Super Furry Animals mix in Rio

Super Furry Animals have finished mixing their next album in Brazil.

The Welsh quintet recently spent 20 days in Rio de Janeiro, locked in the studio with Brazilian producer Mario Caldato where they were completing the follow-up to 2003's ‘Phantom Power'.

Caldato, who also worked on ‘Phantom Power', helped the band recording the new LP in Cataluna, Spain, but asked the band to fly to Rio for the final mixing.

"We loved the idea of returning to Rio," singer Gruff Rhys told NME.COM. The band last visited the country in 2003 when they played in Rio with The Rapture and The White Stripes.

"Our schedule at that time was too tight, we didn't have time to see the city", Rhys explained, though this time, guided by Caldato, the band were able to see some local gigs and also a football game at Maracana stadium.

Super Furry Animals are yet to name the new album, which is due for release in May. According to Rhys, the record has an "orchestral" flavour, and will feature lead vocals from guitarist Huw 'Bunf' Bunford and drummer Daffyd Ieuan.

Rhys is to go on a short tour of his native Wales - and one show in Ireland - to promote debut solo album 'Yr Atal Genhedlaeth', out next week (January 24).

The band's label Placid Casual will release the record on January 24. Clocking in at 29 minutes and containing 11 songs, 'Yr Atal Genhedlaeth' (which translates roughly as 'The Stuttering Generation') was recorded with Gorwel Owen at Stiwdio Ofn at various points between summer 2003 and spring 2004.

Now it's confirmed Rhys will be playing songs from the record at the following venues:

Bethesda Ogwen Hall (February 8)
Dublin Whelans (9)
Colwyn Bay Theatr Colwyn (10)
Harlech Theatr Ardudwy (11)
Penarth Paget Rooms (12)
Cardiff Sherman Theatre (13)
Aberystwyth Theatr Y Weri (14)

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