Girl Ray are young. It’s been a common talking point in some of the press coverage of the band so far, and quite possibly a lazy one, but I suppose it’s an easy talking point – young band makes music that sounds kind of like music that was being made back before they were born is a topic that old people like myself do like to bring up from time to time. Still, it is worth noting that all members of the band are only 19 years old and out on an extended tour of another continent. I can’t really imagine myself doing that when I was 19, so kudos to Girl Ray I guess.
The London trio (joined by a fourth auxiliary member for the live show) are currently out on their first North American tour, a tour that includes a stop in Austin for SXSW week as well as their current jaunt opening for New York band Porches. The twee-ish, retro leaning songs of off Girl Ray’s debut full length Earl Grey came across well live, with the band members often locking into a bit of a groove, even getting kind of funky for a bit on one number. Singer Poppy Hankin may not have the flashiest of voices, but it’s perfectly suited to their music and all three band members voices often came together quite nicely as they showed off their harmonies throughout the set.
One of the most memorable highlights of the night though was a non-musical one – an enthusiastic audience member who periodically yelled “Yeah, Girl Ray!” at the top of her lungs in a manner probably more commonly heard at a Slayer show. Good on her. Sure, it seemed a little over the top for Girl Ray’s twee indie pop sound, but it was also pretty great to see and had me feeling a little less jaded. Still jaded enough to leave early and skip Porches’ headlining set because I was feeling old, grumpy, and tired, but less jaded nonetheless.