Abrasive modernism is a good way of describing some of his music. I think he is the most 'difficult' of the 'big four' Welsh composers. Although,David Wynne probably gets that accolade,from what little I've heard. Unlike Hoddinott,I'm afraid I haven't really found anything that interesting,that I've wanted to try again. Although,I must admit I have. Wynne's music seems to inhabit a soundworld typical of a certain period c 1960's,particularly,that I find unappealing. All the more disappointing,as his music had been on my 'want to hear list' for years! (Maybe the quality of the sound files doesn't help,however;and he was prolific. Maybe there's something in his output I might like?) Alun Hoddinott,on the other hand uses allot of very colourful orchestration in his music,indeed. There is also a dark,sometimes quite rich,lyricism there which is genuinely appealing and approachable. But disconcertingly in the same work,of which the Fourth Symphony is a prime example,the abrasive modernism you speak of!!
Of course,there's always Karl Jenkins;who allot of people (judging by his sales) seem to find extremely approachable!! ;D
But I don't think he is difficult. There is a lot of tone painting too. That Chandos Symphony No. 6 cd is more gorgeous than difficult, no? What am I missing? The Lyrita recording of 2, 3, and 5 is dynamic but not difficult.