We've been getting moderately excited about the new Gruff Rhys record, firstly because it's Gruff Rhys and we have high expectations from The Great Man and secondly because everything we've heard from it and heard about it has been unendingly positive. Which is why it's good news that he's just unloaded some UK tour dates on us. Things kick off when Hotel Shampoo is released on February 14.

February:
14 - Sheffield, Memorial Hall - DiS Show
15 - Glasgow, Oran Mor
17 - Manchester, St Phillips
18 - Liverpool, The Kazimier
19 - Cambridge, St Paul's Church
20 - Norwich, Arts Centre
21 - Nottingham, Glee Club
22 - London, Cadogan Hall
25 - Bridport, Palace Theatre
26 - Brighton, St George's Church
27 - Birmingham, Glee Club
28 - Bristol, St George's Hall

As we mentioned, the tour starts in Sheffield, which is actually a show organised by us. More details about that can be found here, but let us just say that the magnificent Y Niwl will be supporting. As you can see from their name, they are also Welsh. St. David's day isn't for another couple of weeks after the tour kicks off, though.

More details about Hotel Shampoo can be read here and the video for single 'Shark Ridden Waters' (how topical!) can be seen below.