Feel the Rhythm: Electrifying Garage & Soul EP “Hey! Alright Now”

The Vanrays have just served up their latest offering Hey! Alright Now with an accompanying video for the EP’s focus track “Ghost.” The band carries on with their tradition of belting out undeniably catchy Motown and Soul tunes with big hooks, big melodies and an even bigger brass section. Taking notes from classics and contemporaries like Spencer Davis group, Detroit Cobras, Curtis Harding and the Daptone Records roster, The Vanrays have delivered a dynamic release full of soulful classic R&B and garage music. Their bio reads like a manifesto for their brand of music: It’s a Motown beat down in a sharkskin suit. It's wailing like it’s gospel while they're laying in the boots. It's a curb stomping rhythm on the corner of control. It's a nod in the direction, when all shoes had leather souls. And to when those shoes were twisting, to Otis and to James. And so now do, The Vanrays too, we are here to do the same.

The new music video for their haunting single "Ghosts” holds a special place in the band's heart, marking a pivotal moment in their musical journey, and serving as the cornerstone for the direction of their newest EP. The music video beautifully encapsulates the emotive depth of the song. Through poignant imagery and compelling storytelling, it explores themes of love, redemption, and the haunting echoes of past mistakes. As the lyrics poetically express, "Love is a ghost - that's been haunting me, love is a ghost - that only my lover can see. The number captures the essence of introspection and longing, resonating with listeners through its evocative lyrics and captivating melody. Lead vocalist Spencer McKinnon brought forth the soul-stirring composition during a transformative basement session, setting the tone for the band's artistic evolution. Despite undergoing several arrangements, the essence of the original rendition remained intact.

Produced by the talented Scott Fletcher, known for his work on their previous full-length album, their new EP promises to be a rollercoaster ride through the soulful sounds of the '70s, with a contemporary twist that's sure to captivate audiences.

With soulful vocals, deep grooves, punchy horns and memorable melodies The Vanrays take Motown from East Van to a stage near you. Formed in 2016 around a collective love of soul and R&B classics, the Vanrays are a group of Vancouver music scene veterans who’ve played in such bands as Swank, Polly, The Beladeans, Circus in Flames and 64 Funnycars. Their unique brand of “East Van Garage Soul'' keeps dance floors packed thanks to catchy songwriting and energetic performances. Since releasing their debut four-song EP in 2019 the band has kept at it - writing, recording and playing shows around southern British Columbia to sweaty dance floors and exuberant crowds.

D I S C O V E R
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevanrays
Website: https://www.thevanrays.com
Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@thevanrays
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thevanrays
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thevanrays
Bandcamp: https://thevanrays.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVanrays
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-vanrays/1459548971
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OHvMeSKrLp6Kc8yLejjhW?si=OllAq_DIR0qQRB5czemAiw

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