Sofia Machray - Single Review: The Untold
Wellington’s “singer-songwriter gone rogue”, Sofia Machray, crafts a spacious indie ballad with her latest release, The Untold. The track is highly reminiscent of bands like Daughter and Placebo, the former of which Machray cites as an influence.
Opening with hushed finger-picked guitar and subtle percussion, Machray’s unique accented voice quickly becomes the highlight of The Untold. Machray boasts an interesting vocal range which skips between childishly delightful highs to lilting, murky lows. Her complex lyrics are deeply insightful, exploring the complicated realities of the world and facing up to life’s most confronting situations. The curious imagery Machray emphasises, mentioning her “brittle bones”, “luminous light” and the “thunderstorms” she faces, add to the song’s intricate and ethereal soundscape, although her enunciation occasionally obscures some of the most thought-provoking lines.
Instrumentally, The Untold bursts with the thrilling sound of a real band. Moments of squeaking guitars and lingering drums ground the track and do wonders for invoking its intense level of emotion. At its climax, Machray howls over an array of whining electrics, highlighting her dynamic control and power in structuring a song to best convey its feeling.
What shines most brightly in this latest tune from Sofia Machray is her well-rounded musicianship. With a clear understanding of songwriting and instrumentation, The Untold presents Machray as a force to be reckoned with, and an artist who will be even more gripping under the spotlights of the stage when she next performs.
About Sofia Machray
Becoming a strong forerunner in New Zealand’s independent scene, Machray was quick to win the hearts of music lovers close to home and abroad. Touring Aotearoa off the back of her debut single Handstands in 2020, the song went on to chart number 1 on various independent radio stations and led to her sharing stages with indie icons such as Palace, Wax Mustang, Dolphin Friendly, Ha The Unclear, and Racing.
2023 saw the release of Machray's dreamy debut record Language Of Flowers which attracted solid attention and support from both international/local media earning its spot on the Student Radio Network chats with multiple tracks such as Petals In The Rain, Foundations, and Crumbs climbing to number 1.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Sofia Machray
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