rayvyns - rayvyns

Rayvyns

Rayvyns
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Last year I was sleeping and in my dream I realized that something impossible was happening. It was so impossible that it made me conscious that I was dreaming. At that point I was able to control my dream. This phenomenon is called a lucid dream and is also the extension of the main influence of the self-titled album Rayvyns by Rayvyns. To be honest I wouldn't have guessed that if I just listened to the album without any prior knowledge but after knowing the concept the fact that it is about lucid dreaming starts to make sense. 

Chris Martin is the only member of the Rayvyns project and the music has an experimental R&B vibe to it. It sort of reminded me of How To Dress Well and Junior Boys. The beats are solid with lots of original sounds and variation. Martin has a great voice and sings in a falsetto for most of the EP. The EP is only three songs but every song is gold and is a very good start to a promising project.

The first of the three is “Core Elements” where Martin’s voice takes on many forms throughout as he sings over inspired beats. There are many changes throughout but the vocals are really what make this song above average. The melody is extremely catchy as he sings “I've been retracing every core memory plays through my mind like a sad sad melody Tell me what we are what we are sandles by your bed post?” The song could have probably ended about thirty seconds early but no harm done. 

“I Know You Hurt” has more of a down tempo vibe than the first song but also has a soulful side that wasn't apparent on the first song; a smooth existential jam that does a great job of experimenting but not going into never never land. He saves the best for last with “The Poison” which has a superb vocal performance. Martin sings “I shouldn't be surprised 'cause I know better but wouldn't it be nice if we could go together” in a vocal range that seems to be perfect for his voice.

Even though the EP was short and somewhat elusive of the theme he was going after the songs were very good. I’m looking forward to what else is to come from this project.

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