Redray Frazier, Blood in the Water (Self-Released)

On his new EP, the Portland soul singer avoids the fetishized classicism constraining many retro-R&B acts.

By Jeff Rosenberg

[R&B] On his new, six-song EP, Blood in the Water, Portland soul singer Redray Frazier thankfully avoids the fetishized classicism constraining many retro-R&B acts. The opening title song may kick off with a few bars of staccato piano that fleetingly recall Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black," but then an intruding DJ's scratch scuttles that impression, heralding the entrance of crunchy metal guitar. It's not like anyone should expect Frazier to adhere to genre conventions: His debut, 2007's Follow Me, artfully juggled soul and electronica, and Frazier toured as backing vocalist for David Byrne, who doesn't abide sticks in the mud. But Frazier doesn't shy away from the signifiers that make classic R&B compelling. In a remake of Follow Me's title tune, he settles into the gospel-rooted guise of soul man as spiritual leader, at once seductive and reassuring. "If You Let Me" boasts a bouncy, good-time groove, falsetto harmonies and Hammond organ, while "Like Rain" is a slow-burn ballad with beautifully twinned vocals on the chorus. Still, compelling sonic touches pop up throughout, like the burbling, fuzzy bassline underpinning "Ain't No Way," which bolsters the lyrics' urgent bravado: "Go on and bury my bloody body wherever it lands." Closer "Daredevil Man" extends its deliberate beat and minimalist melody to nearly six minutes, but never wears out its welcome. A refreshingly singular presence on Portland's indie scene, Frazier won't wear his out anytime soon, either.

SEE IT: Redray Frazier plays the Secret Society, 116 NE Russell St., with Goldfoot and DJ Klavical, on Friday, Nov. 13. 9 pm. $10. 21+.

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