There’s something to be said for Pro Tools, synthesizers and drum machines… and unless you are Brit Pop or New Wave band from 1988, a little goes a long way. Such is the case with Ray Davon’s debut cd.
Davon sites his influence as “the old Motown sound, along with some Earth, Wind and Fire, and Stevie Wonder” and it is clear that is the sound he is going for.
Davon’s voice is capable enough and with a back up band steeped in reality, he might find a better showcase for his songs, however his attempt to produce soulful ballads and heartfelt love songs gets lost in the potpourri of electronics that support them. The only thing that sounds “real” is Davon’s voice, and it is clear that while his lyrics are a bit sophomoric they are at least sincere.
Unfortunately, this aspect gets lost in the imitation and simulation of everything from percussion to keyboards to the point that it feels like Davon is singing his song on top of someone else’s pre-recorded backing tracks.
Having done work on soundtracks, it becomes clear that is Davon’s comfort zone as his cd sounds like a collection of tracks without the cohesion he is probably capable of but didn’t find.
Davon’s energy is there- if he can build on that first and not surround himself with a cacophony and dissonance of pre-fab music, we might see the real Ray Davon stand up after all.
