We last heard the ethereal tones of Essex-raised, Berlin-based Gemma Ray on her appearance as a guest vocalist on Joyzine favourite Thomas Truax’s 2018 album All That Heaven Allows, and she’s also been known to wield a guitar for the likes of Sparks, Alan Vega and The Can Projekt, but ‘Psychogeology’, the title track and new single from her latest album, due for release on Bronzerat Records on 15th February, carves a expansive, brooding sound that is entirely her own.
Of the song, Ray says, “This song sums up a thread that runs through the record, of how natural architecture can reflect and affect state of mind. It’s a road song, or at least, it was largely written on the road and inspired by driving through epic landscapes whilst touring, particularly in the US and New Zealand.”
But it could have ended up in a rather different form, “Believe it or not, this originally had a James Brown-style funk rhythm, but I broke it back down into a more expansive mood that is more in keeping with the lyrics.” I wonder if there are any demos of that version out there…
Gemma Ray heads out on tour with Thomas Truax next month, playing the following shows:
Feb 28: Ramsgate Music Hall
Mar 1: Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre
Mar 2: Hebden Bridge, Trades Club
Mar 3: Newcastle, Cobalt
Mar 5: London, Dalston Victoria