Crisp and Groovy: a Listen to “Up & Away” and “Restless Sleeper”
Starting strong with pure jazz guitar and sweet mezzo vocals, Fay Ray has released a single that glitters and grooves . “Up & Away” and “Restless Sleeper” are breathtaking neo-soul tracks. Throaty bass, twinkling keys, and crisp drums carry the listener into the air. Fay Ray is mechanically tight, yet full of soul and vigor. There is no element out of place on these tracks, they are masterful and a fantastic example of the genre as a whole. Blending 80s aesthetics, neo-soul, and jazz, Fay Ray has created two songs that are infinitely listenable and fresh upon each and every visit.
There’s a golden hour sweetness to both “Up & Away” and “Restless Sleeper.” Upper and lower registers are balanced perfectly and instrumental textures bloom in and out of one another through each verse. The arrangements, enhanced by the size of the band (eight members), are innovative and sonically compelling. Vocalist Mariel Fechik possesses a delectable instrument. She weaves in and out, enunciating every lyric clearly, and pours honey over the ears with her voice. Backed by Noah Gehrmann (Guitar), Erik Opland (Bass), Tom Kelly (Drums), Rob Osiol (Keys) and Joe Meland (Organs/Synth), she stands out but doesn’t overpower. As I said before, everything is in the right place on these tracks. Every sound has a home and complements the other elements.
There’s no reason that you shouldn’t drop everything you’re doing right now and listen to “Up & Away” and “Restless Sleeper.” If you love neo-soul, or even if you just love music, you’re going to thoroughly enjoy what Fay Ray has to offer.
Listen to “Up & Away” and “Restless Sleeper” here:
Read more about the premier of the double single here:
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