Wilder Music

By Theresa Galavics.

Following the success of her recent singles  “Boy You Ain’t” and “Driver’s Side” singer-songwriter Alex Ray released her newest single “Messy” alongside her highly anticipated debut EP of the same name on October 17th. Besides her two singles the EP features three new songs:  “Wasted”, “Yours to Use” and the powerful title track “Messy”. In the EP, Ray, whom we previously had the pleasure of talking to about her single “Boy You Ain’t”, unveils her darkest secrets that she was too scared to share before.

“Messy” takes listeners on a turbulent emotional journey, exploring the highs and lows that come with confronting inner chaos. Known for her candid approach to mental health and emotional vulnerability, Ray delivers a five track EP that’s as unfiltered as it is cathartic. The project fuses punchy drums, gritty guitars and synth-driven production into a unique blend of alt-pop sound and rock, creating a sound that’s both powerful and captivating.

The EP opens with “Wasted” which begins with a subtle understated synth rhythm that progressively intensifies into a surge of distorted guitars and pounding drums. Ray’s fierce but still controlled vocals carry a sense of frustration and emotional exhaustion with a past relationship that has spiraled out of control. The stark contrast between calm verses and an explosive chorus mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of a love gone wrong. The song sets the energetic, synth-pop-meets-grunge tone for what follows.

During our previous interview, the singer revealed “Driver’s Side” as the song she was most eager for fans to hear. It explores the recklessness of falling in love head over heels and the source of conflict in a relationship, while also not caring about any consequences or whose feelings get hurt along the way. Its dynamic synth lines and sharp percussion craft an anxious, claustrophobic atmosphere. “Driver’s Side” exemplifies how Ray combines dark pop with the urgency of alt-rock to mirror the complexity of her emotions. 

“Yours to use” offers a break from the intense energy of the EP and gives listeners a moment to catch their breath. Opening with gentle guitar strums and a contemplative vocal delivery, the song spotlights her brilliant voice. It’s a moment of raw vulnerability, as Ray confronts the sacrifices she’s made in relationships and the complicated feeling of being emotionally exposed. The song’s haunting refrain and its emotional depth invite listeners into a quiet moment of introspection before the storm returns. 

The first single of the EP, “Boy You Ain’t”,  is a fierce anthem of female rage and reckoning with toxic love. It captures the moment the rose colored glasses shatter, revealing the painful truth of wasted time in a dead end relationship. The song’s bold and punchy lyrics and infectious beat make it an energetic anthem about reclaiming space and self worth. It showcases Ray’s skill at navigating complex feelings, complementing the EP’s overall emotional depth.

Closing the EP, the title track “Messy” embodies the emotional heart. The song begins with a slow, brooding buildup like an approaching storm, before exploding into a cathartic outpouring of raw honesty, anchored by a powerful guitar-driven chorus. A soft, stripped-down bridge offers a fleeting moment of calm before the second wave of emotional intensity crashes down, fully immersing the listeners into Ray’s messy inner world. “Messy” is a fitting finale to an EP unafraid to embrace life’s imperfections.

 At its core, thematically, “Messy” is an unflinching exploration of mental health struggles, self-doubt and the aching aftermath of fractured relationships. Yet, despite its thematic chaos, the EP itself is anything but messy. It presents five cohesive tracks that confirm Alex Ray has found her distinctive sound and the direction she is heading towards: vulnerable and emotionally charged lyrics, commanding vocals, heavy synth textures and a seamless fusion of alt-pop and grunge rock. In just twelve minutes, Ray takes listeners on an honest and unfiltered journey through the turbulence and calm of her mind, leaving them eager for what’s next.

“Messy” is out now and it’s absolutely worth a listen!

Photo credit: Shantell Cruz