EP Review: Balancing Act

isunray essentially consists of multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Hay, who has quite an extensive history of songwriting, arranging and producing. For this release, he is joined by vocalist Jade Eru, who makes a powerful and significant contribution. 

The three songs in this self-described ‘mini album’ take sophistication as their mantra and watchword-citing lyrical inspirations and starting points as disparate as The Smiths, Miles Davis and Shakespeare – which is as good of a place to start as any! Where the lyrics begin is interesting, but of course it’s where they end that is fascinating – and it here the contribution of Eru comes to the fore. She has a strong melodic sense and really shows an understanding of how dynamics and phrasing can add the magic to a vocal delivery.

Musically, instrumentally and stylistically, this is a considered, intelligent and musically aware collection. isunray has concocted a soulful, jazz-tinged funk mood with skill and sensitivity. Track three Please Forgive Me is where all of the elements combine to maximum effect, and this song rewards a full listen-the coda at the end of this tune is an absolute gem- showing the arranging skills of Hay and the vocal skills of Eru to full effect. This tune quite strongly evokes Sharlene Spiteri’s very best work with Texas. One hopes that isunray will develop with the musical palette outlined here. There is a synergy in the music that these two have created that is compelling and makes for a  rewarding listen.