Terrorbird

Bronzerat Records home to Seasick Steve, Joe Gideon and the Shark, Congregation et al is very pleased to announce the release of GEMMA RAY's new album, 'LIGHTS OUT ZOLTAR !'.

Such is the breathtaking scope of this album that its epic multi-layered sound has, you assume, the dedicated workforce of a full blown orchestra behind it, yet this beguiling mix of pop, country and blues is the work of Gemma Ray at home with co-producer Michael J Sheehy.

Spontaneous and uncontrived, Gemma is a natural product of her influences and while 'Lights Out Zoltar!' is an eclectic work of broad ambition, never does it fail to sound anything other than the work of Gemma Ray - from the latin-tinged pop noir of 100mph (in 2nd Gear), to the surfed-up swagger of Fist of a Flower, the rollicking shanty-like (You Got Me In A) Death Roll to the mesmeric folk horror of If You Want to Rock and Roll.

Gemma's first album, 'The Leader', though critically acclaimed, was fraught with setbacks. Recorded against a backdrop of illness brought on by mystery blood-poisoning, tours were cancelled and for the sake of her sanity the only way to abate the frustration was to keep recording and writing at home in London. Despite the circumstances, the darkness of her songwriting is seamlessly interlaced with humour, playfulness and beauty throughout.

Make no mistake, doubters and stragglers will be converted and convinced by the kick-ass live show in which Gemma (now back on track and in good health) and her band take the songs to an even heightened level of hypnotism and drama. Recent shows saw audiences captivated by Gemma and her band, not least when she plays slide guitar not with a slide, but with a very intimidating 'Psycho'-style knife. Fans include Jimmy Page, Seasick Steve, The Duke Spirit, Joe Gideon, The Bad Seeds and now you.Â

The album is preceded by the single 100 mph (in 2nd Gear) released on August 24th, and backed with 900 Miles, the Odetta cover that was used as the soundtrack to the BBC psycho-flick Mum & Dad.

THE SUN ' Wonderful..Gemma Ray weaves an entrancing tapestry of soul, blues and pop, full of dark themes and late-night confessions, all presented in a sultry, seductive voice
MOJO ' Disarming..swooning...with noir-ish hints of Lee Hazlewood's unearthly country-rock. Gemma Ray sits midway between Nina Simone and Isobel Campbell and is the better for it
NME ' A brilliantly brooding prospect. Like a grittier Loretta Lynn, she's from the wrong side of the tracks
CLASHÂ - Startlingly goodÂ