Gemma Ray, 'Lights Out Zoltar!' (Bronzerat)
Cinematic siren busts out with classy swagger.
By David Menconi 10.22.09 11:37 AM
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!
hard to write something without sounding like a gushing teenager... but listening to Lights Out Zoltar must be what it was like to listen to Magical Mystery tour in 67. i'm so in love with this enchanting sound this magical production.
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