A smoothly consuming jam with soulful, laid-back rock appeal, “So Far Away” is the latest from Dev Ray, the solo project of Devin Ratliff. A member of Los Angeles dream-punk bands So Many Wizards and Tomemitsu, Ratliff shows impressively with his solo project’s third single, pursuing a moodier and lusher spectrum. Tender guitars establish an inviting feel, as serene vocals follow shortly thereafter. A key-forward bridge around 01:24 fully engages, with an equally delightful hook comprising melodic guitars and a string-laden backing rounding the two-minute mark. “So Far Away” plays as a lushly melodic success with ample accessibility, stating its beautiful soundscape clearly within the first minute. I’m looking forward to what’s next from Dev Ray.
—
“So Far Away” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of October 2020’ Soundcloud playlist.
