LIVE REVIEW: GIRL RAY AT THE LEXINGTON
It would be reductive to call Girl Ray a girl band. In fact, upon seeing them at their first headline gig at The Lexington, they struck me as a gang of females who are unafraid to be vulnerable and reveal the innermost intricacies and emotions that permeate through their catalogue.
The North London trio, made up of Poppy Hankin (vocals/guitar), Iris McConnell (drums) and Sophie Moss (bass) are prepared to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Instead of delivering lyrics with a lifeless vocal akin to some bands making music today, Hankin offers the whole heart-wrenching package. Her nonchalant soprano chimes like a nightingale trill and has led to critics ranking her as the Nico of North London.
I arrive to a full house at The Lexington in London’s Angel. Girl Ray are lucky to have their first headline show at this venue – it has been credited as one of the best sound system’s that any Dance Hall in the city has to offer. Their ballsy take on “Estrogen pop” kicks in as Girl Ray open their set with two harmoniously melodic tunes, ‘I’ll Make This Fun’ and ‘Where Am I Now’. It is clear from an early stage that Hankin fully connects with the songs and this creates an atmosphere in which the audience feel as though they’re part of something meaningful and pure. Having already supported Ezra Furman and Slow Club, it’s no secret that Girl Ray are confident in their craft.
‘Ghosty’ and ‘If You Like’ present McConnell’s aptness for creating a pounding, rhythmic tone between the snare and bass drum. Girl Ray cascade into a bubbly, aquatic myriad of echoing guitars in the form of the reprise for ‘Stupid Things’. Moss then strikes into a low dirge bass that makes the introduction of the track so memorable. This is definitely the highlight of the set – angelic melodies project a certain kind of clarity, reminding us of those haphazard mess-ups we make when we like someone and we’re not quite sure what we’re doing whilst trying to grasp their attention.
The launch of their new brand, Girl Spray is the comic curve ball of the set! For a makeshift concoction of Lynx Africa and Impulse wrapped in novelty, handmade Girl Ray packaging, the bidding starts at a modest £1. Their first headline gig and they’re already creating a brand – what a great marketing strategy!
Next, McConnell rises from the drum set and takes up the mic to sing on ‘Just Like That’. Picture the surf vibes of Best Coast minus the maple syrupy vocals of Beth Consentino and you might just be able to imagine it. Girl Ray get a bit grungey on the next tune, ‘New Song’. With a gripping instrumental and an urgent vocal, ‘New Song’ is the dark horse of the set.
The gig concludes with fan favourite ‘Trouble’. This song sheds light on Hankin’s chagrin at becoming somebody you dislike whilst being in a relationship. It depicts the bittersweet aspect of loving someone but knowing that if you don’t make a change, there’s trouble on the horizon. The wistful, wan lyrics contrast with the sweet melodies in order to present this true-to-life message.
Then, the Girl Spray is squirted into the audience one last time as Girl Ray depart after a relaxingly tame but surprisingly sweaty gig.
Words by Alicia Carpenter
Originally published in LOCK Magazine, Issue 1 - http://www.lockmag.co.uk/