Raynes explore the Gold Rush with new EP, ’49.
By Graeme Smith
In 1849, nearly 100,000 people travelled to California, USA in hopes of grabbing a fortune in an event known as the Gold Rush. Though very much a moment in history, that rush for wealth and adventure has never truly dissipated, and today’s parallels are easy to see.
Raynes, a trio consisting of Brit Mark Race, and Americans Mat Charley and Joe Berger, formed in Los Angeles after seducing Mark across the pond. Signed to Sony Music Publishing, the band have released six singles and two EPs to date. Their latest EP, ’49, uses the aforementioned Gold Rush as its backdrop.
Consisting of five tracks, the EP shows us why we should be flocking to Raynes’ music. It opens with the folksy, atmospheric American Waters and the quality of Mark’s vocals are instantly on display during a soulful first verse. Once the full instrumental arrangement kicks in, we are fully immersed in its emotional story.
Tie Me To The Tracks takes things in a more autobiographic direction, brooding on a relationship that ended badly. It canters along with a lively instrumental and plenty of passion in the vocals. It’s a highlight.
Animal Skulls slows things down with a moody number rich with wanderlust. I’m Already Losing You finds romance in the apocalypse during a delicate, cinematic ballad before Babylon closes the EP with a hopeful finale. It’s a slow-burning, rousing track that proves another highlight.
Raynes have a sound which is familiarly folky while bringing something new to the world of pop. Their individual quality as musicians is easy to hear on their new EP, as is their charisma as a group. They are certainly ones to watch.
’49 is set for release on 8 November 2024 and is available to pre-order on limited edition vinyl.