Listen: RY X - "Sweat" (Demo)

18 June 2014, 11:45 | Written by Jim Fletcher

(Tracks)

(RY X)

Following on from last years Berlin EP, which demonstrated that singer-songwriter Ry Cuming, aka RY X, could pen beautiful little vignettes, the Australian has now returned with a first glimpse of what may well make up his new album.

Although essentially an unmixed demo, some of the charm laid within it comes from its grainy production and echoey ambience. Right from the off, “Sweat”‘s beautiful but insistent guitar rhythms are enough to melt resistance, and Cuming’s voice - soaring but soft - dances over quiet drones that render the only other accompaniment. The song reaches its emotional peak as he coos before launching into the chorus.

The shadow of Jeff Buckley (whom inspired Cuming to start writing music after hearing “Grace” aged 16) stands over him. Like Buckley, Cuming is a both a singer and a songwriter who can convey emotion - whether that be happiness or the anguish that soaks through “Sweat”. A rough diamond.

Live:
4 July - Blissfields, UK
10 July - Zeltival, Germany
11 July - Phono Pop Festival, Germany
12 July - Open Source Festival, Germany
13 July - Feel Festival, Germany
15 July - Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
19 July - Latitude Festival, UK
26 July - Splendour in the Grass, Australia
8 August - Haldern Pop, Germany
9 August - Way Out West, Sweden
15 August - Dockville Festival, Germany
17 August - Green Man Festival, UK