Artist Jden Ray based in Tacoma, US released a rocking R&B EP that is an emotional vesicle into the ocean of relationships, love, and misfortunes. Relatable and completely coherent with his concept, this album will be your personal journey through some really great music. Dropped on the 21st of February, the EP is called ‘ Sorry in advance’. Ray started his musical journal at the age of 12 years, playing guitar. His influences include artists like Drake, Lauren Hill, and Bob Marley. This EP was recorded in his living room in Seattle.
Sorry in advance is like a big diary of personal reflections of Ray’s teenage love adventures, and how a person is usually sucked into the victim mentality at some point and wouldn’t accept blame for mistakes with lovers, and the healing or light at the end of the tunnel of acceptance. The concept is great and puts together the songs and even the song names very creatively. For instance, one of his songs is named after his ex-girlfriend’s apartment number. What’s ultimately great about this EP is that it takes you into the stages of the self through these relationships that are inevitable. You first are full of wrongdoings and toxicity, then you experience toxicity from others as you try to wriggle your way out of the darkness, and finally how you can see the light and accept your mistakes and past self, moving on to a better version of yourself.
First of all, it has to be said that the production of this EP is very high in quality. Every sound and rhythm just hits your soul like a giant wave. The overall sound of the EP is romantic, sensual, raw, and totally real. The honesty and vulnerability of Ray in his lyrics and the slow-paced, moody, and atmospheric R&B sound of the music will suck you into your own romance stories through his. The musical arrangement is dynamic and smooth. The melodies are sweet and romantic. The music feels so coherent in sound and content. The soundscapes are mostly slow R&B, with a backing sound of revered music and sounds. There is an ethereal, wavy, and warm feeling coming out of the music. The drums are minimal and soft, there is a magical xylophone and clapping sound effects and muffled acoustic guitar. There is a theme of muffled sound throughout the EP. There are occasional hard bass lines, subtle piano effects, and humming tunes. You just can’t miss out on this amazing EP.