Ten years ago, we were fortunate enough to see Gruff Rhys at The Crown Hotel Ballroom, where he regaled us with the semi-factual tale of John Evans and his journey around America — the final date of his American Interior tour.

A decade later, we found ourselves at The Civic Hall, once again enthralled by Gruff Rhys, this time performing songs from his latest Welsh-language album, Dim Probs.

He was accompanied by an idiosyncratic wooden Japanese drum machine, a Spanish classical guitar made in Sweden, and a mysterious little box producing sound effects. Despite 99% of the audience being oblivious to the Welsh lyrics, 100% were captivated by Gruff’s performance and his warm, self-deprecating banter between songs.

Later in the set, we were treated to some older favourites — Iolo, 100 Unread Messages, and Gyrru, Gyrru, Gyrru. My personal highlight was Bad Friend from 2024’s Sadness Sets Me Free album.

A fittingly surreal high point came when Gruff agreed to draw the winner of the guitar raffle towards the end of his set — the perfect closing moment to a brilliant night enjoyed by all.