Single Review: “UR KINDA LUV” by Alex Ray
How do you soundtrack the feeling of a messy whirlwind romance? How do you balance the messy with whirlwind with the romantic? In her new track UR KINDA LUV, Tennessee based rising star Alex Ray takes a stab at that very question. Her answer, as it turns out, is a wonderfully nostalgic two and a half minutes packed full of echoey, layered synths and intimate vocals. The track moves creatively between spacey bedroom pop, a high octane rap break by featuring artist SAYWHEN, and a breakdown that begs to be played loud over broken speakers, driving fast with the windows down. Sonically, UR KINDA LUV bears a resemblance to a handful of upbeat yet disaffected covid hits: think BENEE with a little more edge. The first half of the song is sparse, Ray’s vocals are lush and clear, holding their own accompanied only by a plucked guitar. Instruments are brought in patiently, building to an aggressive latter third that throws kick drums and overdriven guitar in with powerful singing to create a fittingly emotional ending. The repeated refrain of “it’s never enough”, nestled between lead vocals and wandering synthesizers, is an effective ear worm that I only wish had more time to develop. Lyrically, Ray bears her heart on her sleeve, revealing the innermost thoughts and feelings that bubble to the surface at the beginning of an intense new relationship. It’s this openness that has and will continue to define her musical career and relationship with her fans, looking powerful life experiences right in the eye and walking away with inspired lyrics. “They say fools rush in, I guess I’m dumb”, the self effacing hook upon which much of the song is built, carries with it a loaded yet content resignation to whatever the future may bring. In a song inspired by the start of a new romance, Ray guides the listener through the mess of feelings that such a situation tends to evoke. In the grand tradition of artists trying to answer the aforementioned question, Alex Ray’s entry will certainly be remembered.