Katarzyna NINa Górnisiewicz | Detailed or mini-review submissions: song, EP/album | Suggest an artist

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Rayna - Shotgun Eyes (song review)(ver. 2) |self-released, 2013|

Brett Rayner, the founder of Rayna, has been playing a guitar since he turned 15. The Australian has been writing music and recording demo songs for the last 9 years, inspired by a variety of bands such as The Beatles, AC/DC, INXS, Nirvana and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The exposure to such a temporally spread range of music resulted in a song that sounds like if it was made in the 70s, but carrying the grunge themes of the 90s. Brett, who plays rhythm guitar, was supported by the Marano brothers: Isaac on drums and Dom on bass and lead guitar.
"Shotgun Eyes" sounds solid - you won't find anything experimental in it. Swirling, yet cold guitar riffs mix with a pounding bass. The drums are played with extensive use of cymbals, which is quite typical for classic rock. Both the arrangements and lyrics are quite memorable, so amongst the rockers the song has a chance of popularity.

When it comes to lyrics, they are very well written and may suspend listeners in a state of wonder and tension. Their subject is that of fear of being chased - a manhunt. If a person is chased for evil things they committed, it’s naturally less mortifying than being chased for no reason. We don’t learn however, if the song’s protagonist was found guilty or not. Moreover, the lyrics cast a shade of doubt on the sanity of the runaway, as if the chase was a product of their imagination: "Moving in the shadows, They follow you, Run to a cave and hide, Tell me is it real, Is my imagination, Takin’ over my head", "Now you're running scared, Never look behind you, At the devil in your head". Also, survival is an inherent part when it comes to experiencing the manhunt on the side of the chased: "And like the running man, You gotta stay alive, And you can never leave, And there's no where to hide, The run is where you live".

As for the technical side, the track went through additional production. When compared to the original, home-made version by Brett I had a chance to review before, the song had been completely cleaned, yet the 70s vibe has been skillfully perpetuated. Most of the improvement is audible in the instrumental parts. The guitars sound clear, lively and sharp while the drums and bass became deeper, resulting in an intensified, pleasant groove. The vocals however might have been exposed and elevated over the instrumental cues a bit more. Overall, the new version of "Shotgun Eyes" sounds much, much better.

According to Brett, it's his devotion and love for music that keeps him creative. You should give "Shotgun Eyes" a listen because it brings a good classical groove with a strong 70s rock spirit, additionally wrapped in a murky plot.

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, December 13th, 2013. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)

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Listen at: Music Xray