Allan Rayman is a rather mysterious yet up-and-coming singer/songwriter and although not much is currently known about him, he has released three full-length albums and an EP — 2016’s Hotel Allan, 2017’s Roadhouse 01 and Courtney EP and Harry Hard-on, which was released earlier this year. With those releases, Rayman has played sold out headlining tours across his native Canada and the US, including sets at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Ohana, Austin City Limits and Osheaga Festivals. And as a result, the up-and-coming singer/songwriter has built up a cult-like following. Building upon a growing platform, Rayman is about to embark on a European tour that includes a stop at my second favorite city in the world, Amsterdam; but before that, Harry Hard-on‘s latest single is the sultry and bluesy “Crush,” which is centered around Rayman’s expressive vocals, which convey vulnerability and aching need, buzzing power chords, a sinuous hook and boom-bap like drums.
Sonically speaking, the track will further cement Rayman’s growing reputation for a sound that slickly meshes elements of 90s grunge, blues, contemporary indie rock and hip-hop with the self-assuredness of an old pro. Thematically, the song focuses on lust and desire — and possesses a forceful, desperate urgency.
Directed by longtime collaborator Steph Verschuren, the recently released video for “Crush” takes place in a strip club, where the viewer and the patrons watch a stunningly beautiful exotic dancer vamp, strutting and doing her thing. And it isn’t surprising that she commands the stage and everyone’s attention. Interestingly, the video manages to emphasize the urgent lust at the core of the song.
