Saya Gray Drops SAYA and It Hits Different

Art-pop powerhouse Saya Gray stunned once again last Friday with the release of her newest studio album SAYA, a collection of vulnerability, anxiety, and impulse that didn’t leave anyone indifferent.

Photos by Jennifer Cheng

Closely following the dream-like internal dialogue of her first LP, this new project dares to implement the experimental production that was so prominent in the QWERTY duology in controlled doses that complement her new sound perfectly. Though still fresh and innovative, Gray opts for more folk-inspired tunes instead of an overload of heavy guitars and breakbeats, without compromising the artist’s alternative nature.

This is especially notable in the second track and first released single of the rollout, "SHELL (OF A MAN)," a vivid song that tackles themes of resentment and overcoming one’s history. It is after the bouncy acoustics that "LINE BACK 22" winks back at last year’s EP, introducing an uncanny ambiance and mesmerizing drums that stretch onto the next track, a bit more ballad-like and light, before resolving the build-up tension in "HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP UP A LIE?"

It is in this first half that the articulated sentiments seem to have direction, which will blur out in the latter bit, vindicating itself with the lyric "’Cause this shit has nothing to do with you" as a reminder of the focus of the record. Though one can be momentarily fooled into thinking SAYA is the product of a breakup, its compelling self-awareness and narrative style reinforce the notion of it being a confession more than a letter being sent to a recipient. This is strengthened by the mellow and insightful interlude, "CATS CRADLE!," before melting into the second half.

Right up next, in "10 WAYS (TO LOSE A CROWN)," the previously mentioned internal dialogue becomes relevant again in a tale of lost status and falling back into old ways. The song becomes a cautionary tale and warns against desperation and fragility in the absence of guidance, whether born from love or confidence. However, the four minutes of slow, penetrating grief is cut short as "H.B.W" breaks through in a simple instrumental of eerie nature, whose final production turns the ambiance towards a darker, sassier, spookier tone.

Still upholding the themes of loss—of oneself and of control—, the album's feelings of developed aimlessness and self-doubt evolve in "EXHAUST THE TOPIC," where Saya demonstrates resolution within the overwhelming insecurity that was first introduced in her discography in "19 MASTERS." After an incredibly powerful drop, the raw electric guitar solo sets in motion the conclusion of the project, tying down a wide range of concepts such as yearning, loss, and bad habits.

Definitely, SAYA exudes the Japanese-Canadian artist’s masterful communication skills, resulting in a cohesive body of work filled with captivating emotions that are most likely no stranger to any listener. I am hopeful this fully fleshed-out oeuvre is just the beginning of an incredible career of beautiful music for Gray.

Listen below:

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