’s been trying to top for a decade. “It's been incredible making this,” he says. “Despite all the life stuff that's happened, it has brought me immense happiness. I've always railed against it when people ask if making a record is cathartic but I’d have to admit that this one really was. Over the years my music has lost a bit of its hope I reckon. It were important for me to make a record that had more hope in it. Even by my standards the last few years have been rocky, but I’ve chosen to soundtrack it with more positive music, you know? I love this album. I haven't been this proud of a record since A Bad Wind Blows in My Heart."

Dinked Edition 262
● Rose pink vinyl
● “Big Softies” bonus 7”
● Gatefold sleeve
● Printed inner sleeve with handwritten lyrics
● Signed & numbered edition
● Limited pressing of 600