It’s early days for the Kent trio The Bay Rays, but they’re already rollicking through a list of achievements. Their previous single Satisfaction is closing in on 1.5 million streams at Spotify alone, and they headlined Glastonbury’s BBC Introducing Stage. They commenced 2018 by being shortlisted for Best Rock Act at this summer’s Unsigned Music Awards.
Now the band continue to forge their own path by sharing their new single Begin Again. It’s strident garage-rock played with a tightness that only amplifies its fervour, yet it also moves in surprising ways with vocal harmonies that recall the heyday of Memphis soul and an extended atmospheric instrumental coda.
‘Begin Again is about reflection and new beginnings, shedding away from old to new, from love to life to friendships.’ says frontman Harry Nicoll.
Begin Again’ was written by the band with their friend and producer Drew Bang who has engineered hit records from Royal Blood and U2. It’s the first track to be taken from the band’s new six-track EP Darkness and Doubt which will be released on August 24th.
Kicking against the received wisdom that the guitar band is a dying breed, The Bay Rays exude the attitude, musicianship and songwriting ability that continues to proof that rock is a lifestyle that survives and often prospers in challenging times.
The Bay Rays are already amassing support from influential names including Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Abbie McCarthy and Steve Lamacq. Meanwhile other media backing has included Noisey, DIY and Clash. Their independently-minded spirit has also resulted in them making striking videos from meagre resources for Satisfaction, Aphelion and New Home.
Consisting of Harry Nicoll (vocals/guitar), Maxwell Oakley (drums) and Anthus Davis(bass), The Bay Rays formed in the autumn of 2015 and quickly developed a strong local following before heading further afield. They recently contributed a track to ‘The Forum: 25 Years and On’, a compilation celebrating the history of their storied local venue The Forum in Tunbridge Wells.