Ray

Deep Blue Happy, 7th November 05, Pito Records (pitocd001)

“Almost flawless…Ray’s first-time touch is breathtaking” Martin Aston, Q.

“Guitar notes hang in the air. Words are weighted then dispersed in the ether…..
but acutely present undercurrents of hostility, give the songs a serrated edge.” -
Dele Fadele, NME.

“……. a wondrous exercise in English melancholia….hear Nev Bradford sing the word “incredible” and miss a heart beat.” - Time Out

“Sublimely Melodic” - The Guardian

London four piece Ray release the highly anticipated follow up to their 2001 Rough Trade mini album 'First Light' this November. Entitled 'Deep Blue Happy', it’s an elegantly cinematic showcase for Nev Bradford’s distinctive poetic vocals and the shimmering guitar work of his brother Mark

Songwriters Nev and Mark draw inspiration for their unique sound from the classic recordings of artists such as John Martyn, Love and Lou Reed, but as Nev puts it: “I see RAY as the restless bastard love child of Elliott Smith and Pink Floyd, lovingly fostered through a troubled infancy by Leonard Cohen and The House of Love”

This passionate and dynamic album was recorded live in a 10 day session with producer John Rivers during the scorching summer of 2003. However, the LP almost vanished forever when a master CD was mislaid in a Berlin bar, and then got caught up in label and distribution delays throughout 2004.

Nev’s warm delivery has often been likened to Arthur Lee and Nick Drake, whilst Mark’s lyrical playing references Johnny Marr and Dave Gilmour. Jenni Tarma on bass and Chris Lowe on drums provide the sensitive yet powerful rhythmical backdrop.

The album will be preceded by the release of download single ‘Wherever You Go’ on 24th October.

The band are primed for a real burst of activity, having already recorded another new 11 track album. Provisionally titled ‘Daylight in the Darkroom’ this will be out in Spring 2006, hot on the heels of ‘Deep Blue Happy’.

For more information please see www.raytheband.com or contact Rosie Wilby at Piranha PR on 07956 460 372 /

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