There’s something a little unnerving about listening to something as wintry as Jeremy Ray’s “The Last Take” in the heat of the Georgia summer, but maybe that’s part of his plan. Even Ray’s saddest songs have never been oppressively dark or downcast; in general, he has preferred to spike his wistful Americana with plenty of upbeat energy and punked-up attitude. But according to his latest press release, his upcoming EP, The Last Take, will be a far more quiet and reserved affair, and the title track is certainly evidence of that.
The mental image of a bearded dude heartbroken and spilling his guts over a plaintive acoustic melody lurks dangerously close to caricature, so it’s not a discredit to Ray to suggest he’s got some convincing to do here. Fortunately, “The Last Take” is a lovely piece of understated songwriting, a mournful breakup song that never complicates matters by trying to do too much. Most importantly it sounds authentically lonesome and world-weary; despite their façade of determination, you can hear the hurt and regret bleeding through his vocals.
Shot and directed by Jason Baskin, the video focuses its attention on Ray either performing or engaged in various stages of emotional recuperation—creating art in his studio, taking long walks through Cabbagetown, drinking and writing alone in a bar. Metaphorically, it’s fairly worn-out stuff, but it’s the honesty running through it all that makes it compelling. Heartache and pain are powerful motivators, and Baskin is wise to let the song do the heavy lifting. It may be 100 degrees outside, but on “The Last Take,” Jeremy Ray still delivers the chills.
Jeremy Ray will celebrate the release of The Last Take on Thur., Aug. 4 at the EARL when he plays in support of Cold Heart Canyon. Fellow locals Blood On the Harp open the show. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
More Info
Web: jeremyrayis.com
Bandcamp: jeremyrayis.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @JeremyRayArtandMusic
Instagram: @jeremyrayis
Twitter: @jeremyrayis