Girl Ray NNF 2024

In the sprawling Spiegeltent pitched up in Chapelfield Gardens, all female powerhouse Girl Ray brought their quirky charm and 80s disco daydreams to the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. From North London, the band – a female trio with an extra keyboardist accompanying to bring it all together – created a night of sun-tanned funk and fairy-like whimsy, wrapped in pink strobe lights and a blanket of grey canvas.

Having recently released a new record Prestige last year, the set was mostly made up of the tracks from this Ben H. Allen produced number. It felt like a great way to show off the shift from their earlier indie grooves to a more standout, danceable 80s inspired synth-pop sound.

Kicking off the night with ‘True Love’, one of the tracks from the new release, the band harmonised together behind layers of loose punches of drumming and spunky basslines. It was like a thick Victoria sponge slice of want and desire, with a beat of sensuality.

All around the print of Girl Ray was seen: on lead singer Poppy Hankin’s t-shirt, drummer Sophie Moss’ drumkit and in the nearing summer haze. The energy was palpable and playful – a mixed crowd of lovers and friends swayed and embraced, soaking in the blissful, nostalgic atmosphere. To break the love-heavy quality of the music, Poppy made a few wry remarks about Norfolk and the California Beach. “Awkward” were her final words when the local reference fell flat, but these moments only added to the band’s endearing charm.

Earlier tracks like ‘Trouble’ seemed minimalist in comparison. Just flecks of shimmery percussion, simple twang guitar. It was in want of something more - a dose of a vibrant energy and exoticism that characterised their newer outputs.

It was when the band really got the audience dancing with sinuous guitar solos, a bumpy drum machine and an addition of various percussion instruments – tambourines, maracas, guiros – that the sound reverberated and created a buzzy feeling of wonky nostalgia. Each beat seemed to make the tent swell in glee. Tracks like ‘Give Me Your Love’ and ‘Show Me More’ were the most transfixing; even when the bassist laughed at the gimmicky pre-recorded parts she played on the synth, the moment felt candid and sweet.

As the final chords faded into the night, it was clear that Girl Ray had left an indelible mark on the festival. Their blend of dance and indie laced with silky vocals transformed the park into a magical oasis. And when the set shimmered to a finish, the audience was left with Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘September’ on the stereo mix. A perfect and fitting choice for the band to leave on.

Although some could compare their music to earlier acts like the Au Pairs or the Bush Tetras, their music is not an out-and-out feminist statement. The main feeling evoked was a sense of pure joy and nostalgia, transporting the audience to the carefree days of youth and romance. They were a standout from the already great lineup at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival: a wealth of talent and infectious energy that left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to watch the performance. And for a late spring evening in Norwich, they provided the perfect soundtrack for revellers to whirl around to enjoy the sways of heat and buzz of the city.