Gemma Ray has a dramatic flair for jarring contrasts — chanting the title of “Tough Love” in a shell-shocked deadpan as a toy piano plunks in the background or perfectly copping Beach Boys–style wooos in “Fist of a Flower.” Had Phil Spector forced his girl groups in a more noir-soundtrack direction, this might’ve been the result. Ray has a truly impressive feel for vintage pop flourishes, layered to lavish effect. And all those details are what you’re supposed to be paying attention to, right up until the blade hits your back.
LISTEN: Gemma Ray’s Lights Out Zoltar!
100mph (in 2nd Gear) by Gemma Ray
