Initially, Girl Ray were all teenagers when they released their rosy indie debut album Earl Grey two years ago. Now, they’re evolving as artists and taking inspiration from pop and R&B.
Paying tribute to juggernauts on their Spotify playlists like Ariana Grande and Rihanna yet still sounding like themselves.
From the beginning of the album with title track Girl, it’s a shimmering good time.
The vocals throughout the tracks are enchanting. Without a doubt, the melodic harmonies of members Poppy, Sophie, and Iris is like a lovely warm cup of freshly brewed Yorkshire tea.
Indeed the album Girl is a nicely-crafted polychromatic pop album that flows from beginning to end.
Recorded at London’s Electric Beach Studios, Girl Ray’s newest album saw the band working with Ash Workman (Christine and the Queens, Metronomy).
The result is a collection of sparkling synth-pop bangers with added layers of twinkling keyboards and brooding beats.
As a whole, the LP doesn’t disappoint, my standouts are as follows.
Just Down the Hall is a chill entrancing synth-pop dance track with a slick breakdown at the 2:30 mark. While the track Let it Go is a nod to slinky and sexy R&B complete with an added wind instrument. Strong keyboards, funky beat, and syrupy vocals make track Friend Like That so fun.
Album closer Like the Stars is beautifully wistful, the track ends with gorgeous and may I add soothing instrumentals.
Often, an artist’s musical evolution or progression can be a difficult one. While the album’s not without its faults, the collection is worth Girl Ray’s risk and worth many listens.
