When guitarist/vocalist Ray Nelson started putting a band together back in Portland, Ore., several years ago, he didn’t really have a vision for its ultimate sound, but he had one simple goal.
“We want to take over the world and be the best band ever,” he said.
Fresh off a successful European tour, that band, The Cry!, has embarked on a cross-country U.S. tour that will bring the musicians to the Granfalloon on Main Street on Monday, Aug. 24.
Nelson said it was the first time anyone in the band had been to Europe, so they had few expectations of what to expect, but were overwhelmed by what they encountered.
“We expected people to be more hostile, I suppose, but everything went great,” he said. “We killed it. We played to packed houses everywhere we went.
“Mainly, we didn’t expect that people would dig it, but the new record [“Dangerous Game”] was released there a year ago, so they knew it.”
The record is just being released here, and the single and video for “Shakin'” is getting some attention. As distinctive as the band’s new wave/pop sound is, so, too, is its look.
Besides Nelson, the band features Brian Crace (lead guitar, vocals), Michael “Corsh” Cortichiato (bass, background vocals), Joey Brewley (drums) and Victor Franco (keys, guitar, vocals). Nelson said the members have all been influenced by the sounds of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, as well as punk rock.
“I grew up super into punk, and I guess I sort of drifted into the way I look now,” he said. “I think you should have a look. I hate when bands wear flip-flops or a backward hat or man bun.”
He says the look is more Rod Stewart-era Small Faces than ’80s New Wave.
Nelson said his focus is more on the band’s sound than its look and that he tries to write a song a day, at least while they are at or near their home base in Portland.
“I can’t really write on the road,” he said. “I don’t know why. There is a lot going on maybe, and I try to be mindful of the other guys in the [Ford Econoline] van. They don’t want to hear me working out a song. And the guitar is packed away behind me.”
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6354.
If you go
What: The Cry!, with Lost Element
When: 8 p.m. Monday, Aug 24
Where: Granfallon. 400 E. Main St., Suite 120
Admission: $10
Phone: 423-602-7314