Mic Raygun - High Or Low

Mic Raygun

High Or Low
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Mic Raygun is the solo project of Jon Reagan. His debut album High Or Low is a bedroom laptop style production. Reagan composed the album using familiar software that most producers have heard of as well. It’s nothing too fancy. It’s one all of the better albums I have heard of a bedroom producer in recent memory.
​
What really did it for me was his vocals. I thought the music was good as well but the vocals carried the songs. His songs are pretty groovy and funky all things considered. Blood Orange actually came to mind a couple of times. 

He opens with “Feeling Fine.” Imagine a more robotic sounding Prince song and you should get pretty close to the sound. I don’t say that in a bad way but there is no denying that the drums have a mechanical feel to them. A more laid back R&B style groove is presented on “Just Dream.” The song has a more lush shoegaze type of vibe but with a different singing style. I liked the lush arrangement.

“Up In The Sky” has another distinct type of vocals that is backed by a forward moving momentum created with white noise and a driving bass line. The vocal harmonies work well in this song. 

“Second Chances” is built with a straightforward techno groove while “The Way We Are” mixes in a good amount of funk with a Depeche Mode vibe. “Morning” was a highlight and utilizes backwards sounding elements and a good amount of warm melancholy. The other standout was the closer “Tragic Star.”

This is a solid debut that showcases a good amount of potential. Considering this is a bedroom affair I think Reagan's best work lies ahead.

Become A Fan

Tweet