Live Review: Gretta Ray

Another sold-out night at Howler, so it's a familiar vibe for us. Xavier Dunn opens up the stage. In his beaten-up Vans and blue jeans, there is a busker-esque vibe about him, and his sound is essentially Aussie folk. With a guitar and a loop pedal he brings the presence of a backing band to every track, and despite an awkward but endearing stage presence Dunn has the crowd engaged in his every word. The highlight comes with his stripped-back cover of A$AP Rocky's Fucking Problems. His high notes soar, some just out of his reach, but his range is nonetheless impressive. Coupled with the timeless, electric-folk guitar, Dunn is a stellar start to the night. 

As Gretta Ray strolls out we can see the mixture of nerves and excitement in the way she bounds around before launching into Unwind. Ray quickly finds her confidence in the song, and is almost a different version of herself when she sings. The sound is at indie-pop its core, but there is subtle hint of more country-inspired roots in the tune. Don't Let Her Love Hold You Down showcases the refined quality of her sound, and her distinctly Melbourne accent sneaks its way into her voice. The rough, compelling tone of the acoustic guitar sounds as down to earth as Ray appears to be. "I like to write songs about feelings," she confesses, and the raw emotion in each track doesn't disappoint. It's an intimate performance that feels like a genuine conversation between us and Ray. She slows it all down for Long Distance, "I don't really think this one needs explaining," she says, with the most confidence we've seen yet. It's just Ray's haunting vocals and the low hum of the drum beat, even the enthusiastic crowd has quietened for this one. 

Later, she previews a new song that is bound for her debut album. "It's about two people who love each other but are too shy and embarrassed to say," she explains before sharing the gentle and melodic track. It's got a real smooth but snappy alternative sound to it. The peek into her future as an artist continues with Towers, which is Ray's latest single. The track showcases Ray's huge vocal presence, as well as the mature songwriting skills she has become known for. ("I was taller than a tower when I stayed within your sight/I was taller than a tower in your sights/So now I'm not afraid of heights.")

The night is nearly over but the crowd is still waiting for one more song. "Imagine if I didn't play it?" Ray teases. So, she leaves us with an explosive performance of her triple j hit, Drive. The cheering goes on for what feels like almost as long as the song. Still with a grin on her face, Ray captures the night with a photo of us and her and with that she says goodbye.