The Verdict
Laconic retro-synth-pop goodness from Sacto's fave space cadets.

Tip Sheet One of Sacramento's Best Nominated for reviving Euro-synth power pop and bringing Sac closer to being the signed-band capital of the US. Brush with Fame Following their set at LA's Viper Room, Deathray had the unique privilege and distinct honor of meeting the one, the only—Rick Springfield. Fancy Dress Dana Gumbiner is sometimes spotted wearing that oh-so-necessary male fashion accessory, an ascot.

Historically Speaking
A musical endeavor between guitarist/vocalist Greg Brown and bassist Victor Damiani and singer/synthman Dana Gumbiner seemed all but inevitable when the former two fled Cake and the latter left longtime band Little Guilt Shrine back in '97. After pulling together the rest of their lineup early last year, they sped a five-song demo off to Capricorn Records, who promptly proffered them a two-record deal. By that time Deathray had amassed about three records' worth o' tunes, some of which wound up on their eponymous debut.

The Skills
"We're all kind of introverted," says drummer James Neil, "but on stage we're a bit possessed. Call it energy, passion, whatever—we just get a little over-the-top. The songs are all outrageously short, so we tend to play them full throttle."

The Influence
File Deathray's new wave-tinged pop tracks amidst the Zombies and the Kinks and Fountains of Wayne and Fastball. —Susan Moll

Also nominated as Best Band: The Deftones and The Brodys I All Music

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