(Update) Rayna - Shotgun Eyes (song review)(ver. 2) |self-released, 2013| 4/5
Brett Rayner, the founder of
Rayna, has been playing a guitar since he turned 15. The Australian
has been writing music and recording demo songs for the last 9 years,
inspired by a variety of bands such as The Beatles, AC/DC, INXS,
Nirvana and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The exposure to such a
temporally spread range of music resulted in a song that sounds like
if it was made in the 70s, but carrying the grunge themes of the 90s.
Brett, who plays rhythm guitar, was supported by the Marano brothers:
Isaac on drums and Dom on bass and lead guitar.
"Shotgun
Eyes"
sounds solid - you won't find anything experimental in it. Swirling,
yet cold guitar riffs mix with a pounding bass. The drums are played
with extensive use of cymbals, which is quite typical for classic
rock. Both the arrangements and lyrics are quite memorable, so
amongst the rockers the song has a chance of popularity.
When it comes to lyrics, they
are very well written and may suspend listeners in a state of wonder
and tension. Their subject is that of fear of being chased - a
manhunt. If a person is chased for evil things they committed, it’s
naturally less mortifying than being chased for no reason. We don’t
learn however, if the song’s protagonist was found guilty or not.
Moreover, the lyrics cast a shade of doubt on the sanity of the
runaway, as if the chase was a product of their imagination: "Moving
in the shadows, They follow you, Run to a cave and hide, Tell me is
it real, Is my imagination, Takin’ over my head",
"Now
you're running scared, Never look behind you, At the devil in your
head".
Also, survival is an inherent part when it comes to experiencing the
manhunt on the side of the chased: "And
like the running man, You gotta stay alive, And you can never leave,
And there's no where to hide, The run is where you live".
As for the technical side, the
track went through additional production. When
compared to the original, home-made version by Brett I had a chance
to review before, the song had been completely cleaned, yet the 70s
vibe has been skillfully perpetuated. Most of the improvement is
audible in the instrumental parts. The guitars sound clear, lively
and sharp while the drums and bass became deeper, resulting in an
intensified, pleasant groove. The vocals however might have been
exposed and elevated over the instrumental cues a bit more. Overall,
the new version of "Shotgun
Eyes" sounds
much, much better.
According to Brett, it's his
devotion and love for music that keeps him creative. You should give
"Shotgun
Eyes"
a listen because it brings a good classical groove with a strong 70s
rock spirit, additionally wrapped in a murky plot.
(Katarzyna
'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, December 9th, 2013. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)
(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine,
September 19th, 2013.
This review on Fabryka Magazine: http://industrialrock.net/php-files_en/articles.php?article_id=501
Listen at: Music Xray
This review on Fabryka Magazine: http://industrialrock.net/php-files_en/articles.php?article_id=501
Listen at: Music Xray
Reviewed by Fabryka Music Magazine