Cel Ray - "Toxic"

Photo by Emma Ledgerwood

Cel Ray are undeniably a punk band, but without the trappings of your typical punk sound. Their latest single, "Toxic," is a fast and furious song that's punk without being capital "P" Punk. It's less than two minutes long, which is very punk, but the guitars have this odd tuning that is somehow both melodic and art punk. Singer Maddie Davis has a ferocity to her vocals while still being melodic with some hints of pop. And then there's the meaning behind the song, which is about not feeling like you lived up to your childhood potential. It's a very punk sentiment without being stereotypical. Cel Ray have something truly great with this one, and we're looking forward to hearing more.

You can watch the video for "Toxic" below. Cel Rayzer is due out July 24 on Exploding in Sound Records, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Cel Ray, check out the band on Instagram.


07/18 - Chicago, IL @ Ravenswood On Tap Fest

07/24 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle (record release) w/ Negative Scanner & Fruit Looops

11/06 - Hamburg, DE @ Komet

11/09 - Bruxelles, BE @ Le Chaff

11/10 - Le Mans, FR @ The Lezard

11/11 - Paris, FR @ L`Olympic Cafe

11/12 - Nantes, FR @ CAFK

11/19 - Toulouse, FR @ Le Ravelin

11/20 - Marseille, FR @ Lìntermediaire

11/22 - Rheinfelde, DE @ Metamorphose

11/24 - BAYREUTH, DE @ Schokofabrik

11/28 - Leipzig, DE @ NBL

On Repeat...

Glixen - "all tied up"

Lydia Loveless - "Sex and Money"

Julien Baker & TORRES - "Tuesday"