Despite the desolate and somber nature of the subject matter of its songs Old Rottenhat has a steely sparkle at its heart. Played almost entirely by Wyatt himself, the record captures the sound of an artist in self-imposed exile brimming with melodic purpose. Often setting his voice with echo against languorous synth drones, the record confirms Wyatt has a DNA that can't help but achieve a sense of depth, grace and beauty.