Certainly Not Killing Time.
Ray are an indie four-piece indie band based in the UK. 'Here Is The Night', the band's latest single (with a generous two B-sides) is taken from the band's third album, 'Daylight in the Darkroom' and features a re-recording of a track from their debut mini-album (the third song, 'Killing Time') as well as a new song.
Title track ' Here Is The Night' opens the album with a long instrumental intro, characterised by guitars and acoustic-sounding percussion. Singer Nev Bradford's voice is strong, smooth and deep, reminiscent of Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy. The track meanders along pleasantly, keeping the listener's feet tapping all the while, but fails to build as much as one might expect. Its chorus is quite catchy and the lyrics inventive, but the track isn't quite as memorable as it could be.
'This Is A Wave', the first B-side, is far and away the stand-out track of the three. It has a faster, catchier pace than its predecessor, as well as an anthemic chorus that makes one want to sing along. Its overall feel is rather 80s, largely due to its strong, Cure-esque bassline, but that is no bad thing. Instrumentally it is more conventionally indie than the title track, but is not uninventive – the skilled and precise guitar work in the background alone proves that.
Closing track 'Killing Time' is a ballad, much slower than the previous songs and without such a catchy chorus. On first listen it can fade into the background and give the impression of being rather boring, but when given a closer listen its impossible not to notice its seductive rhythm and pace, and thus give in to its charms. All three songs here prove that Ray are a talented band with an entertaining edge, and this release should inspire interest in their earlier work as well as the most recent album.