25 May 2020 // A review by Isla Norman
“Indie-pop fantasizer” Sofia Machray is stirring up the music scene with her debut single Handstands. Having made a name for herself performing at festivals and opening for indie-rock band Racing, it’s exciting to see her step into the studio. Mystical and talented, Sofia Machray is a breath of fresh air this music month.

Handstands begins with a familiar Mac Demarco guitar timbre, setting the scene of an indie meadow. Sofia’s vocals are precise and enticing. She talks about “running around ghost's towns”, and how “alleyways don’t seem the same” today. She moves from a poetic verse to a simple chorus stating, “I don’t want to get to know you”. The vocal performance in the chorus is powerful; Sofia’s belt puts the joker Handstands is about back in their place.

The song breaks for a palm muted section, supported by the shuffling kit line. Sofia’s stellar vocals are cleverly layered to build tension before releasing into a killer guitar solo for the conclusion of the song. The band ought to be congratulated on their polished performance, too. Handstands is professionally arranged and tastefully played.

Featuring artwork by Taizan Yamada and photography credited to Jess Machray, it’s clear that Sofia Machray has a talented team backing the release of Handstands. The single is one of many to be released in 2020, and I am looking forward to hearing more from the Wellington based artist.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 5 / 5 )

Moodscapes abound Wellington's based indie-pop artist Sofia Machray is like a fresh breath of mountain air. Stretching out over moody rockers and soft-burning hooks, Machray made a name for herself performing at various festivals around NZ and opening for various indie-rock artists such as Racing. While studying music in Wellington she met guitarist Robbie Pattinson, who joined her alongside drummer Anna Wild and bassist Devon Brassfield to complete her line-up. Her sound shares similarities with indie legends such as Daughter and Snail Mail but with notable differences.

The quality of instrumentation mixed with Machray's uniquely raw vocal style evokes emotion within listeners allowing them to relate and reminisce with songs that are timeless. Sofia has truly hit the ground running, with a large focus on crafting atmospheric music and an indicate finger picking style on guitar. Sofia has since expanded her repertoire of original music and is now in the process of recording various singles with support from her band for release in 2020, making her a must-see on the indie-pop scene.

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