Goldray may not have found its definitive musical direction just yet, though they are certainly stretching out to the beyond.
Kenwyn House, guitarist of nineties outfit Reef, put together Goldray in 2010 when he teamed up with vocalist Leah Rasmussen (Hydrogen, EMI, Bedrock, Renaissance). Successful live performances at Glastonbury, Bestival and Camden Rocks got the band some attention, while an EP release in 2014 gave fans the chance to hear new music. 'Rising' is the band's debut album and it's a mixture of a great many Psychedelic influences, from The Doors to Jefferson Airplane. That is not to say this is all a retro trip of nostalgic mayhem – the music has plenty of its own identity.
'Outloud' floats along on a fuzzy guitar riff that drifts in out of the song, as Rassmussen's whimsical vocals swirl all around the song. It may well be that her vocals will be the hardest pill to swallow for anyone listening to Goldray. For example, 'Rising' is Kate Bush as a Folk singer, but minus the charm or the vocal clarity. It is not until 'Soulchild' that she really shows different shades to her voice, with the slow Blues Rock elements both moody and emotive. This is when the band really hit their mark musically.
If you have enjoyed any of Jex Thoth's dark seductive work, then 'Calling Your Name' will raise your musical antennae; the song throbs with mystical melodies, which are very reminiscent of TD, and guitars chime behind a pulsing bass line, while Rassmussen's vocals have an insane ritualistic feel to them. 'Gypsy' is an acoustic piece that breaks from the wall of sound and is a welcome change in pace. 'The Oranges Song' has a strong sixties vibe that is a little too flimsy to really demand a second listen.
Goldray may not have found its definitive musical direction just yet, though they are certainly stretching out to the beyond.
Ray Paul
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