Gemma Ray has a voice like Polly Jean Harvey, plays guitar licks like Chris Isaak, and owns a pair of red vintage t-strap heels that I covet beyond belief. Also, her upcoming album Island Fire is going to be amazing and she absolutely slayed at the Local 506 last night, despite a tiny and polite but less than active crowd. Her blend of sultry vocals and guitar + Hammond music is phenomenal, and she’s a great songwriter as well — I honestly can’t believe she hasn’t blown up over here in the States yet, but I’m grateful that she hasn’t, because she will, and last night I got to see her in a tiny space before she was famous. And it was great.