LADY WRAY Vinilo y CD

Review: Nicole "Lady" Wray has reinvented herself in recent years, swapping the contemporary, radio-friendly '90s R&B of her youth for a sound heavily influenced by vintage, 1960s and '70s soul and funk. It's a blend that was explored on last year's superb Queen Alone full-length. The two tracks showcased on this 7" were both featured on that album. "Underneath My Feet" is particularly potent, with Wray offering a rasping, impassioned vocal that seems to soar above the triple-time backing track. "Guilty", with its sweet guitars, harmony backing vocals and rock solid funk breakbeat, sounds a little like some of Sharon Jones' more poignant moments.

Review: There are a whole host of soul talents on display on this new and limited edition 7" from Big Crown. Lady Wray, Les Imprimes & Surprise Chef all combine their forces for the gorgeously lo-fi and authentic soul single that is 'Come On In.' It has heart-aching vocals and a slow, heavy beat that is raw as you like. It is presented first as a Les Imprimes remix that makes a devastating emotional impact, and then as a Surprise Chef remix which is a little less heavy and more upbeat, with prickly drums and uplifting energy.