10 Forgotten 90s Rock Bands Worth Rediscovering
9. James Rays Gangwar
Singer James Ray is one of those artist who pop up in numerous projects under numerous guises.
Ray's self-founded groups include James Ray and The Performance, The MK Ultra, James Ray & The Longfolk, 4080peru and Black Hearted Riders, but it is James Rays Gangwar which concerns us here. Gangwar, which featured Damon Vingoe on bass/keyboards, John Bainbridge on guitars and Travis Earl, also on guitars, formed in 1989 and put out one sole album - 1992s Dios Esta De Nuestro Lado (which translates as God Is On Our Side.) Quality over quantity is the golden rule, however, and Dios Esta De Nuestro Lado is supremely deserving of your time.
A listen to Rev Rev Lowrider may well be enough to convince you. What Gangwar give us here are eight minutes plus of brutal, stylish music. There's something Sisters Of Mercy about this track, but Gangwar's work feels more mature, and more subtle.
The band also have plenty of variety to offer up, veering from pulsing, semi-electronic beats to pure rock power. Whatever they are playing, though, it is sure to grab your attention. There is some sterling stuff here, with swirling guitars, echoing synths and crashing drums fighting for your deserved attention.