A new ray

ThePinkRays, the indie rock group behind some of the latest Movement music videos available from PlayStation Store, talk about their music.

One of the bands at the forefront of the Milan indie scene, ThePinkRays formed in 2005 bound together by a love of adrenalin fuelled rock and more melodic pop. They released their first EP, Flirts, to enthusiastic reviews, followed by their first full length, Songs Know Everything About Love, in February 2008.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?

We sound as if we narrate a night of post punk fury till dawn rises through wet fog and rain. Our songs are wrapped in a dark, gloomy, claustrophobic and sinister sound, yet they explode in daring melodies. Our plan is clear - energy and melody. The sound? Direct, loud, passionate, essential, adrenalin filled, yet full of catchy hooks.

So, how did you get together?

We were all friends before being band members. Enrico and Fabio met when they were neighbours, something like 10 years ago. Niño is a close friend of Fabio. Gerald answered to an announcement when the band was searching for a drummer, then we all became great friends. It's a very important thing for us being friends in music.

Who are your musical influences?

Gang of Four, The Pixies, The Strokes, Faint, Joy Division and Velvet Underground.

What subjects do you tackle in your lyrics?

We deal basically with the Milano night life. We talk about love, loss, happiness, illusions, and characters in the night club environment.

Your music is available through Movement (available on PlayStation Store); how are the Internet and downloads changing the face of the music industry?

It's good and bad at the same time. The music gets great exposition; it's easier for a band to get known on a basic level. On the other hand it's more difficult to sell records.

What do you think of the general perception of music from your country?

It's difficult in our country for the underground scene to emerge. Ninety per cent of the listeners are still keen on Italian traditional pop. There's not a real underground rock culture yet, even though the younger kids seem more interested in indie, alternative or what you could call the underground music.

Are you touring this year or will you be doing any festivals?

We are planning a tour in autumn in which we will hit the biggest Italian towns.

ThePinkRays' Movement videos can be downloaded from PlayStation Store. More about ThePinkRays can be found on their MySpace page, myspace.com/thepinkrays.