Sea Ray materialized from the depths of a Brooklyn basement in 1997, inspired by echoes of classic psychedelia, '90s shoegaze, space rock, the British Invasion, and the spring-coil reverbs in their amps. Over time, the band's instrumentation grew to include cello, electric piano and synthesizers, turning Sea Ray into a small chamber rock group with a dense, layered, moody sound.
After recording a self-released debut album in 1997, Sea Ray released a follow-up EP in 1999, with the help of producers Tobin Sprout (Guided by Voices) and Peter Katis (Death Cab for Cutie, The National, Interpol). In 2003, the band released their highly acclaimed sophomore album, Stars at Noon on esteemed NYC indie label The Self-Starter Foundation. Produced by Katis and Pete Min (Longwave), the album was an instant college and indie radio staple, receiving heavy airplay on stations like Seattle’s KEXP, LA’s KCRW, and Ohio’s legendary WOXY (where it reached number one), and garnering rave reviews around the world. Rolling Stone called it "a gorgeous, bursting collection of rock songs," while Time Out NY hailed its "heart-stopping melodic beauty."
Following extensive touring with artists such as The Church, The Stills, Longwave, and Metric, as well as dates with the Walkmen, Interpol, the New Pornographers, and Yo La Tengo, the band went on indefinite hiatus in 2005.
2023 sees the group return with the release of a 20th Anniversary remastered vinyl reissue of Stars at Noon, along with two brand new recordings and a reunion show in NYC to celebrate the release.
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