Loved the set – bringing a bit of the tropics to the rain and wind swept citySupport tonight was provided by the singular Vanity FairyGreat vocals, great shapes (enjoyed the banter too!) – the many early punters were given a treatMost reviews of Girl Ray’s second album, Girl, have commented on the contrast with their first effort, Earl Grey, and whilst the latter is well worth your attention I was glad that tonight it was the poppier sophomore effort that was to the fore.Apologies for the hazy photo – keyboards ahoy! Stereo has a good, friendly vibe tonight which the musicians and the music compliment. The mood can be summed up by the opening lines of their song ‘Girl’ – ‘I’ve got a lot of love to give/You’ve got a lot of love to give/And we can have fun. play games’Girl Ray augmented by male guitarist (Mike O’Malley?) – they look like they are having fun.It is a very good gig – in part due to the good natured crowd but mostly to the music. The bubbling, at times quirky, beats, shimmering guitar and English dappled vocals were a joy. The cover of their latest album has Girl Ray in a convertible wearing sunglasses and that sense of coolness, fun and sunshine runs through many of tonight’s songs, especially title track ‘Girl’ and ‘Show Me More’ (see sample video below). Please come again soon!
