Saya Gray – Saya (LP)
Saya Gray steps in a new folkier direction on her debut LP, but never loses the unique voice and one-of-a-kind production that makes her one of the most exciting current artists around.
From the first track ‘…THUS IS WHY,’ it is clear that Gray is trying new things. With much more focus on guitar and catchy songwriting and less on the glitchy experimentation of her previous works, it is easy to feel a little lost.
However, what remains is a more subtle, confident songwriter whose production (Gray herself, with Lucian Gray) is some of the most vibrant and impressive around. Though not as in-your-face as the ‘QWERTY’ EPs, the album feels more complete, with a cohesive sound and just enough unpredictability.
The “dissolution of a troubled romantic entanglement” sent Gray on a cross-country Japanese roadtrip, on which she brought her acoustic guitar, and perhaps this is what has led to this more stripped-back direction. In a similar way to Jockstrap’s debut, these folkier tracks somehow make complete sense in the context of Gray’s discography, alongside their freakier, more radical cousins.
Country-tinged single ‘SHELL (OF A MAN)’ quickly became one of 2024’s most charming tracks and, in the context of the full album, it fits snugly and satisfyingly. From its catchy hooks to the stripped back acoustic guitar strums and noodles, it is a fantastically written song.
On ‘HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP UP A LIFE,’ we see one of the most obvious crossovers of Gray’s influences. Finger-picked acoustic guitars are gently plucked underneath heavily autotuned and haunting lead vocals. The autotune does not feel like a gimmick, instead working as another instrument in the crafting of this gorgeous, understated and balanced ballad.
It is the balance of electronic and acoustic elements that make this album feel so special. On interlude ‘CATS CRADLE!,’ we hear arpeggiating guitars dreamily flow in and out, raw then drowned by synth effects, like glitchy waves flowing towards the shore and out.
Reminiscent of Billie Eilish’s first album, ‘H.B.W’ is the most obviously electronic track. The single is wonderfully sinister and will scratch the itch of those craving something less sweet. Gray laments “Life flies over my head, best try not to fight it”, drowned in reverb, while the bass rattles and a drum machine ticks along menacingly.
‘EXHAUST THE TOPIC’ is another highlight, with its bridge being one of the most mesmerising points; gorgeous production and chord changes meet angelic vocals in a lush moment of bliss.
Album closer ‘LIE DOWN..’ is the perfect bittersweet ending to this album of romance and heartbreak. “How green is the grass on the other side? How long can you keep up a lie?” Gray asks. One of the poppiest tracks, we are forced to admit just how confidently Saya Gray can handle a full project; no matter what genre she may be experimenting with, she is, ultimately, an excellent songwriter and producer.
While not as immediate as previous releases ‘SAYA’ is a confident, lush and catchy debut album which sees an entirely unique blend of pop, folk, electronic and country. If Saya Gray continues on the trajectory that she is currently set at, she will continue to be one of the freshest and most exciting artists out there.
Label: Dirty Hit – DH02048
Country: Europe
Media Condition: Mint (M)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)
Inner sleeve has a small seam split